Canada 🇨🇦 has extended its special immigration measures for Palestinians affected by the Gaza conflict, allowing eligible individuals to apply for fee-exempt work and study permits, as well as temporary resident status, until July 31, 2025. This extension, announced on August 1, 2025, aims to support Palestinians already in Canada 🇨🇦 and those with close family ties to Canadian citizens or permanent residents who left Gaza after October 7, 2023.
The government’s decision comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, with many Palestinians seeking safety and stability. Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, emphasized that these measures reflect Canada’s ongoing humanitarian commitment. “Canada 🇨🇦 remains dedicated to helping those affected by the conflict in Gaza, ensuring they have access to safety, work, and education,” she stated during the announcement.
Who Is Eligible for the Extended Measures?
The policy covers several groups of Palestinians:
- Palestinians in Canada 🇨🇦 with Valid Temporary Status:
If you are a national of the Palestinian Territories and already in Canada 🇨🇦 with a valid temporary resident status—such as a visitor record, study permit, or work permit—you can apply for a fee-exempt open work permit or study permit. This means you can work or study in Canada 🇨🇦 without paying the usual government fees. - Family Members of Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents:
Palestinians who left Gaza on or after October 7, 2023, and are family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, may apply for temporary resident status. This includes work and study permits, again without the usual fees. Family members include spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings, depending on the specific relationship and documentation. -
Applicants Under the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Public Policy:
Originally, Canada 🇨🇦 set a limit of 1,000 temporary resident visa applications under this policy, with exemptions set to expire on January 9, 2025. However, the government has now extended and broadened these measures, removing the cap and allowing more Palestinians to access settlement services and immigration pathways. -
Palestinians Unable to Exit Gaza:
For those still in Gaza who cannot leave due to security or border restrictions, Canada 🇨🇦 continues to process applications and advocate for their safe exit. If these individuals eventually reach Canada 🇨🇦, they can apply for fee-exempt work or study permits under the extended policy.
Key Details and Deadlines
- Extension Period:
The temporary immigration measures now run until July 31, 2025. Applications for work permits, study permits, or visitor records must be submitted by this date. -
Work and Study Permits:
Eligible Palestinians can apply for open work permits valid for up to three years, or until their passport expires—whichever comes first. Study permits are also available without government fees.
- Temporary Resident Permits (TRP):
TRP applications usually require payment of fees unless the applicant qualifies for a specific exemption, such as applying from outside Canada 🇨🇦 with a work or study permit application. -
Settlement Services:
Access to federally funded settlement services—including language classes, job search help, and financial support—has been expanded. Palestinians admitted under these special policies, as well as those admitted on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, are eligible. This support is available to those arriving by December 31, 2025, with the keyword “MOME2023” on their temporary resident documents.
Practical Impact for Palestinians
These measures offer real benefits for Palestinians affected by the conflict:
- Legal Right to Work and Study:
Palestinians arriving in Canada 🇨🇦 under these measures can legally work and study. This helps them support themselves and their families, and also gain Canadian experience and education. -
Pathways to Permanent Residence:
Gaining Canadian work experience or education can improve eligibility for permanent residence through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs. This means some Palestinians may be able to settle in Canada 🇨🇦 long-term. -
Reduced Financial Barriers:
The fee exemption removes a major obstacle for many displaced Palestinians, making it easier to apply for temporary resident status. -
Expanded Settlement Support:
Newcomers from Gaza can access more help with language, jobs, and daily life, making it easier to adjust to life in Canada 🇨🇦. -
Ongoing Policy Review:
The government continues to monitor the situation and may adjust these policies as needed, depending on developments in Gaza and the Middle East.
Escalation of conflict in Gaza
Introduction of temporary measures for Palestinians
Original exemption cap expiration
Announcement of extension of special immigration measures
Deadline for submitting applications
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Check Eligibility:
Confirm you are a Palestinian national in Canada 🇨🇦 with valid temporary status, or a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Gaza after October 7, 2023. -
Gather Documents:
Collect documents that prove your identity, current status in Canada 🇨🇦, and family relationship if applying as a relative. -
Apply Online:
Submit your application for a work permit, study permit, or visitor record through the IRCC secure online portal before July 31, 2025. -
Fee Exemption:
Make sure to apply under the fee-exempt category if you qualify. This will save you the cost of government processing fees. -
Wait for Processing:
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review your application. If approved, your permit will be mailed to the Canadian address you provide. -
Update Contact Information:
If you move or change your contact details while your application is being processed, notify IRCC right away to avoid delays.
Background and Context
Canada 🇨🇦 introduced these temporary measures in December 2023, following the escalation of conflict in Gaza on October 7, 2023. The initial policy set a cap of 1,000 temporary resident visas, with exemptions expiring January 9, 2025. However, as the crisis continued and the need for support grew, the government extended and expanded the program.
Canada 🇨🇦 has become a leading country in welcoming displaced Palestinians from Gaza, offering not only legal status but also financial help, health coverage, and settlement services. The government has also taken a strong stance against extremist settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, imposing sanctions as part of its broader response.
Implications for Communities and Stakeholders
- For Palestinians:
These measures provide a lifeline for those fleeing conflict, offering safety, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives in Canada 🇨🇦. -
For Canadian Families:
Families with relatives in Gaza can now more easily reunite and support their loved ones, thanks to the expanded eligibility and fee exemptions. -
For Employers and Schools:
Canadian employers and educational institutions benefit from the skills and experiences that Palestinian newcomers bring, helping fill labor shortages and enrich classrooms. -
For Settlement Agencies:
Agencies across Canada 🇨🇦 are working to deliver expanded services, including language training and job support, to help Palestinians integrate successfully.
Official Resources and Support
- IRCC Dedicated Phone Line:
For questions about these special measures, call (613) 321-4243. This line accepts collect calls for those under the program. -
Online Application Portal:
Visit the Canada.ca Immigration and Citizenship website for detailed instructions and to submit your application. -
News and Updates:
For the latest news, see the Canada.ca News Release August 2025.
Looking Ahead
The Government of Canada 🇨🇦 will keep watching the situation in Gaza and may change its response if needed. The current measures expire July 31, 2025, but further extensions or new policies could be announced depending on how things develop.
Palestinians who gain Canadian work experience or education under these measures may have a better chance at permanent residence, which could lead to more long-term settlement in Canada 🇨🇦. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these policies not only provide immediate relief but also open doors for a brighter future for many affected by the conflict.
Action Steps for Those Affected
- Review your eligibility and gather needed documents as soon as possible.
- Apply online before the July 31, 2025 deadline to take advantage of fee exemptions and special support.
- Reach out to settlement agencies for help with language, jobs, and adjusting to life in Canada 🇨🇦.
- Stay informed about policy updates by checking official government websites regularly.
Canada’s extension of temporary resident status, work, and study permits for Palestinians shows a strong commitment to humanitarian support. These steps help thousands of people find safety, stability, and hope for the future.
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