In a world shaken by crisis, Canada continues to lead with compassion and action. On August 1, 2025, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Lena Metlege Diab, confirmed that Canada extends temporary measures for Palestinians in Canada who are unable to return to their homeland due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
First introduced in December 2023, these measures provide crucial support for Palestinian nationals and their extended families stuck in limbo, offering them stability, safety, and a chance to move forward in Canada while Gaza remains under distress.
What Are These Special Temporary Measures?
These measures help individuals who left Gaza after October 7, 2023, and meet specific eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of what’s currently being extended:
| Who Can Apply | Eligible Permits/Status | Fee Requirement |
| Palestinians currently in Canada | Study Permit, Work Permit, TRP Extension | Fee-Exempt |
| Family of Canadian Citizens or PRs who left Gaza | Work Permit, Study Permit, TRP | Fee-Exempt |
The goal of these policies is simple: Offer a temporary safe space for people affected by the crisis and support their basic needs while the situation in Gaza remains volatile.
Why This Extension Matters Now
Canada has already approved over 1,750 people who left Gaza and passed the necessary security screening. More than 860 individuals have safely arrived in Canada. But many others are still unable to leave the region due to restricted movement and lack of exit access. They’re caught in a difficult situation approved for resettlement, but unable to fulfill procedural steps like biometrics submission.
The extended measures:
- Allow applicants already in Canada to stay legally
- Enable fee-exempt applications for work/study permits
- Offer access to healthcare and settlement support
Canada’s consistent response reaffirms its role in supporting displaced populations while maintaining strong immigration integrity.
Canada’s Role in the Global Humanitarian Effort
Canada is among the few countries providing structured pathways for Gazans during this crisis. The government is also:
- Offering interim federal health coverage
- Providing funded settlement services
- Continuing biometrics processing and advocacy for exit permissions from Gaza
As of June 30, 2025, there were over 2,500 Palestinian passport holders in Canada under temporary status, some of whom benefit from these special pathways. The world may not yet see peace in the region, but Canada extends temporary measures for Palestinians in Canada to ensure individuals have protection, dignity, and opportunity while they wait. If you or someone you know is affected by this crisis, ImmigCanadais here to help you apply under these measures, assess your eligibility, and offer professional guidance every step of the way. Now is the time to reach out. Let’s find the right path—together.
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