On April 24, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement an extension of a temporary public policy that permits foreign nationals currently in Gaza to enter Canada as visitors. This policy offers exemptions from certain entry requirements, allowing individuals to gain access to safety while the conflict in Gaza persists.
This new extension will last until March 31, 2028, although it can be revoked by the Canadian government at any time during this period. This measure is particularly relevant for those who had been granted a temporary resident visa under earlier special provisions.
Who Qualifies Under the Extended Policy?
The extended policy specifically targets foreign nationals who meet the following criteria:
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- They currently hold a temporary resident visa (TRV) issued under prior iterations of the temporary policy for individuals in Gaza.
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- They seek to enter Canada as visitors.
What Does the Policy Do?
This extension builds upon previous measures intended to facilitate entry for foreign nationals in Gaza. It allows eligible individuals to enter Canada while benefiting from specific exemptions related to standard entry requirements.
Under usual circumstances, foreign nationals wishing to enter Canada as visitors must demonstrate two main points to the immigration officer at the port of entry:
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- They will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
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- They are not inadmissible on financial grounds (meaning they can meet the financial requirements typically required for a visitor visa)
However, under this temporary public policy, eligible foreign nationals from Gaza are exempt from these requirements, thereby enabling their travel to Canada without facing refusal on these specific grounds. It is important to note that all other standard eligibility and admissibility criteria for visitors remain applicable.
Background
The special measures for Gaza were first introduced by IRCC in December 2023 and were subsequently updated in April 2024. These measures were designed to provide a temporary route to safety for Palestinian nationals from Gaza who have close family members residing in Canada.
The updated policy consists of three parts, with the current extension applying only to the third part. The initial two parts, which involved application facilitation, have since expired, and the TRV application pathway is no longer available for new applicants. A cap of 5,000 applications was established for processing when the updated policy was enacted.
Part 3 allows individuals approved under Parts 1 or 2 to enter Canada as visitors, despite standard entry barriers. This part has already been extended twice; the first extension occurred in March 2025, and the latest, signed on April 20, 2026, extends the provisions until March 31, 2028.
FAQ
What should I do if I am in Gaza and have a TRV?
If you are currently in Gaza and hold a TRV that was issued under the previous policy, you should prepare to travel to Canada as a visitor before the policy expires in 2028.
Are there any other requirements to enter Canada under this policy?
While the policy exempts you from certain requirements, all other standard eligibility and admissibility criteria for visitors still apply.
Can the Canadian government revoke this policy before it expires?
Yes, the Canadian government retains the right to revoke this temporary public policy at any time before the expiration date of March 31, 2028.
Reality Check
While this extension provides a significant opportunity for those in Gaza, it is essential to be aware of the risks and limitations involved. The policy may not guarantee entry into Canada, as individuals must still meet other eligibility criteria. Those considering this option should verify details on the official IRCC page for the most accurate and up-to-date information. It is advisable for individuals to consult with immigration professionals or legal experts to ensure they fully understand their situation before proceeding.
