Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is significantly expanding its humanitarian support for Palestinian families in Gaza by increasing the intake cap under a temporary special measure. This measure is designed to help reunite extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are currently trapped in Gaza.
Initially, the Canadian government committed to processing 1,000 temporary resident visa (TRV) applications under this initiative. On May 27, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that this cap has now been raised to 5,000, reflecting Canada’s continued commitment to supporting families amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.
“We’ve been issuing more web codes so people can begin the application process for temporary visas,” Minister Miller said, acknowledging that physical movement out of Gaza remains a challenge. He added, “The situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves. Our focus remains on keeping families together.”
To support this effort, IRCC is working with local authorities in Gaza by providing names of individuals who have completed preliminary eligibility screening to aid in coordinating safe departures once conditions allow.
To qualify for the program, applicants must fall into one of two eligibility groups. Group 1 includes individuals who were in the Gaza Strip at the time of application submission, possess a valid travel document from the Palestinian Authority, and are an eligible family member of a Canadian “anchor.” Acceptable relationships include spouses, children (of any age), parents, grandparents, siblings (including half and adopted siblings), and grandchildren.
Group 2 extends eligibility to the immediate family members of Group 1 applicants—specifically their spouses, dependent children, or grandchildren. All applicants must pass standard admissibility checks, except financial requirements.
Eligible “anchors”—the Canadian family members who are sponsoring the applicants—must be at least 18 years old, currently living or intending to live in Canada, and willing to support their family members for one year.
Applicants may also need a medical exam if they spent six consecutive months in a designated country or territory before arriving in Canada. This exam can be completed after departure from Gaza.
To initiate the process, eligible individuals must submit a statutory declaration along with a consent form authorizing IRCC to collect and share personal information where necessary.
This expanded measure comes during an ongoing conflict in Gaza that has made international travel nearly impossible, underlining Canada’s readiness to act when safe passage becomes feasible.