IRCC introduces new permanent residency pathway for families of PS752 victims

On October 28, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a new pathway to permanent residency for the families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752. This special immigration opportunity is designed to assist those who lost loved ones in the tragic downing of Flight PS752, a devastating incident that took place on January 8, 2020.

Flight PS752 was shot down shortly after departing from Tehran, Iran, by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles, killing all 176 passengers and crew on board. The tragedy struck close to home for Canada, as 55 of those killed were Canadian citizens, and 30 others were permanent residents. In response, the Canadian government has been working diligently to support the families of victims, and this new pathway marks an important part of that commitment.

The new program offers family members of victims who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or had been approved to study or work in Canada, the opportunity to apply for permanent residency. This initiative is open to a wide range of family members, including many who might not have qualified under previous immigration policies. The application window opened on October 28, 2024, and will remain available until October 27, 2025, giving affected families ample time to apply.

This effort is part of a larger promise by Canada to offer support, healing, and justice to the families of the PS752 victims. For the past four years, the Canadian government has taken several steps to honour the memories of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident. In October 2023, the Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship Program was introduced, offering 176 one-year scholarships over a five-year period to students studying at Canadian colleges and universities. This was done in memory of the 176 individuals who perished in the attack, and more than 30 students were selected for the current academic year, with some having personal connections to the victims.

In addition to this, Canada has also made significant progress on the Safer Skies Initiative, launched in 2020. This initiative aims to improve the safety and security of commercial airlines flying in or near conflict zones by collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to provide specialized training workshops. This commitment further reflects Canada's dedication to preventing future tragedies like Flight PS752.

As this new residency pathway opens, it stands as another way Canada is ensuring accountability and justice for the victims and their families. Eligible family members are encouraged to explore this unique opportunity before the application deadline in October 2025. This pathway is a powerful reminder of Canada's compassion and its ongoing efforts to help those affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy.