Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled temporary immigration initiatives to assist family members of Canadians and permanent residents currently in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. As well as Israelis and Palestinians already residing in Canada.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, these measures aim to: “Facilitate the departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their eligible family members” from the affected region.
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One of the measures involves implementing fee-exempt study or open work permits in Canada. To qualify, the foreign national must be a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Those, who has departed from Israel and the Palestinian Territories, either with their family or independently, since the onset of the ongoing regional conflict.
Moreover, Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada expressing concerns about returning may also meet the criteria for these permits. However, eligible individuals must have a valid temporary resident status to submit their applications.
Vibrant Communities in Canada
Canada boasts substantial Israeli and Palestinian populations. Mainly attributable to the nation’s commitment to multiculturalism, along with abundant opportunities for work, study, and immigration. The immigration history of both communities dates back to the 1950s.
According to the 2021 census, Canada is home to over 45,000 individuals of Palestinian descent and more than 35,000 individuals of Israeli descent. Furthermore, Israeli citizens are permitted to hold dual citizenship with Canada.
Canada’s steadfast policy of multiculturalism ensures that every individual is entitled to equal rights under Canadian law, irrespective of their ethnic origin, religious affiliation, or nationality. This policy significantly contributes to the country’s remarkable success in newcomer immigration and integration efforts. Positioning Canada as a leader among modern nations.
Prioritizing Family-Class Sponsorship Applications for PR
IRCC is set to prioritize processing existing permanent residency applications for Palestinians under family-based streams, specifically family class sponsorship.
Under this initiative, eligible applicants include: The spouse, common-law partner, child (of any age), grandchild, sibling, parent, or grandparent of a Canadian or permanent resident, along with their immediate family members.
For this measure to apply, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must presently reside in Canada and provide proof of the relationship, such as:
- A copy of the child’s or grandchild’s birth certificate.
- A copy of the child’s or grandchild’s baptismal certificate.
- Another official document confirming the applicant as the parent or grandparent. Such as a family book or civil registration documents.
The department assures that they’ll release additional details on these measures soon. In the interim, IRCC has established a dedicated service channel for inquiries related to these special measures. Accessible to clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted.
IRCC emphasizes that clients can also check online and expedite their inquiry by adding the keyword “MOME2023” to the IRCC crisis web form.
Furthermore, permanent residents and family members of permanent residents and Canadian citizens may qualify to apply online for time-limited medical coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program. Catering to immediate medical needs upon their arrival after being assisted in departing from Gaza.
