Study and work permits for Israelis and Palestinians
Canada is introducing special support measures.
In response to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced special measures to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada.
The following categories of people can apply for fee-exempt study or open work permit under the special policy:
- Israeli citizens and Palestinian passport holders who are already in Canada.
- Foreign nationals who are family members of Canadian citizens or residents who:
- are currently in Canada;
- and left Israel or the Palestinian territories on or after October 7, 2023.
- Permanent residents of Canada who are also in Canada and who left Israel or the Palestinian territories on or after October 7, 2023.
Permanent residents and family members of permanent residents and Canadian citizens arriving from Gaza are eligible to apply online for time-limited health insurance coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program for urgent medical needs.
Support measures for those with relatives in Gaza
Canada is also concerned about the current situation in Gaza. Therefore, relatives of Gazans who have close family ties to Canadian citizens or permanent residents are eligible for temporary residency.
Eligible applicants include a spouse, common-law partner, child (regardless of age), grandchild, sibling, parent or grandparent, and their immediate family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent child and dependent child of a dependent child).
In addition, among those receiving permanent residence under the family reunification streams, Palestinian applications will be prioritized first.
"Israelis and Palestinians in Canada will continue to find safety here and we will do what we can to help loved ones who have fled the region, as well as eligible family members who remain in Gaza," Miller commented.
Canada continues to work with partners in the region to facilitate the departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their families.
