On August 1, 2025, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the extension of temporary measures for Palestinians in Canada who are unable to return home due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
First introduced in December 2023, these measures provide critical support to Palestinian nationals in Canada and to foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Gaza on or after October 7, 2023.
What the Measures Include
Under the extended program, eligible individuals may apply for:
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Fee-exempt study permits
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Fee-exempt open work permits
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Fee-exempt temporary resident permits (TRPs)
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Extensions of existing temporary resident status
These measures aim to ensure that Palestinians currently in Canada can maintain lawful status, work, or study without the added burden of application fees, while offering a path to stability during the crisis.
Who May Qualify
You may be eligible if you are:
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A Palestinian national in Canada with temporary status, who cannot safely return home.
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A foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Gaza on or after October 7, 2023.
All applicants must meet standard admissibility and security requirements as determined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Current Impact and Government Response
As of July 8, 2025, IRCC has:
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Approved over 1,750 individuals who exited Gaza to come to Canada following security screening.
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Facilitated the safe arrival of over 860 displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
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Received 970 applications under these special measures.
Canada continues to process applications for extended family members despite ongoing restrictions on movement from Gaza. The government is closely monitoring the situation and may adapt its response as circumstances evolve.
Options for Those Who May Require Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) Consideration
For Palestinians who do not fully meet the eligibility requirements of these special measures—or whose circumstances extend beyond temporary relief—Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C) applications may offer an alternative pathway.
An H&C application can be considered when:
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The applicant is in Canada and would experience unusual, undeserved, or disproportionate hardship if required to leave.
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There are compelling humanitarian circumstances, such as family ties in Canada, medical needs, or vulnerability to harm in the country of origin.
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The situation falls outside standard immigration programs but merits consideration due to compassionate factors.
While H&C applications are discretionary and assessed case-by-case, they can serve as a crucial avenue for individuals facing exceptional hardship and seeking permanent residence.
Conclusion
The extension of Canada’s temporary measures for Palestinians reflects the country’s commitment to offering refuge and stability to those impacted by the crisis in Gaza. If you believe you may qualify under these measures—or if your situation calls for a Humanitarian & Compassionate application—timely legal guidance can be the key to securing your status in Canada.
Contact Visaserve, to book an appointment and discuss your options.
