Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates on April 5, 2024, to bolster assistance for Israeli and Palestinian nationals residing in Canada. These measures, effective since March 8, 2024, aim to alleviate challenges faced by affected individuals, including fee-exempt extensions for temporary resident statuses.
Expanded Eligibility for Temporary Public Policy
One of the key updates is the expansion of eligibility criteria for the temporary public policy. This policy now includes extended family members who arrived in Canada under the Temporary Public Policy, providing temporary resident visas for certain individuals affected by the crisis in Gaza.
Supportive Measures for Foreign Nationals
The program delivery instructions (PDIs) outline operational guidance to support foreign nationals affected by the conflict. These measures enable eligible individuals to change the conditions of their temporary stay, facilitating the issuance of fee-exempt study permits and open work permits in Canada.
Validity and Expiry Dates
The special measures commenced on December 21, 2023, and are set to expire on June 12, 2024. It’s important to note the deadline for availing these facilitative measures to ensure timely assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
Under the enhanced measures, Israeli nationals, Palestinian passport holders, and foreign national family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents may be eligible for fee-exempt study permits or open work permits. The eligibility criteria encompass various scenarios to accommodate those affected by the conflict.
Interim Federal Health Program Coverage
Permanent residents of Canada, subject to waiting periods for provincial or territorial health care coverage, along with foreign national family members who accompanied Canadian citizens or permanent residents during assisted departures efforts, may be eligible for temporary Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) coverage.
Procedures and Documentation
Applicants must provide appropriate documentation to demonstrate their eligibility under these special measures. This may include passports, travel itineraries, and proof of relationship, among other documents.
Application Process
The application process for work permits in Canada under these measures involves specific procedures to ensure smooth facilitation. Open work permits allow eligible individuals to support themselves while awaiting a return to their home country.
IRCC’s updated measures underscore Canada’s commitment to supporting Israeli and Palestinian nationals during challenging times. By expanding eligibility criteria and offering fee exemptions, these measures aim to provide vital assistance to those affected by the conflict, facilitating their integration and well-being in Canada.
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