Canada’s Support Measures for Israelis and Palestinians in Canada

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In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a set of temporary facilitative measures to support foreign nationals already in Canada, as well as extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have fled the region since the escalation of conflict on October 7, 2023.

These special measures are designed to provide stability, legal status, and access to essential services for affected individuals residing in Canada under valid temporary resident status.

Key Highlights

• Start Date: December 21, 2023
• Fee-Exempt Permit Extensions Start Date: March 8, 2024
• End Date: July 31, 2025
• Eligible Groups: Affected Israeli and Palestinian nationals, extended family members of Canadian citizens/permanent residents

Eligibility Criteria

The following individuals may qualify under the new facilitative measures:

1. Israeli or Palestinian Nationals in Canada
   • Must hold a valid passport or travel document (or proof of citizenship plus a valid third-country passport)
   • Must currently hold valid temporary resident status in Canada
2. Extended Family of Canadians or Permanent Residents
   • Must have arrived in Canada on or after October 7, 2023
   • Must currently have valid temporary resident status
3. Foreign Nationals Issued TRVs Under the Temporary Public Policy
   • Those arriving through humanitarian policies for extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza
4. Individuals Issued TRVs or TRPs on Humanitarian Grounds (Jan 9 – Jun 30, 2024)
   • Includes Palestinian nationals granted exemptions or TRPs

Note: Clients must apply within Canada and must be physically present in the country at the time of application and when a decision is rendered.

What These Measures Include

1. Fee-Exempt Work Permits

Eligible individuals can apply for open work permits, valid up to 36 months, depending on passport/biometrics.

• No application fee (Exemption codes: 999, P03)
• Public policy code: “Israeli-Palestinian temporary public policy”
• Not eligible at the port of entry; must apply from inside Canada

2. Fee-Exempt Study Permits

Applicants may also apply for or extend study permits without paying the standard processing fee.

• Exempt from the study permit cap and provincial attestation letter (PAL) requirement
• Must tie permit validity to the duration of study and passport validity

3. TRV/Visitor Permit Extensions

Applicants may request extensions or change of conditions for:

• Visitor status
• Work or study permits
• Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs)

4. Maintained Status

Applicants who apply before their current status expires will maintain their legal status in Canada while awaiting IRCC’s decision.

Fee Exemptions Summary

Permit Type	Exemption Code	Notes
Work Permit (Initial & Extension)	999, P03	Applies only if submitted in Canada
Study Permit (Initial & Extension)	999	PAL and cap exemptions included
TRP (if applicable)	999	For humanitarian entries
Biometrics Fee	❌ Not Exempt	$85 applies

Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) Coverage

Eligible individuals include:

• Permanent residents and their accompanying foreign national family members from Israel or the Palestinian Territories
• Clients assisted through Government of Canada evacuations
• Temporary residents under the Gaza extended family policy

Canadian citizens are not eligible for IFHP coverage.

Access to Settlement Services: The MOME2023 Remark

To ensure access to federally funded settlement services (e.g., employment help, housing support, ESL training), eligible individuals must hold a temporary resident document with the MOME2023 remark in the remarks section.

Eligibility for MOME2023

• Palestinian nationals or family members who:
  • Entered under the updated TRV Public Policy for Gaza
  • Arrived by December 31, 2025
  • Hold valid temporary resident status
• Foreign nationals assisted by Canadian evacuation efforts (Nov 1, 2023 – Dec 31, 2024)

If MOME2023 is missing: Individuals may request IRCC to amend their document via the crisis notification web form.

Medical Exam Exemptions

Some applicants may be exempt from a new Immigration Medical Exam (IME) under public policy. Officers are instructed to refer to existing guidance under the IME exemption policy.

Note: If medicals are not completed, the work permit will restrict employment in:

• Childcare
• Primary/secondary education
• Healthcare fields

Ineligible Applicants and Refusals

Applications from individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements must be refused.

• Refusal reason: “Other”
• GCMS Note: Must specify failure to meet conditions defined under the in-Canada temporary measures

Deadlines and Validity

• The measures are valid until July 31, 2025
• Settlement service eligibility (with MOME2023) remains until March 31, 2027
• Clients must be in Canada at the time of both application and decision

Final Notes for IRCC Officers

• All permits issued under these measures must reference the appropriate exemption codes
• Open work permits: Valid for up to 36 months
• Always verify applicants have not exited Canada before granting exemptions (use Entry/Exit Program data)
• GCMS notes must mention Israeli-Palestinian temporary public policy

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