Canada Extends Temporary Immigration Measures for Palestinians Until December 2027
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has updated its temporary measures for Palestinians who are currently in Canada and unable to return home, as well as for those who wish to come to Canada but have been unable to leave Gaza. The update was announced in an official notice published on canada.ca on July 31, 2026.
According to IRCC, the previous special measures supporting Palestinians and foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Canada were set to expire on July 31, 2026. Given the continued volatility in the region, IRCC has now implemented what it describes as a balanced extension of these measures, with the new provisions set to expire on December 30, 2027.
What This Extension Actually Covers?
The updated measures have two main components.
- First, individuals already in Canada who received an open work permit under the previous temporary measures may now apply to extend that permit. Standard processing fees apply to these extensions. Those who wish to extend a visitor visa or study permit can do so through IRCC’s existing application channels.
- Second, eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, and who did not apply under the previous temporary measures, may now apply from within Canada for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits, or temporary resident status extensions.
Why IRCC Made This Update?
According to the notice, many eligible Palestinians have been unable to leave Gaza to provide biometrics and complete their applications due to factors outside Canada’s control. This updated measure is designed to ensure that eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada by September 30, 2027, can still access the same temporary measures available to those who have arrived since 2023, rather than being excluded simply because circumstances prevented them from applying earlier.
Current Numbers
As of May 31, 2026, IRCC reported 2,383 valid work permits and 236 valid study permits issued to Palestinian passport holders in Canada.
Additional Support Available
Beyond these immigration measures, Canada continues to support displaced Palestinians through temporary financial assistance, interim federal health coverage, and access to comprehensive settlement services once they arrive in the country.
What You Should Do Next?
- If you currently hold an open work permit issued under the previous temporary measures, apply for an extension before your current permit expires, and be prepared to pay standard processing fees
- If you hold a visitor visa or study permit and wish to extend it, apply through IRCC’s standard existing channels rather than a separate process
- If you are an eligible Palestinian who has not yet been able to leave Gaza, note the September 30, 2027 arrival deadline to access fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits, or status extensions
- Keep documentation of your circumstances if delays in providing biometrics or completing an application were due to factors beyond your control
- Check IRCC’s official special measures page directly for the most current details, since these provisions can be updated again before their new expiry date
Book Your Consultation!
Temporary measures like this one involve specific deadlines, fee exemptions, and eligibility conditions that can be easy to misread, especially when your status in Canada or your ability to travel is already uncertain. If you want clarity on how these updated measures apply to your specific situation, book a consultation with Flowertown Immigration. Our licensed RCIC consultant will walk you through it clearly and honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do Canada’s updated temporary measures for Palestinians expire?
The updated measures are set to expire on December 30, 2027, extending the previous special measures that were originally scheduled to expire on July 31, 2026.
Can I still apply for a fee-exempt permit if I arrive in Canada after July 31, 2026?
Yes. Eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, and who did not apply under the previous temporary measures, may apply from within Canada for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits, or temporary resident status extensions.
Do I need to pay a fee to extend an open work permit I already received under the previous measures?
Yes. Standard processing fees apply to extensions of open work permits that were originally issued under the earlier temporary measures.
How many Palestinians currently hold valid permits in Canada under these measures?
As of May 31, 2026, IRCC reported 2,383 valid work permits and 236 valid study permits issued to Palestinian passport holders in Canada.
What other support is available to Palestinians who arrive in Canada under these measures?
Beyond immigration status extensions, Canada provides temporary financial assistance, interim federal health coverage, and access to comprehensive settlement services to displaced Palestinians once they arrive in the country.