Canada: Temporary Immigration Measures Introduced for Individuals from Israel and the Palestinian Territories Affected by the Israel-Hamas War

Update January 10, 2024: The dedicated temporary residence pathway for eligible extended family members in Gaza of Canadian citizens and permanent residents has officially opened. Interested applicants can contact their immigration professional for eligibility assessments and case-specific advice.

Original - December 21, 2023: The government of Canada has announced new temporary immigration measures to support family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are from Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Effective immediately, the government is waiving processing fees for study and open work permit applications from immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023, and who are currently temporary residents in Canada, as well as individuals from Israel and the Palestinian Territories in Canada who feel unsafe to return home. Further, the government is planning on introducing a temporary residence pathway for extended family members (spouse, common-law partner, child regardless of age, grandchild, sibling, parent or grandparent) of Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada, and their immediate family members, who are currently in Gaza and are seeking to enter Canada temporarily and to prioritize existing and new family-based permanent residence applications for individuals from the Palestinian Territories. Additional information can be found here. The government is expected to publish further details, including application instructions, soon.