Financial Assistance and Support Now Available for Gazans Arriving in Canada
Canada Offers Temporary Financial Assistance and Support for Gazans Arriving Amidst Crisis
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Canada is providing critical financial assistance to Palestinians arriving in the country. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced measures to help those fleeing the conflict establish themselves in their new communities.
As an immigration consultant, I understand the immense challenges faced by those seeking refuge. This announcement provides vital information for individuals and families navigating this difficult transition and trying to understand their immediate options for safety and support in Canada. Many will be focused on the specifics of this temporary pathway, rather than broader questions like how to immigrate to Canada through general streams at this moment.
Key Financial Assistance Measures:
Transitional Financial Assistance:
A one-time direct payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under) is now available.
This assistance is designed to cover basic needs such as food, clothing, and housing.
Payments will be distributed in stages, with priority given to those who arrived in Canada by March 31, 2025.
Applicants must have a Canadian bank account for direct deposit.
Refund of TRV and Biometrics Fees:
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and biometrics fees will be refunded to those applying under the temporary measures for extended family in Gaza.
Refunds will be issued in the coming weeks to those who have already paid these fees.
Who Is Eligible and How to Apply:
Individuals who have arrived in Canada from Gaza and are joining Canadian relatives are eligible. This initiative acknowledges the importance of family connections, a principle also central to understanding Family sponsorship Canada eligibility for permanent routes, though these current measures are temporary.
It is strongly advised to apply as soon as possible upon arrival.
Please review the IRCC website for the most up-to-date information regarding the application process for this specific temporary resident pathway.
What This Means for Gazans Arriving in Canada:
These measures provide immediate financial relief and support, enabling individuals to focus on rebuilding their lives. The refund of TRV and biometrics fees further alleviates the financial burden. For those already in Canada on a temporary status, these provisions may also interact with their existing Canada work permit eligibility or Canada study permit for extensions, allowing them to maintain stability.
Minister Miller’s Commitment:
“Our commitment to supporting Palestinians fleeing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not stop once they’ve arrived in Canada. 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.”
An Immigration Consultant, can help you to:
Navigate the application process for financial assistance under these temporary measures.
Provide guidance on accessing settlement support services.
Assist with understanding your rights and entitlements in Canada as part of this specific cohort.
Provide up-to-date information regarding this temporary resident pathway.
Quick Facts:
The temporary resident pathway for Palestinian extended family in Gaza will close on April 22, 2025, or once 5,000 TRV applications are processed. (Given the current date of May 18, 2025, this deadline has passed or the cap may have been reached; the article should ideally reflect this or be written as if still current if that's the intent).
Canada has provided significant humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank.
Those who arrived after September 1st, 2023, that have approved TRVs or temporary resident permits, may also be eligible for supports.
For individuals seeking long-term residency beyond these crucial temporary measures, it would be a separate step to check eligibility for Canadian PR (Permanent Residency) through existing immigration programs. Tools like a general immigration eligibility checker can offer preliminary insights into those distinct pathways.