New Updates to Canada’s Special Immigration Measures for Palestinians

In December 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) first introduced special immigration measures to help both Palestinians who were impacted by the crisis. In the years since, Canada has regularly extended and updated the measures to continue supporting those impacted by the crisis.

These measures enable Palestinians who are in Canada as temporary residents to apply for and extend study permits, work permits, and temporary resident permits. Family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents have also been eligible for these special measures, provided that they left the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023, and are in Canada with valid temporary resident status.

The most recent special measures had been set to expire on July 31, 2026, but the government announced that these measures have been updated and extended through December 30, 2027.

Here’s what you need to know.

What Are the New Special Immigration Measures for Palestinians?

The new special measures have been updated in what IRCC calls “a balanced extension of these measures.” This means that the special measures are not direct extension of the previous measures, instead containing some important updates.

The new extension has two separate components:

1. Individuals in Canada who received an open work permit under the previous special measures are eligible to extend their work permit. Those wishing to extend study permits and visitor status may also do so through IRCC’s existing channels.
2. Eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, and did not apply under previous temporary measures may now apply—from within Canada only—for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, and temporary resident permits.

IRCC notes that many Palestinians who would otherwise be eligible, have not been able to exit Gaza due to factors beyond Canada’s control. As such, the updated measures allow eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada by September 30, 2027, to access the same support as those who have arrived since 2023.

Who Is Eligible for these Special Measures?

There are two groups who are eligible for the updated special measures.

Group 1: Nationals of the Palestinian Territories who are in Canada as temporary residents

This group includes foreign nationals who hold passports or travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. To be eligible, the foreign national must be in Canada on temporary resident status and be applying to extend their temporary resident status in Canada through a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa.

Group 2: Foreign national family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who left the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023

This group includes foreign nationals who are family members—only spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children quality—of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who left the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023.

To be eligible, the foreign national also must have left the Palestinian territories on or after October 7, 2023. The foreign national must be in Canada on temporary resident status and be applying to extend their stay in Canada as a worker, student, or visitor.

Not sure if you’re eligible? Use IRCC’s online tool to determine which programs may be able to assist you.

How Have the Special Measures Been Used So Far?

The special measures have enabled many Palestinian nationals to stay in Canada as temporary residents. As of May 31, 2026, IRCC had issued 2,383 work permits and 236 study permits to Palestinians in Canada.

As the humanitarian crisis has progressed, IRCC has remained responsive, updating and extending special measures as needed. In addition to the temporary immigration measures, Canada is also supporting displaced Palestinians with temporary financial assistance, interim federal health coverage, and access to settlement services upon arrival.

For more detail, check out IRCC’s official resources on humanitarian efforts to assist during the crisis in Gaza. Be cautious of any suspicious sources trying to take advantage of the conflict and uncertainty. Always check official sources to ensure the legitimacy of any organization, especially before sharing personal information or money.