Canada Extends Work Permit Measures for Palestinians, Canadian Family Members
Canada open work permit extensions for Palestinians in Canada — new temporary public policy (Aug 24, 2026)
On August 24, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published a temporary public policy that allows eligible foreign nationals who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023 to apply for a one-time extension of an open work permit. The policy applies to people in Canada who hold work permits issued under seven earlier Palestine‑related temporary public policies. It helps preserve work authorization for certain displaced people and their qualifying family members.
How this builds on earlier measures
This measure does not create a new cohort. Instead, it extends options for people who previously received work permits under earlier temporary policies. The new policy covers work permits issued under seven earlier public policies signed on December 16, 2023; March 7, 2024; June 11, 2024; and July 31, 2025.
Who can apply
To qualify for this one‑time open work permit extension, an applicant must meet all of the following:
– Left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
– Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada when applying.
– Be either a national of Palestine or a qualifying family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023.
– If claiming Palestinian nationality, hold a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority.
– Hold a work permit that was issued under one of the seven listed temporary public policies.
The policy applies to applications received on or after August 1, 2026 and will remain in effect until December 30, 2027, unless revoked earlier. Each qualifying foreign national may receive only a single extension under this policy.
What the policy changes — and what it does not
The policy provides a targeted exemption from the usual work‑permit requirement in paragraph 200(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. That means eligible applicants do not have to show they fit one of the normal eligible‑worker categories under the International Mobility Program (IMP) or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The exemption is narrow. All other standard rules still apply: applicants must be admissible to Canada (no disqualifying criminality), meet medical and security requirements where required, demonstrate financial support for their stay, and satisfy the officer that they intend to leave Canada at the end of the authorized period. Work‑permit duration remains discretionary; officers commonly consider permits up to two years or up to the expiry of the applicant’s travel document, whichever comes first.
Operational points applicants should know
– Timing: Applies to applications received on or after August 1, 2026; policy runs to December 30, 2027 unless revoked.
– One extension only: Each person may receive a single extension under this policy.
– Duration: Officers set the permit length at their discretion, commonly up to two years or until the travel document expires.
– Family definition: The policy uses the family‑member definition in the Regulations (spouse or common‑law partner and dependent children, with the usual rules about dependence and age).
Documents and evidence to prioritize
Applicants should clearly document the criteria required by the policy:
– Proof of departure from Palestine on or after October 7, 2023 (if available).
– Palestinian passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority (where nationality is claimed).
– Evidence of current valid temporary resident status in Canada.
– Proof that the current work permit was issued under one of the listed temporary public policies.
– Supporting documents for admissibility and temporary resident requirements (police certificates, medical results if required, proof of funds or income, and any documents showing intent to comply with conditions of stay).
Key dates and named policies
– Eligible departure date from Palestine: October 7, 2023.
– New policy published: August 24, 2026. Applies to applications received on or after August 1, 2026.
– Policy expiry: December 30, 2027 (subject to earlier revocation).
– Relevant earlier temporary public policies whose permits qualify for extension:
– Temporary public policy for nationals of Israel and the Palestinian Territories who are in Canada as temporary residents — signed December 16, 2023.
– Temporary public policy for foreign nationals who are family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023 — signed December 16, 2023.
– Temporary public policy for nationals of Israel and the Palestinian Territories who are in Canada as a temporary resident — signed March 7, 2024.
– Temporary public policy for foreign nationals who are family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023 — signed March 7, 2024.
– Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Israel and the Palestinian Territories who are in Canada as temporary residents – Extension — signed June 11, 2024.
– Updated temporary public policy for foreign nationals who are family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023 – Extension — signed June 11, 2024.
– Temporary public policy for foreign nationals of the Palestinian Territories who are in Canada as temporary residents — signed July 31, 2025.
Next steps for applicants
Verify that your current work permit was issued under one of the listed temporary policies and confirm you have valid temporary resident status. Check the expiry of your passport or travel document and renew it if possible. Gather evidence of Palestinian nationality or qualifying family relationships and prepare documents that address admissibility (police certificates, medical results if required, proof of funds). Apply within the policy window and do not assume the policy will remain available indefinitely. Remember the extension is discretionary and limited to a single issuance per qualifying person.
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