Ottawa-Canada remains deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the extension of measures for Palestinians who are in Canada and unable to return home.
The Government of Canada first introduced these special measures in December 2023. They allow Palestinians in Canada, as well as the foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Gaza on or after October 7, 2023, to apply for a fee-exempt study permit, open work permit, temporary resident permit, or extension of their temporary resident status.
Canada ranks among the leading countries in welcoming displaced Gazans and is leading global efforts to support them with financial assistance, interim federal health coverage and access to comprehensive settlement services once they arrive. As of July 8, 2025, more than 1,750 people who exited Gaza have passed security screenings and have been approved to come to Canada in total. Since the start of the conflict, more than 860 people have arrived safely in Canada from Gaza.
We recognize that many others who applied for the pathway for extended family members have been unable to exit Gaza to give their biometrics and complete their applications. Canada continues to advocate for both the exit and safety of people still in Gaza, however, we do not ultimately decide who can leave. Canada continues to process applications for extended family members. Under the measures being extended today, applicants will continue to be able to apply for a fee-exempt work or study permit once they're here.
The Government of Canada is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and will continue to adjust its response as required.
