Canada Launches New Residency Pathway for PS752 Victims' Families

Canada is offering a new pathway to permanent residence for the families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, which was downed by two Iranian missiles in January 2020. The new initiative, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, will run from October 28, 2024, to October 27, 2025, and is designed to reunite family members who were previously ineligible for permanent residence under earlier policies.

The new program extends eligibility to family members of victims who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or approved to work or study in Canada. Minister Miller reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting the victims’ families and ensuring transparency, justice, and accountability.

Kourosh Doustshenas, spokesperson for the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, welcomed the announcement, particularly for families of student victims.

This action builds on earlier measures that began in 2020, providing support for foreign national families affected by the tragedy. The downing of Flight PS752 claimed 176 lives, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents.