CIMM – Immigration Responses to Recent Crises – Gaza – November 25, 2024

Key Facts

On January 9, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the temporary immigration measures to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents of Canada residing in Gaza (announced
On May 27, 2024, the intake cap was increased from 1,000 to 5,000.The public policy will expire after the intake cap has been reached or on April 22, 2025, whichever comes first.

Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and empathizes with those affected.
IRCC has put measures in place to assist up to 5,000 individuals who are affected by the conflict in Gaza. In particular, these measures aim 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.
On October 16, 2024, IRCC announced that Palestinians impacted by the crisis who have left Gaza will receive transitional financial assistance after they arrive in Canada, which will help them meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing and housing.
In addition to financial assistance, Palestinians who are fleeing the conflict in Gaza, regardless of whether they applied to come to Canada under the special pathway for extended family or as regular temporary resident visa (TRV) holders will have access to:
- Three months of temporary health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to help address urgent medical needs upon arrival;
- Settlement services, such as language training, information about orientation to life in Canada, and information and services to help them find a job;
- The ability to apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits from within Canada.

Movement out of Gaza remains extremely challenging, and may not be possible as countries and other actors set their own entry and exit requirements. The Rafah border has been closed since May 2024.
Canada does not control who can exit Gaza. We are working with partners in the region so that people whose preliminary eligibility and admissibility has been assessed can exit Gaza safely and complete the TRV application process by submitting their biometrics (fingerprints and photo) once out of Gaza.
IRCC will continue to process cases and applications received under this measure.