Canada: Temporary Immigration Measures Introduced for Individuals from Israel and the Palestinian Territories Affected by the Israel-Hamas War
January 10, 2024
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.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg explains how proposed student visa limits could create challenges and add administrative burdens for international students.
Podcast
David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.
Blog post
Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer discusses workations as a way to support talent retention, noting the legal, tax and immigration considerations involved.
Blog post
Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.
Blog post
Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.
Blog post
This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.
Video
Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.
Media mentions
Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.
Blog post
Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.
Media mentions
Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.