Temporary public policy: extensions of open work permits for eligible foreign nationals who left Palestine
Overview
Canada published a temporary public policy on August 24, 2026 that allows certain foreign nationals who left Palestine to apply for an extension of an open work permit. It covers people already in Canada whose current work permits were issued under one of seven earlier temporary public policies related to nationals and family members from Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The policy applies to applications received on or after August 1, 2026 and is in effect until December 30, 2027 (it may be revoked at any time).
Which earlier policies are covered
This extension applies only to work permits originally issued under these seven measures:
– 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
Who can apply
To qualify for an open work permit extension under this policy, an applicant must:
– Have left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023
– Hold valid temporary resident status in Canada at time of application
– Be either a national of Palestine or a family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Palestine on or after October 7, 2023
– Nationals of Palestine must hold a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority
Each person may receive only one extension under this policy, and the extension applies only to permits originally issued under one of the seven listed policies.
Key limits and requirements
The policy exempts applicants only from the usual requirement that a work permit holder fit into an eligible worker category under paragraph 200(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (i.e., certain IMP/TFWP criteria). All other standard requirements remain in force. Applicants must still, for example:
– Not be inadmissible for criminality
– Meet medical admissibility standards (no excessive demand)
– Show financial means to support themselves
– Satisfy the officer they intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay
Duration and officer discretion
Work permit length is discretionary. Officers commonly consider periods up to two years, or up to the expiry date of the applicant’s travel document, whichever is earlier.
How family is defined
The policy uses the Regulations’ definition of “family member,” which includes spouse or common‑law partner and dependent children (including certain dependent relationships through spouses or grandchildren). Generally, a dependent child is under 22 and not in a conjugal relationship; older children may qualify only if they were financially dependent before age 22 and remain dependent due to a physical or mental condition.
Practical points and preparation
– Apply only if your application will be received on or after August 1, 2026 and you maintain valid temporary resident status.
– Gather proof of departure from Palestine (on/after October 7, 2023), your current temporary resident status, and evidence that your existing work permit was issued under one of the seven listed policies.
– Palestinian nationals must provide a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority.
– Be aware of the single-extension limit and how travel-document expiry may affect permitted duration.
– Even if eligible, issuance and length remain at the officer’s discretion and the policy may be revoked.
Why this matters
For eligible people, an approved extension can preserve the legal ability to work in Canada and support household and employer stability. The measure is temporary and intended as a bridge, not a route to permanent status.
For personalized support with your Canadian immigration pathway, contact GTR Immigration. Call us: +91-8810-686-447
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