e-4959 (Citizenship and immigration)

The Government of Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza. The Government of Canada shares the shock and horror felt across Canada – and around the world – at the brutal and unthinkable terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023. The Government also recognizes the devastating toll faced by Palestinians as a result of the ensuing conflict. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. The tragic loss of civilian lives – particularly women and children – is heartbreaking. This is why Canada has been calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire for many months. This is needed urgently, and it must not be one-sided. Hamas – a listed terrorist organization – must lay down its arms and release all hostages. Rapid, safe, and unimpeded access for humanitarian relief must be provided; the need for this assistance has never been greater.

As of June 3, 2024, the Government of Canada has assisted approximately 2,588 Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members in departing Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza since October 2023. This includes 870 individuals from Gaza.  Palestinians who are already in Canada are eligible to apply for a fee-exempt study permit or an open work permit so that they can continue to study, work, and visit family in Canada.

In December 2023, IRCC announced the Temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza which opened on January 9, 2024  and allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents (PRs) to apply to sponsor their extended family members in Gaza to come to Canada temporarily.

While the program was initially capped at 1,000 applications (persons), on May 27, 2024, the Government of Canada announced an increase in the number of temporary resident visa (TRV) applications that will be accepted into processing as part of the special measures for extended family in Gaza, from 1,000 to 5,000. The cap was increased in response to the on-going humanitarian crisis and the high-level of concern from Canadians and PRs wanting to help their loved ones in Gaza.

As of June 22, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued well over 5,000 web codes and has accepted over 3,400 applications into processing. IRCC officers are assessing applications as quickly as possible. The Department is also prioritizing the processing of all existing and new permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams. In the current context, many factors are outside of IRCC’s control, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza and decisions about who can exit. Once eligible applicants arrive in Egypt, we will collect their biometrics and finalize their applications.

As of July 20, 2024, 609 total TRVs have been approved for Palestinians outside Gaza since October 8, 2023, through IRCC's existing programs in addition to these special measures.  As part of the temporary special measures public policy, 434 people who exited Gaza on their own and had TRV applications in process were able to submit biometrics and complete their application, and have been approved to come to Canada. Records to date show that 189 people have arrived in Canada under the temporary special measures public policy. 

Under the public policy, applicants who were in Gaza on the day their application (webform) was submitted are eligible, even if they have since left Gaza. Similarly, people who completed their TRV application under special measures and have since left Gaza will also continue to have their application processed pending available space under the intake cap. People who have existing TRV applications and who meet the eligibility requirements under the public policy can ask for their applications to be processed under the special measures. Finally, those who have been able to exit Gaza but who do not have a pending application or have been unable to apply under the Temporary Resident Pathway for certain extended families affected by the crisis in Gaza may apply through any of our existing immigration programs.

The Rafah Border has been closed since May 7. At this time, there are no crossings into Egypt and Canada continues to collaborate and advocate with our partners for a re-opening of the vital border crossing and to facilitate exit of our clients. Canada is ready to receive applicants in Cairo once the border reopens. Canada will continue to work with local authorities - at every level - to facilitate and advocate for the safe exit of extended family members while ensuring the safety of Canadians.

As for social services and health supports, approved clients arriving in Canada under temporary resident pathway for extended family members of Canadian citizens and PRs, as well as those arriving in Canada following assisted departure from Gaza, have access to health-care coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) for three months from the date they enter Canada to help address any urgent medical needs upon arrival. Once the IFHP coverage expires, anchor relatives are asked to provide financial support for any healthcare costs, if not covered by public health insurance.

The Canadian citizen or PR anchors signed a statutory declaration to attest to their intention to provide a number of supports for their family members for one year. These responsibilities include providing financial support for basic needs (housing, food, clothing, etc.), orientation to life in Canada, assistance with identifying accommodations, as well as support enrolling in school and language training, and accessing support services to find employment.

As it pertains to refugee resettlement, Canada has a long and proud humanitarian tradition of protecting the world’s most vulnerable people. In general, we rely on the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), other referral organizations and private sponsorship groups for referrals of refugees who need to be resettled.

Individuals presenting vulnerabilities and compelling protection needs in the country of asylum are prioritized. Each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. In light of the situation and to help as many people as possible, Canada is taking into account the special circumstances of individuals, whether they have submitted a regular TRV application or one associated with the Temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza, when processing applications.

Our focus remains on keeping families together and bringing them to safety as quickly as possible.