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:
- 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
- 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
- Foreign Nationals Issued TRVs Under the Temporary Public Policy
- Those arriving through humanitarian policies for extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza
- 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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