IRCC Extends Temporary Measures for Palestinians: What You Need to Know
On July 31, 2026, IRCC extended its temporary measures for Palestinians affected by the Gaza crisis to December 30, 2027. The extension lets current open work permit holders apply to renew, and lets newly-arriving eligible Palestinians (arriving on or before September 30, 2027) apply from within Canada for fee-exempt permits. Here's what the original measures covered, what's changed, and how to act on it.
What were Canada's original temporary measures for Palestinians?
Since 2023, Canada has offered special temporary measures to two groups: Palestinians already in Canada who can't safely return home, and foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who were trying to leave Gaza to reunite with their loved ones. Eligible applicants could get open work permits, extend visitor or study permits, and access other temporary resident benefits. Once in Canada, they could also access settlement supports like interim federal health coverage and temporary financial assistance.
These measures were originally set to expire on July 31, 2026.
What did IRCC change on July 31, 2026?
IRCC extended the measures to December 30, 2027, with two updates:
Open work permit holders issued a permit under the original measures can now apply to extend it (standard processing fees apply). Visitor and study permit holders can extend through IRCC's regular channels.
Eligible Palestinians who haven't applied yet and who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, can now apply from within Canada for a fee-exempt study permit, open work permit, temporary resident permit, or status extension.
Why does this extension matter?
For many Palestinians, leaving Gaza to complete biometrics and finish an application has simply not been possible because of border closures, safety risks, and disrupted infrastructure, through no fault of their own. As of May 2026, there were already 2,383 valid work permits and 236 valid study permits held by Palestinian passport holders in Canada. Without this extension, thousands of people who've been waiting for a chance to reach safety, or who are already here building a life, would have lost access to these protections when the original measures expired on July 31, 2026. The extension gives them another year and a half and a clearer path forward.
How Holt Immigration Law can help
Whether you're extending an existing open work permit, applying for the first time after arriving in Canada, or trying to figure out how these measures apply to your specific situation, the eligibility windows and fee exemptions can get confusing fast. Our team can review your circumstances, confirm what you qualify for, and help you put together a strong application before any deadline catches you off guard.
If this affects you or your family, reach out to us today. We're here to help.
Frequently asked questions
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The extended measures expire on December 30, 2027.
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Palestinians already in Canada who hold an open work permit issued under the original measures, and eligible Palestinians who arrive in Canada on or before September 30, 2027, and did not apply under the previous version of the measures.
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Yes. Eligible Palestinians who arrive by September 30, 2027, and did not previously apply can still apply from within Canada for a fee-exempt study permit, open work permit, temporary resident permit, or status extension. Those extending an existing open work permit pay standard processing fees.
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As of May 31, 2026, there were 2,383 valid work permits and 236 valid study permits issued to Palestinian passport holders in Canada.
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About the author:
Canadian Immigration Lawyer, LLM
Igor Kyryliuk
