As of March 11, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has accepted 986 applications into processing for the public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family members affected by the crisis in Gaza. This means that applicants have used their unique reference code to submit a complete application for a temporary resident visa (TRV) through the IRCC Portal.
Key Messages
The ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel has created a humanitarian catastrophe on an unprecedented scale in Gaza.
We understand that many Canadians are concerned about the safety of their loved ones in Gaza and our focus remains on keeping families together and bringing them to safety as quickly as possible.
That is why the Government of Canada (GoC) has been working since October 2023 to help Canadians, permanent residents, and their eligible family members leave Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
On January 9, 2024, IRCC launched a special temporary resident measure for extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently residing in Gaza. This measure aims to provide a temporary safe haven for Palestinians directly affected by the crisis in Gaza who have Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members in Canada willing to support them.
As of March 11, 2024, 986 applications have been accepted into processing, meaning that applicants have used their unique reference code to submit a complete TRV application through the IRCC Portal.
Supplementary Information
The temporary measure for extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza was launched on January 9, 2024, and the temporary resident facilitation in the public policy will close after one year or when 1,000 applications have been accepted into processing.
To be eligible, applicants must be the spouse, common-law partner, child (regardless of age), grandchild, sibling, parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident anchor.
They must also be in Gaza when they apply for a TRV, hold a Palestinian passport, and have an anchor in Canada who will support them for one year once they arrive in Canada.
The immediate family members of eligible applicants are also eligible (spouse/partner, dependent child, and dependent child of a dependent child).
Under this measure, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident anchor must attest to their intention to provide a number of supports to meet the immediate and essential needs of clients when they arrive in Canada, for a period of one year.
Once in Canada, eligible individuals may apply for a fee-exempt study or open work permit under the measures previously announced.
Individuals arriving through this measure will have access to short-term healthcare coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program, which will cover the cost of basic health services (e.g., hospital and physician services) and supplemental health services (e.g., vision and dental care, mental health care, disability supports), as well as prescription drugs, for three months from the date they enter Canada, to help address any urgent medical needs upon arrival.
In addition, approved applicants will have access to free services under IRCC’s Settlement Program such as language training and support connecting with the labour market and local community.
If pressed on cap of 1,000:
Before we consider increasing the cap, we need to process the TRV applications received and see if people are able to get out of Gaza. The situation in Gaza is complex, with significant volatility on the ground. Movement out of Gaza remains extremely challenging, and may not be possible as countries set their own entry and exit requirements. We are continuing to monitor the situation and remain flexible.
If pressed on processing times:
IRCC officers are assessing applications as quickly as possible. Processing times will vary based on the details of each application. Many factors are outside of IRCC’s control, particularly the situation in Gaza and decisions regarding who can exit Gaza.
If pressed on getting people out of Gaza:
The GoC has put forward names of people who passed preliminary eligibility and admissibility reviews to local authorities for approval, but does not ultimately decide who can exit Gaza. None of the individuals whose names were on the list have been approved by local authorities for exit yet.
The GoC continues to engage in escalating diplomatic efforts to facilitate exit for individuals falling under our consular operation and applicants under IRCC’s public policy. We will continue our efforts as we wait for a decision from local authorities.
If pressed on process in Cairo:
Once applicants have left Gaza, the GoC will provide transportation from Rafah to Cairo. It is Canada’s understanding that the Government of Egypt is allowing people to stay for a maximum of 72 hours (three days). While in Cairo, the GoC will provide food and accommodation for two days.
If families need to stay longer than two nights, they will need to pay the additional costs. Families are responsible for making sure their visa for Egypt remains valid while they are in the country.
Within 24 hours of arrival in Egypt, IRCC will collect a person’s biometric information to complete the final step in the assessment process and work to provide a final decision on the TRV application as quickly as possible.
Applicants are responsible for arranging their own travel to Canada if their TRV application is approved.
If pressed on litigation:
IRCC has received litigation (applications for leave and judicial review) involving applications related to this public policy. IRCC is unable to comment on matters before the Court.
Each litigation will be reviewed on its own specific details to determine if the decision was reasonable.
