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Crisis in Palestine: Immigration measures for temporary residents in Canada

Measures are in place from August 1, 2026, to December 30, 2027

Immigration measures are in place for eligible temporary residents in Canada who

If eligible, you may be able to apply under a new public policy.

Public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members

Public policies are put in place to provide temporary programs or services to the public.

These public policies were put in place for Palestinians and eligible family members to apply under special immigration measures from within Canada:

Apply to extend your open work permit

  • Make sure you’re eligible.
  • Follow the steps to apply to extend your open work permit under these measures.
  • Standard application fees apply.

Who can apply under these measures

You can apply under these measures if you meet one of the following sets of requirements:

  • You have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine).
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
  • You have a valid open work permit that was issued under a public policy for Palestinians and eligible family members.
  • You’re in Canada
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • This will be your first time being issued a work permit extension under this new public policy.
    • You can only extend your work permit under this new public policy once.

Or

  • You’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You and your Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member both left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
  • You have a valid open work permit that was issued under a public policy for Palestinians and eligible family members.
  • You’re in Canada
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • This will be your first time being issued a work permit extension under this new public policy.
    • You can only extend your work permit under this new public policy once.
Definition of family member

A family member is defined as

Temporary resident permit holders

If you want to extend your stay in Canada, you need to apply for another temporary resident permit (TRP) through the regular application process, even if the issue that made you inadmissible has been fixed.

If you have an open work permit that you want to extend, you can apply to extend it together with your TRP application.

Apply for a TRP

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply.

  1. Get your forms and supporting documents ready

    The forms and supporting documents you need are listed below.

    Forms

    Supporting documents

    You must include

    • a letter that says you’re applying under the 2026 Palestine special measures
    • a copy of the photo or identification page of your passport (or other travel document issued by the State of Palestine)
    • a copy of your valid work permit that was issued under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members

    If you’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you don’t have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine), you must also include

    • proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example
      • a marriage certificate
      • proof of a common-law relationship
      • birth certificates for children
    • documents showing the date you left Palestine, for example
      • a travel itinerary
      • boarding passes
      • passport stamps
  2. Sign in to your account to start your application

    1. Sign in or create an IRCC secure account to start your application.
    2. After you sign in, go to the “Start your application” section on the account welcome page.
    3. Click on “Apply to come to Canada.”
    4. On the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section.
    5. Click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button.

    IRCC secure account

    If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

    Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online due to

    • a disability that prevents you from applying online or
    • a problem with the online application system

    Choose the option “I need help with something else.”

    Complete all required fields in the form and include “PSE2026” in the text box.

  3. Tell us you want to apply under an active public policy

    When answering the questions in the online application, answer “yes” to the following question:

    “Does one of the following apply to you?"

    • I am subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
    • I applied for a study or work permit before entering Canada that was approved, but not issued at a port of entry.
    • I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student, in Canada with visitor status.
    • I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
    • I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
    • I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first stage approval) under one of the following classes:
      • spouse or common-law partner in Canada
      • humanitarian and compassionate cases
      • protected persons in Canada
      • live-in caregiver in Canada
  4. Upload your forms and supporting documents

    After you finish answering all the questions in your online application, you need to upload your completed forms and supporting documents.

    Where to upload your supporting documents

    • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
    • Under “Client Information,” upload
      • the letter that says you’re applying under the 2026 Palestine special measures
      • a copy of your valid work permit
      • proof of your travel date (if required)
      • proof of your family relationship (if required)

     You can only upload 1 file to each upload field. Find out how to combine your documents into 1 file.

  5. Pay the application fees

    We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application. You’ll need a valid credit or debit card.

    Type of fee Amount
    Work permit processing $155
    Open work permit fee $100
    Biometrics fee if you need to give biometrics

    Individual: $85
    Family: up to $170

  6. Submit a complete application

    Make sure you submit a complete application in your IRCC secure account. Your application may be refused if you’re missing documents or other required information.

After you apply

If your status expires while your application is being processed

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail your document to the Canadian address you gave us in your application.

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to inform us of your new address.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab).

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “PSE2026” in the text box.

Apply for an open work permit

  • Make sure you’re eligible.
  • Follow the steps to apply.
  • You don’t have to pay application fees.

Who can apply under these measures

You can apply under these measures if you meet one of the following sets of requirements:

  • You have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine).
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.

Or

  • You’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You and your Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member both left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
  • You’re in Canada
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.
Definition of family member

A family member is defined as

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply.

  1. Get your forms and supporting documents ready

    The forms and supporting documents you need are listed below.

    Forms

    Supporting documents

    You must include

    • a copy of the photo or identification page of your passport (or other travel document issued by the State of Palestine)
    • proof of the date you entered Canada
      • such a copy of a visitor record or passport entry stamp
    • a written letter that says you’re applying under the PSE2026 Palestine special measures and you’re exempt from paying application fees

    If you’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you don’t have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine), you must also include

    • proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example
      • a marriage certificate
      • proof of a common-law relationship
      • birth certificates for children
    • documents showing the date you left Palestine, for example
      • a travel itinerary
      • boarding passes
      • passport stamps
  2. Sign in to your account to start your application

    1. Sign in or create an IRCC secure account to start your application.
    2. After you sign in, go to the “Start your application” section on the account welcome page.
    3. Click on “Apply to come to Canada.”
    4. On the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section.
    5. Click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button.

    IRCC secure account

    If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

    Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online due to

    • a disability that prevents you from applying online or
    • a problem with the online application system

    Choose the option “I need help with something else.”

    Complete all required fields in the form and include “PSE2026” in the text box.

  3. Tell us you want to apply under an active public policy

    When answering the questions in the online application, make sure you answer as follows:

    • Answer “yes” to the question

      “Does one of the following apply to you?"

      • I am subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
      • I applied for a study or work permit before entering Canada that was approved, but not issued at a port of entry.
      • I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student, in Canada with visitor status.
      • I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
      • I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
      • I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first stage approval) under one of the following classes:
        • spouse or common-law partner in Canada
        • humanitarian and compassionate cases
        • protected persons in Canada
        • live-in caregiver in Canada
    • Answer “No, I am exempt from paying application fees for this application” to the question, “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  4. Upload your forms and supporting documents

    After you finish answering all the questions in your online application, you need to upload your completed forms and supporting documents.

    Where to upload your supporting documents

    • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
    • Under “Proof of fee exemption” upload the letter that says you’re applying under the PSE2026 Palestine special measures and you’re exempt from paying application fees
    • Under “Client Information,” upload
      • the letter that says you’re applying under the 2026 Palestine special measures
      • a copy of your valid work permit
      • proof of your travel date (if required)
      • proof of your family relationship (if required)

     You can only upload 1 file to each upload field. Find out how to combine your documents into 1 file.

  5. Submit a complete application

    Make sure you submit a complete application in your IRCC secure account. Your application may be refused if you’re missing documents or other required information.

After you apply

If your status expires while your application is being processed

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail your document to the Canadian address you gave us in your application.

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to inform us of your new address.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab).

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “PSE2026” in the text box.

Apply for a study permit

Who can apply under these measures

You can apply under these measures if you meet one of the following sets of requirements:

  • You have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine).
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.

Or

  • You’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You and your Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member both left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.
Definition of family member

A family member is defined as

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply.

  1. Get your forms and supporting documents ready

    The forms and supporting documents you need are listed below.

    Forms

    Supporting documents

    You must include

    • a copy of the photo or identification page of your passport (or other travel document issued by the State of Palestine)
    • proof of the date you entered Canada
      • such a copy of a visitor record or passport entry stamp
    • a written letter that says you’re applying under the PSE2026 Palestine special measures and you’re exempt from paying application fees

    If you’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you don’t have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine), you must also include

    • proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example
      • a marriage certificate
      • proof of a common-law relationship
      • birth certificates for children
    • documents showing the date you left Palestine, for example
      • a travel itinerary
      • boarding passes
      • passport stamps
  2. Sign in to your account to start your application

    1. Sign in or create an IRCC secure account to start your application.
    2. After you sign in, go to the “Start your application” section on the account welcome page.
    3. Click on “Apply to come to Canada.”
    4. On the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section.
    5. Click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button.

    IRCC secure account

    If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

    Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online due to

    • a disability that prevents you from applying online or
    • a problem with the online application system

    Choose the option “I need help with something else.”

    Complete all required fields in the form and include “PSE2026” in the text box.

  3. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist

    When answering the questions in the online application, make sure you answer as follows:

    • Answer “yes” to the question
      “Does one of the following apply to you?

      • I am subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
      • I applied for a study or work permit before entering Canada that was approved, but not issued at a port of entry.
      • I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student, in Canada with visitor status.
      • I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
      • I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
      • I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first stage approval) under one of the following classes:
        • spouse or common-law partner in Canada
        • humanitarian and compassionate cases
        • protected persons in Canada
        • live-in caregiver in Canada
    • Answer “No, I am exempt from paying application fees for this application” to the question, “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  4. Upload your forms and supporting documents

    After you finish answering all the questions in your online application, you need to upload your completed forms and supporting documents.

    Where to upload your supporting documents

    • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
    • Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload the letter that says you’re applying under the PSE2026 Palestine special measures and you’re exempt from paying application fees
    • Under “Client Information,” upload
      • the letter that says you’re applying under the 2026 Palestine special measures
      • a copy of your valid work permit
      • proof of your travel date (if required)
      • proof of your family relationship (if required)

     You can only upload 1 file to each upload field. Find out how to combine your documents into 1 file.

  5. Submit a complete application

    Make sure you submit a complete application in your IRCC secure account. Your application may be refused if you’re missing documents or other required information.

After you apply

If your status expires while your application is being processed

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail your document to the Canadian address you gave us in your application.

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to inform us of your new address.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab).

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “PSE2026” in the text box.

Extend your stay as a visitor

  • Follow the steps to below to apply for a study permit under these measures.
  • You don’t have to pay application fees.

Who can apply under these measures

You can apply under these measures if you meet one of the following sets of requirements:

  • You have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine).
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.

Or

  • You’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You and your Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member both left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.
Definition of family member

A family member is defined as

How to apply

Follow the steps below to apply.

  1. Get your forms and supporting documents ready

    The forms and supporting documents you need are listed below.

    Forms

    Supporting documents

    You must include

    • a copy of the photo or identification page of your passport (or other travel document issued by the State of Palestine)
    • proof of the date you entered Canada
      • such a copy of a visitor record or passport entry stamp
    • a written letter that says you’re applying under the PSE2026 Palestine special measures and you’re exempt from paying application fees

    If you’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and you don’t have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine), you must also include

    • proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example
      • a marriage certificate
      • proof of a common-law relationship
      • birth certificates for children
    • documents showing the date you left Palestine, for example
      • a travel itinerary
      • boarding passes
      • passport stamps
  2. Sign in to your account to start your application

    1. Sign in or create an IRCC secure account to start your application.
    2. After you sign in, go to the “Start your application” section on the account welcome page.
    3. Click on “Apply to come to Canada.”
    4. On the next page, scroll down to the “I do not have a personal reference code” section.
    5. Click on the “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” button.

    IRCC secure account

    If you can’t apply online and need accommodations

    Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online due to

    • a disability that prevents you from applying online or
    • a problem with the online application system

    Choose the option “I need help with something else.”

    Complete all required fields in the form and include “PSE2026” in the text box.

  3. Tell us you’re exempt from paying application fees

    When answering the questions in the online application, answer “No, I am exempt from paying application fees for this application” to the question, “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”

  4. Upload your forms and supporting documents

    After you finish answering all the questions in your online application, you need to upload your completed forms and supporting documents.

    Where to upload your supporting documents

    • Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
    • Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload the letter that says you’re applying under the PSE2026 Palestine special measures and you’re exempt from paying application fees
    • Under “Client Information,” upload
      • the letter that says you’re applying under the 2026 Palestine special measures
      • a copy of your valid work permit
      • proof of your travel date (if required)
      • proof of your family relationship (if required)

     You can only upload 1 file to each upload field. Find out how to combine your documents into 1 file.

  5. Submit a complete application

    Make sure you submit a complete application in your IRCC secure account. Your application may be refused if you’re missing documents or other required information.

After you apply

If your status expires while your application is being processed

If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.

Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.

If your application is approved

We’ll mail your document to the Canadian address you gave us in your application.

If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to inform us of your new address.

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab).

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “PSE2026” in the text box.

Apply for a temporary resident permit (TRP)

Apply for a temporary resident permit if you

  • currently have a TRP that is expiring soon, or
  • have a compelling reason to stay in Canada but are not eligible for temporary residence anymore

If you no longer meet all of the requirements for temporary residence, we may issue you a TRP, depending on your specific circumstances.

There is no guarantee you’ll be issued a TRP. An immigration officer will make the final decision.

Learn more about TRPs.

Who can apply under these measures

You can apply under these measures if you meet one of the following sets of requirements:

  • You have a Palestinian passport (or another travel document issued by the State of Palestine).
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.

Or

  • You’re a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You and your Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member both left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
  • You entered Canada on or before September 30, 2027.
  • You’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
    • when you apply, and
    • when a decision is made on your application
  • You have not previously applied for an open work permit, a study permit or an extension of your stay in Canada under one of the public policies for Palestinians and eligible family members.
Definition of family member

A family member is defined as

How to apply

Apply for a TRP

Follow the instructions below to apply.

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms and supporting documents in a 23 cm × 30.5 cm (9″ × 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.
  • Address the envelope as follows:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write “PSE2026” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.

If you’re applying as a family

Each family member must submit their own application; however, you can send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton in 1 envelope.

Apply for a TRP and a work permit

Follow the instructions below to apply.

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms and supporting documents in a 23 cm × 30.5 cm (9″ × 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.
  • Address the envelope as follows:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write “PSE2026” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.

If you’re applying as a family

Each family member must submit their own application; however, you can send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton in 1 envelope.

If you’re currently working with a work permit and your temporary resident permit expires before we finalize your application

You must stop working until we issue you

  • a new temporary resident permit, and
  • a work permit that authorizes you to work

Apply for a TRP and a study permit

Follow the instructions below to apply.

Mailing instructions

  • Put the completed forms and supporting documents in a 23 cm × 30.5 cm (9″ × 12″) envelope. Do not include a prepaid envelope with your application.
  • Address the envelope as follows:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB T5J 4C3

  • Write “PSE2026” on the mailing envelope and on the first page of the application or covering document.

If you’re applying as a family

Each family member must submit their own application; however, you can send all the documents to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton in 1 envelope.

If you’re currently studying with a study permit and your temporary resident permit expires before we finalize your application

You must stop working until we issue you

  • a new temporary resident permit, and
  • a work permit that authorizes you to work

How to contact us

If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab).

  • Complete all required fields.
  • Include “PSE2026” in the text box.

Immigration measures are only in place for those who are in the above situations.

If you’re not in either situation, explore our other immigration programs to see if there’s one for you.

Explore immigration programs

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