Canada continues to express deep concern over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In response to these concerns, the Canadian government, led by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has introduced temporary immigration measures to address the situation. These measures aim to support the families of Canadians and permanent residents affected by the conflict, as well as Israelis and Palestinians currently residing in Canada.
Effective immediately, the following individuals are eligible to apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits in Canada:
Foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have left Israel and the Palestinian Territories since the onset of the current conflict, whether departing with their families or independently.
Israelis and Palestinians who are already in Canada and feel unsafe returning to the conflict-stricken region at this time.
For those concerned about the safety of their loved ones in Gaza, the Canadian government is taking special measures to support temporary residence for extended family members in Gaza who are related to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Additionally, the processing of all existing and new permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams will be prioritized.
Given the volatile and unpredictable situation in Gaza, where ground operations and air strikes continue, leaving the region remains extremely challenging. Exit from Gaza may not be possible due to varying entry and exit requirements set by different countries. Those who can exit Gaza must fulfill all admissibility and eligibility requirements before approval for entry into Canada. Canada is actively collaborating with regional partners to facilitate the departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members.
Details regarding the special measures for extended family members of Canadians, including application procedures, will be released soon. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established a dedicated service channel for inquiries about these special measures, both in Canada and abroad, reachable at 613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted). Clients can expedite their inquiries by including the keyword "MOME2023" in the IRCC crisis web form.
In the interim, Canadian citizens and permanent residents with eligible family members are encouraged to prepare necessary documents, including proof of their relationships.
Pros:
Canada demonstrates a commitment to supporting its citizens and permanent residents affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Temporary immigration measures provide relief to families separated by the conflict.
Prioritizing permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams promotes family reunification.
Cons:
The volatile situation in Gaza and varying entry/exit requirements in different countries may hinder the implementation of these immigration measures.
The announcement does not address the root causes of the conflict or offer a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis.
The effectiveness of these measures will depend on coordination with regional partners and the evolving situation on the ground.
Effective immediately, the following individuals are eligible to apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits in Canada:
Foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have left Israel and the Palestinian Territories since the onset of the current conflict, whether departing with their families or independently.
Israelis and Palestinians who are already in Canada and feel unsafe returning to the conflict-stricken region at this time.
For those concerned about the safety of their loved ones in Gaza, the Canadian government is taking special measures to support temporary residence for extended family members in Gaza who are related to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Additionally, the processing of all existing and new permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams will be prioritized.
Given the volatile and unpredictable situation in Gaza, where ground operations and air strikes continue, leaving the region remains extremely challenging. Exit from Gaza may not be possible due to varying entry and exit requirements set by different countries. Those who can exit Gaza must fulfill all admissibility and eligibility requirements before approval for entry into Canada. Canada is actively collaborating with regional partners to facilitate the departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members.
Details regarding the special measures for extended family members of Canadians, including application procedures, will be released soon. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has established a dedicated service channel for inquiries about these special measures, both in Canada and abroad, reachable at 613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted). Clients can expedite their inquiries by including the keyword "MOME2023" in the IRCC crisis web form.
In the interim, Canadian citizens and permanent residents with eligible family members are encouraged to prepare necessary documents, including proof of their relationships.
Pros:
Canada demonstrates a commitment to supporting its citizens and permanent residents affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Temporary immigration measures provide relief to families separated by the conflict.
Prioritizing permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams promotes family reunification.
Cons:
The volatile situation in Gaza and varying entry/exit requirements in different countries may hinder the implementation of these immigration measures.
The announcement does not address the root causes of the conflict or offer a comprehensive solution to the ongoing crisis.
The effectiveness of these measures will depend on coordination with regional partners and the evolving situation on the ground.
