Canada opens a new temporary pathway for Palestinians in Gaza. The measure is to help extended family members find a safe haven in Canada. Elaborating on measures first announced in December & enacted by the Canadian government to support the extended family of Canadians in the province, the federal government asserts that the extended family members of Palestinian Canadians will now be eligible for temporary residence through this new pathway.
The family members of permanent residents & Canadian citizens include:
- Spouses
- Children
- Grandchildren
- Siblings
- Parents & Grandparents
Moreover, immediate family members of any of the groups mentioned above will also be eligible through this new pathway. Temporary resident visas issued via this program will be valid for up to three years in length or until the candidate’s passport expires.
Note: IRCC clarifies that candidates for this, as well as other special humanitarian measures, should meet all admissibility requirements, like biometrics, before arriving in Canada. Canada opens a new temporary pathway for Palestinians in Gaza.
What Happens Once Eligible Applicants Reach Canada?
Since Canada opens a new temporary pathway for Palestinians in Gaza, IRCC has already begun to highlight what will happen once the family members of Canadians eligible for this new TR pathway reach Canada. IRCC further says that this will help them better support themselves in Canada.
Moreover, Canada’s immigration department notes that TRs arriving in Canada via this new pathway will be offered three months of health coverage under the Interim Federal Program to help address any urgent medical needs upon arrival.
In addition, TRs will also have access to settlement services, like language training & support connecting with the labor market & local community.
The above measures will be in place until January 9th, 2025, or until 1,000 temporary resident visa applications have been obtained & are in processing. However, the government has also stated that it will be closely monitoring the situation in concert with application volumes to better address immigration solutions as necessary. IRCC has also declared that, where possible, it will prioritize the processing of existing PR applications for Palestinians within family-based streams.