COW – Immigration Responses to Recent Crises—Gaza – June 9, 2025

Key Facts

• On January 9, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched the temporary immigration measures to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents of Canada residing in Gaza (announced December 21, 2023).
• On May 27, 2024, IRCC announced that the intake cap was increased from 1,000 to 5,000.
• On March 6, 2025, IRCC reached the intake cap of 5,000 applications accepted into processing, and closed intake for the temporary public policy. Processing of applications is ongoing.

Key Messages

• Canada remains deeply concerned about the situation in the Middle East and empathizes with those affected.
• IRCC has put measures in place to provide temporary safe haven for up to 5,000 Palestinians directly affected by the crisis in Gaza who have Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members in Canada willing to support them.
• In addition to applications processed through the temporary measures, Palestinians who left Gaza on or after October 7, 2023, have also been able to apply under IRCC’s existing programs.
• Once in Canada, eligible clients may apply for a fee-exempt study or open work permit until July 21, 2025. Eligible clients may also access supports such as one-time transitional financial assistance ($3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child), three months of healthcare, and settlement services.

Movement Out of Gaza:

• Movement out of Gaza is extremely challenging due to factors outside of Canada’s control and Canada does not ultimately decide who can exit Gaza.

[Only If Pressed] On Government of Canada facilitation of IRCC clients from Gaza through Kerem Shalom:

• Travel out of Gaza through the Rafah Border Crossing, the main civilian exit, is not currently possible. Exceptions may be made for urgent medical cases, as determined by the World Health Organization and its partners.
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  • Canada will continue to pursue any and all efforts to help family members under the special measures. We will continue to adapt our approach as required.