In response to the ongoing war in the Middle East throughout Israel and Gaza, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a set of temporary facilitative immigration measures. Initially scheduled to expire on June 12, 2024, these measures have now been extended until July 31, 2025.

Under this policy, Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders who are already in Canada with valid temporary resident status are eligible to:

• Apply for an open work permit
• Apply for a study permit
• Extend their visitor status (receive a visitor record)

All applications under this policy are fee-exempt, and permits can be issued for up to three years.

Eligibility Criteria

The measures apply to:

1. Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders in Canada with valid temporary resident status (visitor, worker, student).
2. Immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who:
   • Departed Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023, and
   • Are now in Canada on temporary status.

Canada’s Broader Humanitarian Approach

Over the past few years, Canada has consistently used immigration pathways to respond to global humanitarian emergencies. Temporary immigration measures have been introduced to assist people affected by crises such as:

• The war in Ukraine
• The political upheaval in Iran
• The earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria

Most recently, Canada announced parallel immigration measures for individuals impacted by the crises in both Gaza and Sudan. These policies reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to using immigration as a tool for compassionate and responsive support to those fleeing conflict and disaster.

Legal Basis and Government Policy Source

These measures are enabled through section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which allows the Minister to issue public policies that exempt foreign nationals from certain requirements of the Act, based on public policy considerations.

Legal and Official Sources:

• IRPA section 25.2 – Ministerial authority for public policy-based exemptions
• IRPR section 199 – Issuance and extension of temporary resident permits
• IRCC News Release – June 12, 2024: Canada extends support measures for Israelis and Palestinians in Canada

Permits and Application Details

• Fee waivers apply for all eligible applications
• Validity: Open work and study permits, and visitor records can be granted for up to 3 years
• Application location: Must apply from within Canada
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted on or before July 31, 2025

Purpose and Context

The measures are part of Canada’s humanitarian response to the conflict that intensified on October 7, 2023, and represent a continuation of efforts to provide temporary protection, stability, and support for affected populations.

Next Steps for Applicants

Eligible individuals should:

• Confirm valid temporary resident status in Canada
• Provide documentation confirming Israeli or Palestinian nationality
• Apply through the IRCC online portal

Ensure submission before July 31, 2025

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