published on 11 July 2024 @ 4:23 pm · COMMENT

Temporary Measures for Israeli nationals and Palestinian Passport Holders

IRCC has extended the temporary policy in place for Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders in Canada until July 2025. Individuals who qualify under this policy are eligible to apply for open work permits, study permits, or visitor records from inside of Canada. IRCC will waive the fees and will issue the work permits and visitor records for up to three years.

In addition to Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders, the following individuals are also eligible to apply under this program:

• Individuals who came to Canada through IRCC’s special measures for extended family in Gaza
• Immediate family members (including spouse or dependent children) of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, provided that both the Canadian citizen or permanent resident and the family member left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023

Canada has also increased the cap of applications being processed under the special measures for extended family in Gaza policy. Under this policy, individuals who are living in the Gaza strip, are related to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and will be supported by that family member in Canada can apply for a temporary resident visa. These individuals require a unique code to submit their applications. IRCC has now agreed to accept 5,000 applications into processing, an increase from the initial 1,000 applications first announced.

Notwithstanding the increase in the number of applications accepted, currently, individuals are having great difficulty leaving the Gaza strip to complete their application requirements and fly to Canada. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship has confirmed that Canada continues to work with partners to enable the travel for these individuals under the program.

filed under: IMMIGRATIONPERMANENT RESIDENCE