IRCC has extended several special measures designed to help Canadians, permanent residents, and certain Palestinian nationals impacted by the ongoing crisis. These measures aim to support family reunification, maintain lawful status in Canada, and reduce uncertainty for those who cannot safely return.

Who may benefit: Some measures assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are trying to reunite with family members from Gaza by easing certain documentation and processing requirements. Others help Palestinian temporary residents who are already in Canada—such as workers, students or visitors—by facilitating extensions or applications that let them remain here lawfully while conditions remain unsafe.

What this can mean in practice:

• Status extensions or changes for eligible Palestinian nationals in Canada may be simplified, helping avoid lapses that could lead to out-of-status complications.

• Documentation flexibility in some cases helps family members who cannot obtain standard civil documents due to destroyed offices or closed services.

• Prioritization may apply to certain applications linked to the crisis, although standard admissibility and eligibility checks still apply.

Your next steps: If you or a family member might be covered, it’s essential to review eligibility carefully and prepare thorough, credible documentation. Even where flexibilities exist, IRCC expects clear evidence (identity, family relationships, country conditions). Because these are humanitarian-driven measures with evolving parameters, timelines can shift and additional guidance can be issued with little notice. We can help you assemble a strategy, choose the right application stream (temporary or permanent), and ensure your forms, letters and supporting evidence address IRCC’s concerns directly.

Remember: Special measures are not blanket approvals. They are targeted tools to reduce hardship in extreme circumstances, and decisions remain discretionary. Presenting a complete, well-organized file remains crucial.

Source: IRCC news release on extending measures to help Palestinians. Canada.ca