A new temporary public policy will allow eligible foreign nationals of Palestine in Canada to apply for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits and extensions of temporary status.
Who the policy is intended to support
The policy is intended for eligible foreign nationals who arrive in Canada with temporary resident status by September 30, 2027, and who have not already received an exemption under earlier in-Canada public policies for Palestinians.
It includes nationals of Palestine in Canada as temporary residents who hold a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority and meet the policy’s conditions. It also covers certain family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023, including those arriving following assisted departures.
Fee-exempt in-Canada applications
Eligible applicants may apply from within Canada for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits and temporary resident permits. The policy also allows eligible temporary residents to extend their status without paying application fees.
The measures provide exemptions from specified regulatory requirements that can otherwise limit applications for work permits or study permits after entering Canada, as well as application-fee requirements for work permits, study permits, temporary resident permits and extensions of temporary status.
Other requirements and policy dates
Applicants remain subject to all other applicable eligibility and admissibility requirements that are not specifically exempted under the policy.
The public policy takes effect on August 1, 2026, and expires on December 30, 2027. It applies to applications received from its effective date until it expires or is revoked. The policy may be revoked without prior notice.
Source: Official IRCC announcement