IRCC offers financial assistance for Gazans arriving in Canada. The department states that this assistance will help Gazans meet their basic needs upon arrival, like food, shelter, and clothing, while they look for work. Moreover, IRCC will release more details about the program ‘when available.’ 

The immigration minister, Marc Miller, states that offering settlement and financial support is critical to addressing the immediate challenges faced by Gazans seeking safety in Canada.  

In addition to the financial support, Gazans fleeing conflict in the region will benefit from the following: 

  • Three months of temporary health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to help address urgent medical needs upon arrival
  • Settlement services like language training, information about and orientation to life in Canada and information as well as services to help find them a job. 

So far, 4,245 applications have been accepted into processing under IRCC’s temporary resident pathway for Palestinian extended family in Gaza and 733 people have been approved to come to Canada. These individuals had Temporary Resident Visa applications in progress and were able to submit their biometrics. 

IRCC states that movement out of Gaza is extremely challenging because of factors outside of Canada’s control and that it is working with local authorities to help extended family members of Canadians. 

As of October 5, 334 people have arrived in Canada through the temporary policy. 

Canada has also declared that it will provide $140 million in humanitarian assistance to address urgent needs in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Israel, and neighboring areas. Funding will go to essentials such as food, water, and emergency medical assistance in these areas. 

Wider Measures On Humanitarian Grounds 

IRCC offers financial assistance for Gazans arriving in Canada. The department has instituted a number of measures for both Palestinian and Israeli citizens who the conflict in the Middle East has impacted. 

For instance, in January of this year, IRCC instituted a new policy for Palestinians present in the Gaza Strip who are related to a Canadian citizen or permanent residents that will support their transition to life in Canada. 

For the purposes of this policy, related is defined as being the: 

  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner 
  • Sibling 
  • Children or Grandchildren
  • Parents or Grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident 

Successful applicants to this pathway have the opportunity to obtain temporary resident status in Canada for up to three years, allowing them to potentially work and/ or study in Canada during this time. Family members of applicants eligible for this pathway could also apply for a study/ work permit when joining their family members in Canada. 

Concurrently with the above policy, IRCC has also streamlined the processing of family-class applications for permanent residence for those with Palestinian family members impacted by the ongoing conflict in the region.  

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490, or you can drop us an email at [email protected].