| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Policy Effective Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Policy Expiry Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Fee Waiver Code for Permits | "999" |
| MOME2023 Keyword | Required for TFA and settlement services |
| Transitional Financial Assistance Amount | $3,000/adult, $1,500/child |
In response to the ongoing crisis in Palestine, Canada has enacted temporary measures allowing certain foreign nationals in Canada to extend or change their temporary stay without fee. This initiative is designed to support those affected by the conflict in Gaza following the hostilities that began on October 7, 2023. The measures include the issuance of fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, and temporary resident permits.
- 01Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Measures
- 02Understanding the Fee Waivers and Permits
- 03Special Transitional Financial Assistance and Services
- 04Healthcare Coverage Through IFHP
- 05What is Unchanged and How to Navigate the Policy
- 06Frequently Asked Questions
- 07Restoration of Temporary Resident Status
- 08Importance of the MOME2023 Keyword
- 09The Role of Settlement Services
- 10Frequently Asked Questions
Effective from August 1, 2025, and set to expire on July 31, 2026, this public policy seeks to provide aid and support to individuals unable to return to their homes due to conflict. Eligible individuals can apply for special measures if they meet the set criteria, aimed at easing their transitions and supporting their stay in Canada during this challenging period.
Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Measures
The temporary public policy applies to foreign nationals from the Palestinian Territories who are currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status. Eligible applicants must meet specific conditions. Holding a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority is a key requirement. Additionally, the applicant must hold a valid temporary resident status to be eligible for fee waivers on permits.
Extended family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who escaped Palestine from October 7, 2023, onward may also qualify. This includes individuals defined as family members under subsection 1(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Individuals in Canada under the first-generation limit to citizenship by descent may qualify as well, along with their family members.
Importantly, applicants should not apply for any permits under this policy at a port of entry. All applications should be made from within Canada, ensuring meet both the eligibility and admissibility requirements set by the policy.
Understanding the Fee Waivers and Permits
The fee waivers under this public policy make the process of extending or changing permit conditions more accessible. Standard biometric fees still apply. However, fees for study permit extensions, open work permits, and new temporary resident permits are waived. Each application is annotated with exemption code “999” to facilitate processing within IRCC systems.
Open work permits allow foreign nationals to gain employment in Canada, supporting themselves and any family still affected overseas. Applicants can receive permits valid for up to 36 months or until the expiration of their passport, whichever is sooner. These measures greatly assist individuals in maintaining financial stability while displaced.
For study permits, the cap on usual study permit applications does not apply under this public policy. However, all other requirements remain, including maintaining status in Canada during application processing. Ensuring proper documentation is crucial to successfully leveraging the opportunities provided by this policy.
Special Transitional Financial Assistance and Services
Settlement services extend until March 31, 2027, for eligible individuals. These services are designed to offer guidance and resources necessary to navigate life in Canada. To verify eligibility for financial and settlement assistance, the correct documentation and inclusion of the MOME2023 keyword are essential.
If documentation lacks this keyword, affected individuals should amend their temporary resident documents. Communicating through the IRCC’s crisis notification web form is a necessary step in acquiring these essential benefits. The IRCC’s rapid and supportive response illustrates Canada’s commitment to aiding those caught in international crises.
Healthcare Coverage Through IFHP
The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) plays a critical role in supporting foreign nationals and their family members affected by the Gaza crisis. Eligible clients, including Palestinian nationals and family members related to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, can access health coverage within Canada.
IFHP coverage is available to those who left Gaza according to set timelines and criteria, ensuring they receive necessary medical care amid ongoing uncertainties. Clients must maintain valid temporary resident status to remain eligible for IFHP benefits, which are crucial for their well-being during displacement.
Should any clients not receive their IFHP certificates upon entry or have misplaced them, they are encouraged to request them from within Canada. This step ensures uninterrupted access to health services, underscoring Canada’s support for those impacted by international crises.
What is Unchanged and How to Navigate the Policy
While this policy brings substantial aid, applicants must still meet immigration requirements not exempted by the policy. The underlying immigration regulations and practices continue to apply unless specified otherwise. Applicants seeking extensions, work, or study permits must still abide by Canada’s immigration laws the temporary waivers.
Notably, the fee waiver eliminates financial barriers, but the policy does not cover individuals applying at Canadian ports of entry. This policy marks a clear commitment to providing temporary solutions to a complex crisis, whilst maintaining the integrity of Canada’s broader immigration framework.
Those navigating this policy should ensure all applications are accurate and complete, reflecting the latest requirements and specifications. Consulting with IRCC through official channels will provide additional clarity and guide applicants through this temporary but vital support mechanism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: November 23, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice — consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
Restoration of Temporary Resident Status
Under the temporary measures, applicants in Canada without valid status may restore their temporary resident status. This allows individuals whose status may have expired to regain their lawful standing and apply for permits under the public policy. Restoring status involves paying a restoration fee and submitting the required forms and documentation.
Restoration applicants must apply for restoration and other permits simultaneously. The process is crucial for transitioning into a valid legal status allowing individuals to work or study. Ensuring that your application is complete and timely can facilitate a smoother process. Officers first decide on the restoration before processing permit applications, thus reinstating legal status as a priority.
Importance of the MOME2023 Keyword
The MOME2023 keyword is central to accessing transitional financial assistance and settlement services. This annotation must appear on the temporary resident document. It acts as a key identifier for eligibility, simplifying processing for IRCC officers and service providers. If omitted, affected individuals may not access crucial support services intended for displaced persons.
To rectify a missing MOME2023 remark, submit a correction request through IRCC's crisis notification form. The Client Support Centre facilitates the verification and amendment process, ensuring compliance and access to scheduled benefits. Access to financial and settlement assistance hinges upon documentation accuracy. Thus, individuals must verify and pursue corrections timely.
The Role of Settlement Services
IRCC-funded settlement services aim to help newcomers integrate successfully into Canadian society. This includes language education, employment services, and community integration programs. Designed with a holistic approach, settlement services empower beneficiaries, assisting them in contributing positively to the community.
Eligible clients, including those identified by the MOME2023 remark, are encouraged to engage with service provider organizations. These organizations offer tailored programs responding to the unique needs of international crises victims. From finding housing to understanding local healthcare systems, service providers equip individuals with essential tools for independence.
Empathy and enhancement of life quality define these services, underpinned by dedicated assistance bridging gaps the crisis introduced. By engaging deeply and early, eligible individuals can leverage settlement services effectively, easing cultural and social transitions into Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: Government of Canada (canada.ca), IRCC Help Centre. Last verified: November 23, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice — consult IRCC or a qualified legal aid service for guidance on your specific situation.
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