The Ottawa government has announced its official invitation for Gaza citizens to immigrate to Canada.
#REPORT: Trudeau Liberal immigration minister Marc Miller announced that taxpayers will be funding $3,000 direct payments to every adult refugee brought into Canada from Gaza, along with $1,500 for every Gazan child brought into the country. pic.twitter.com/MZ7YxvrL1G
— Canada Proud (@WeAreCanProud) January 17, 2025
“Canada remains deeply concerned about the catastrophic conditions faced by people in Gaza. While it is extremely difficult for people to exit Gaza at this time, Canada is making sure the necessary supports are in place for Gazans as they start to arrive in our country,” the Canadian government said in a release.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that Palestinian Authority citizens who have arrived in Canada can now apply to receive transitional financial assistance to help them and their family members meet their basic needs — such as food, clothing and housing — as they join their Canadian relatives in communities across Canada.
“Our commitment to supporting Palestinians fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not stop once they’ve arrived in Canada,” Miller said.
“Settlement support and this financial assistance are critical to address the immediate challenges that come with moving to a new country under such circumstances. We’ll continue advocating for the safety of everyone in the region while making sure that those who are in Canada have what they need to be successful in their new communities.”
Gazans immigrating to Canada will receive a “direct, one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under),” the government announced.
“To make sure those who are already in Canada, or will be arriving in the coming months, are able to quickly access financial assistance, we will be providing the one-time payments in stages, beginning with people who have arrived in Canada by March 31, 2025. Those people are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible upon arrival. As payments will be issued through direct deposit, applicants must have a bank account with a Canadian financial institution.”
Learn more about who is eligible and how to apply for financial assistance.
In addition, temporary resident visa (TRV) applications fees and biometrics fees will be refunded to people applying for the temporary measures for extended family in Gaza. Those who have already submitted their TRV application and paid the fees will receive a refund in the coming weeks, the government noted.
“These measures build on various supports we have put in place to help family members of Canadians and permanent residents from the region, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada.”
It’s important to note one caveat, however: the offer is good only until March 31, 2025.
As of January 4, 2025, 4,782 applications have been accepted into processing under the temporary resident pathway for Palestinian Authority extended family in Gaza; 1,014 people who exited Gaza and had TRV (temporary resident visa) applications in process were able to submit biometrics and complete their application, and have been approved to come to Canada; and 616 people have arrived in Canada under the temporary public policy.
In addition to the temporary measures, Palestinian Authority citizens and those impacted by the conflict who left Gaza on or after September 1, 2023, have been able to use IRCC’s (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) existing programs. As of January 4, 2025, an additional 473 people who fled Gaza and who have approved TRVs or temporary resident permits may also be eligible for supports, including financial assistance, once they arrive in Canada.
The temporary resident pathway for Palestinian Authority extended family in Gaza will close on April 22, 2025, or once 5,000 TRV applications are accepted into processing, whichever comes first.
