Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is updating temporary measures for Palestinians who are in Canada and can’t return home, and for those who wish to come to Canada but have been unable to leave Gaza.
On August 24, 2026, IRCC published operational instructions for these temporary measures.
The special measures to support Palestinians and foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Canada were set to expire on July 31, 2026.
Given the continued volatility in Palestine, IRCC is implementing a balanced extension of these measures. This new extension has two components that will expire on December 30, 2027:
- Those in Canada who received an open work permit under the previous temporary measures may now apply to extend their permit. Standard processing fees will apply to these extensions. Those who wish to extend their visitor or study permits may apply through IRCC’s existing channels.
- Eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, and did not apply under the previous temporary measures may apply from within Canada for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits or temporary resident status extensions.
Many eligible Palestinians have been unable to leave Gaza to provide biometrics and complete their applications due to factors outside Canada’s control. The updated measures ensure that eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada by September 30. 2027, can access the same temporary measures as those who have arrived since 2023.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.