Canada continues to stand with the families impacted by the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752). In a move to provide further support, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has announced a new way for families of those who lost their lives on PS752 to apply for permanent residence.
From October 28, 2024, until October 27, 2025, family members of PS752 victims can apply for permanent residency in Canada if their loved ones are Canadian citizens or permanent residents or have been approved to work or study there.
This new policy expands on previous support measures, making it available to family members who weren’t eligible to apply before.
Why Does This Pathway Matter?
This new pathway builds on Canada's ongoing efforts to support the families of PS752 victims who have close connections to Canada. It's also part of Canada’s broader commitment to seek justice and accountability for the tragedy’s victims and their loved ones.
According to Minister Marc Miller, “The downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event. As we launch this new pathway, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice, and human rights. Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752, in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss.”
Kourosh Doustshenas, Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims also said “The introduction of this new pathway to permanent residence is welcomed news by the families of Flight PS752 victims—especially families of student victims. I would like to thank Minister Miller for his understanding and support as the families work toward healing from the tragic loss of their loved ones.”
Who Can Apply?
Eligible family members include:
Victim’s relatives: Spouse or common-law partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling (including half-siblings).
Spouse or common-law partner’s relatives: child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling (including half-siblings).
Requirements for Applicants Inside Canada.
To apply from within Canada, applicants must:
Be an eligible family member of a PS752 victim approved to work or study in Canada at the time of their passing.
Be in Canada when applying and when granted permanent residence.
Live outside of Quebec.
Meet certain temporary resident status requirements, such as being in Canada on January 8, 2020, or holding temporary status by specific dates.
Not be inadmissible to Canada, except for minor visa or permit-related issues.
Requirements for Applicants Outside Canada.
To apply from outside Canada, applicants must:
Be an eligible family member of a PS752 victim who was either approved to work or study in Canada, a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or someone with a positive eligibility decision on their PR application.
Be outside Canada when applying and when granted permanent residence.
Plan to live outside Quebec.
Not be inadmissible to Canada.
Highlights
On January 8, 2020, PS752 was tragically brought down by two missiles shortly after takeoff in Tehran, Iran, killing all 176 passengers, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 Canadian permanent residents.
Over the last few years, Canada has introduced temporary programs to help families of PS752 victims, both those who were already in Canada and others outside the country.
Canada continues to work with international partners, including Sweden, Ukraine, and the UK, to hold Iran accountable and pursue justice for the families.
This new pathway reflects Canada’s lasting commitment to the victims’ families, helping them move forward while ensuring they can stay close to their loved ones in Canada.
How We Can Assist You
If you are eligible for this pathway and are interested in reuniting with your loved ones, we are glad to offer our assistance with your permanent residence application process. Contact us today to get started on the process.
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