After arriving in Canada

When you get to the port of entry, you must tell the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer that you and your family members are arriving under the special measures for Gaza. The CBSA officer will then direct you to where you need to go.

If you’re approved to enter Canada under these measures, the CBSA officer will give you a temporary resident document known as a visitor record. The visitor record will list the conditions of your stay in Canada, including how long you can stay in Canada.

In most cases, the period of stay will be for up to 3 years, as long as your passport and biometrics are valid for the entire time. If your passport or biometrics expire in less than 3 years, your temporary resident document will expire at the same time. You can apply to extend your status before it expires, but you need to make sure your passport and biometrics are up-to-date before you apply.

On this page

• Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage
• Apply for a study permit or an open work permit
• Settlement support in Canada

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage

You may be eligible for limited, temporary health care coverage in Canada through the IFHP, if you’re approved for a temporary resident visa (TRV) under these measures.

You don’t need to apply for the IFHP yourself. If you’re eligible, a Government of Canada officer will help coordinate IFHP coverage for you and give you an IFHP certificate when you arrive in Canada. This certificate is used to prove your eligibility for IFHP and must be used to get eligible health-care services or products in Canada. Make sure you sign your certificate and keep it safe.

Coverage is valid for 90 days from the date you enter Canada and will cover basic, supplementary and prescription drug coverage as well as the cost of 1 immigration medical exam, if required.

Learn more about the IFHP

Apply for a study permit or an open work permit

You may be eligible to apply for a fee-exempt study permit or a fee-exempt open work permit in Canada under the temporary special measures to support Israelis and Palestinians in Canada. These documents allow you to study or work during your stay.

Some jobs require an immigration medical exam. If you plan to work in one of these jobs, like health care or child care, you should get a medical exam from a panel physician before you submit your application for an open work permit. Otherwise, there will be medical conditions on your work permit.

Learn more about the in-Canada measures and find out how to apply

Settlement support in Canada

You can contact a service provider organization in Canada to get free settlement services. Service provider organizations offer services such as help looking for a job, registering for language classes or signing kids up for school.

Your temporary resident status document will have a note that proves you’re eligible to get free settlement support in Canada. To receive services, you need to bring your temporary resident document with you and show it to the service provider organization.

Find out more about getting free newcomer services in Canada.