IRCC Gaza special measures have been updated with new operational guidance that aims to ensure eligible temporary residents arriving from Gaza receive settlement services consistently after entering Canada. 

The update, published on July 7, 2026, does not introduce new immigration programs or expand eligibility. Instead, it provides clearer instructions for immigration officers responsible for processing eligible arrivals under Canada’s existing humanitarian measures. 

A key focus of the revised guidance is ensuring officers apply the “MOME2023” administrative remark on temporary resident documents. This internal notation confirms that eligible individuals can access various federally funded settlement supports after arrival. 

For families arriving under the Gaza special measures, the update improves consistency in how existing benefits are delivered rather than creating additional immigration pathways. 

At ImmigCanada, we closely monitor operational updates like these because procedural changes often affect how humanitarian programs are implemented, even when immigration policies themselves remain unchanged. 

What Changed in the Latest IRCC Guidance? 

The July operational update mainly targets frontline immigration officers handling arrivals under the Gaza special measures. 

IRCC reinforced several operational procedures, including: 

• proper issuance of the MOME2023 administrative remark;  
• updated port-of-entry processing instructions;  
• confirmation of eligibility for existing settlement assistance;  
• consistent delivery of temporary resident support services.  

These changes are administrative rather than legislative, meaning applicants already approved under the program will not need to submit new applications to receive the available supports. 

Source: IRCC Clarifies Settlement Support Rules for Gaza Evacuees

Why the “MOME2023” Remark Matters 

One of the most important elements of the updated guidance is the continued use of the MOME2023 notation. 

Although applicants may never notice this administrative remark themselves, it serves an important function within Canada’s immigration system. 

The remark helps government departments identify eligible individuals who qualify for specific settlement benefits after arriving in Canada. 

Without consistent application of this notation, eligible newcomers could experience delays when accessing available services. 

The latest guidance reinforces that officers should include this remark on temporary resident documents whenever appropriate. 

Settlement Supports Continue After Arrival 

The operational guidance confirms that eligible individuals arriving under the Gaza special measures continue to have access to several existing supports. 

These include: 

Fee-Exempt Status Extensions 

Eligible temporary residents may continue applying to extend or change their temporary resident status without paying standard government processing fees where applicable. 

Open Work Permits 

Eligible individuals may apply for open work permits, allowing them to work for Canadian employers without requiring a specific employer before arrival. 

Study Permits 

Those wishing to pursue education in Canada remain eligible to apply for study permits under the existing humanitarian measures. 

Settlement Services 

Federally funded settlement organizations continue providing assistance such as: 

• Employment support;  
• Language training;  
• Community orientation;  
• Information services;  
• Newcomer integration programs.  

Transitional Financial Assistance 

Eligible arrivals may receive temporary financial assistance designed to help meet immediate settlement needs during their first weeks in Canada. 

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) 

The guidance also confirms continued access to approximately three months of Interim Federal Health Program coverage, providing temporary healthcare benefits during the initial settlement period. 

No New Immigration Program Has Been Announced 

One point that deserves clarification is that this operational update does not create new immigration pathways for people affected by the conflict in Gaza. 

Instead, IRCC is reinforcing how existing humanitarian measures should be delivered. 

This distinction is important because administrative guidance often receives attention online that may incorrectly suggest new immigration opportunities have been introduced. 

Applicants should rely on official eligibility requirements rather than social media interpretations of operational updates. 

Why Operational Guidance Matters 

While operational manuals rarely receive public attention, they play an important role in immigration decision-making. 

They help officers: 

• Apply policies consistently;  
• Reduce administrative errors;  
• Ensure eligible applicants receive available benefits;  
• Improve processing efficiency across different offices.  

For humanitarian programs involving vulnerable populations, consistency can significantly improve newcomers’ early settlement experience. 

What Eligible Families Should Know 

Individuals already approved under the Gaza special measures should remember that: 

• Existing eligibility requirements remain unchanged;  
• Available settlement services continue after arrival;  
• Officers are expected to apply updated operational procedures consistently;  
• Temporary healthcare coverage and settlement assistance remain available under current policy.  

Applicants who believe administrative errors occurred during processing should seek professional immigration advice before taking further steps. 

The latest IRCC Gaza special measures operational update focuses on improving the consistent delivery of settlement assistance rather than expanding Canada’s humanitarian immigration policies. 

By reinforcing the use of the MOME2023 administrative remark and clarifying port-of-entry procedures, IRCC aims to ensure eligible arrivals receive the financial assistance, settlement services, healthcare coverage, and temporary status supports already available under the program. 

Although no new immigration pathway has been introduced, operational updates like this remain important because they directly affect how approved applicants access essential services after arriving in Canada. 

For individuals navigating Canada’s humanitarian immigration programs, understanding both policy changes and operational guidance can help ensure smoother settlement and fewer administrative complications. 

Frequently Asked Questions