Today Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the opening of the new temporary resident pathway for extended family members in Gaza of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
This measure aims to provide a ‘temporary safe haven’ for Palestinians directly affected by the crisis in Gaza, allowing them to join their family members in Canada who are willing to support them.
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Eligibility Criteria For Temporary Resident Pathway
This new temporary resident pathway includes the following family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents:
- Spouses and Common-law partners
- Children and Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Parents and Grandparents
Furthermore, immediate family members of the above groups, such as spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and dependent grandchildren, are also eligible for this temporary residence program.
The temporary resident visas issued through this initiative will be valid for up to three years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
It’s important to note that applicants must still meet all the necessary requirements, including providing biometrics, before they can be approved to come to Canada. The process is designed to ensure a smooth transition for those seeking refuge in Canada during these challenging times.
Support Measures in Canada
Once eligible individuals arrive in Canada, they can apply for a fee-exempt study permit or open work permit to help support themselves during this challenging period. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) mentions that this will be beneficial while the crisis continues.
Additionally, these temporary residents will receive three months of health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program upon their arrival to address any urgent medical needs. They will also have access to settlement services, including language training and assistance in connecting with the job market and local community.
These measures will be in effect until January 9th, 2025, or until 1,000 temporary resident visa applications have been received and are being processed, whichever comes first.
The government assures that it will closely monitor the situation and adjust immigration solutions as needed. The IRCC also emphasizes that they will prioritize the processing of existing permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams.
Challenges in Exiting Gaza
Canada is actively collaborating with partners in the region to facilitate the exit of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members. However, leaving Gaza remains extremely challenging due to entry and exit requirements imposed by various countries and entities in the region.
For inquiries or assistance, a dedicated service channel has been set up, and individuals can contact the IRCC at +1-613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted.
