IRCC has issued instructions for a temporary public policy that gives eligible foreign nationals of Palestine and certain eligible family members in Canada access to fee-exempt temporary resident documents and permits.
Who may be eligible under the temporary public policy
The instructions apply to applications received on or after August 1, 2026. The public policy takes effect on that date and expires on December 30, 2027.
Eligible applicants may include foreign nationals holding a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority, as well as certain family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
Applicants must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status and must have an authorized period of stay that began on or before September 30, 2027, when they apply. They must also not have previously received facilitation under earlier temporary public policies related to the crisis in Gaza.
- Applicants must be physically present in Canada when applying and when a decision is made.
- Applications cannot be made at a port of entry.
- Applicants must still meet standard eligibility and admissibility requirements that are not exempted under the policy.
Fee-exempt permits and status extensions available in Canada
Eligible individuals may apply from within Canada for fee-exempt open work permits, study permits, temporary resident permits and extensions of temporary resident status.
The policy exempts eligible open work permit applicants from the usual requirement to qualify under an existing work permit category. Initial work permits and renewals may be issued for up to three years from the decision date, subject to passport or biometrics validity and the processing officer's discretion.
Eligible study permit applicants are exempt from the provincial attestation letter requirement. Study permit validity should be tied to the period of study and passport validity.
- Work permit and open work permit holder fees are waived for eligible applicants.
- Study permit fees are waived for eligible applicants.
- Temporary resident permit and visitor record fees are waived for eligible applicants.
Travel and status can affect eligibility
A foreign national who leaves Canada no longer holds their temporary resident status and must be examined again when returning to Canada. As a result, travel outside Canada before applying may affect eligibility under this policy.
Temporary absences after an application is submitted do not, on their own, affect eligibility. Applicants who have lost temporary resident status may seek restoration through regular channels, but restoration fees are not waived under this public policy.
Support services for some eligible clients
Some eligible clients may qualify for Interim Federal Health Program coverage, one-time transitional financial assistance and federally funded settlement services. Access to transitional financial assistance and settlement services requires a temporary resident document containing the MOME2023 remark.
Eligible clients may access federally funded settlement services until December 31, 2026. Those who are eligible but do not have the MOME2023 remark on their temporary resident document can notify IRCC through its crisis notification web form to begin the amendment process.
- One-time transitional financial assistance is listed at $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child.
- Canadian citizens are not eligible for Interim Federal Health Program coverage under these measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a person apply under these measures at a port of entry?
No. The instructions state that clients are not eligible to apply under this public policy at a port of entry.
Source: Official IRCC announcement