Financial Support for Gazans Arriving in Canada
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release
Canada is taking steps to address the dire conditions in Gaza by ensuring support for Gazans arriving in the country. Despite the challenges of leaving Gaza, financial aid measures have been put in place to assist new arrivals.
January 16, 2025—Ottawa—The Canadian government, under the guidance of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is offering transitional financial assistance to Palestinians arriving in Canada. This support helps cover essential needs like food, clothing, and housing as they join relatives across the nation.
The aid includes a one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under). This payment is available in stages, starting with individuals arriving by March 31, 2025. Applicants should have a Canadian bank account for direct deposit. Learn more about eligibility and application.
Additionally, those applying for temporary measures for extended family in Gaza will have their TRV and biometrics fees refunded. These initiatives complement support for Canadians and permanent residents from the region.
Minister’s Statement
“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.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Information
- Parliamentary approval is needed for funding people arriving after March 31, 2025.
- As of January 4, 2025:
- 4,782 applications are being processed under the temporary resident pathway for Palestinian extended family in Gaza.
- 1,014 people have completed their TRV applications and are approved to come to Canada.
- 616 individuals have already arrived under the temporary public policy.
- Additionally, 473 people who left Gaza after September 1, 2023, may be eligible for support upon their arrival in Canada.
- The temporary resident pathway will close on April 22, 2025, or after 5,000 TRV applications are processed, whichever comes first.
- Canada has pledged an additional $50 million for urgent needs in Gaza and the West Bank, raising its total international assistance to $215 million since the conflict began.
Related Information
- Financial assistance for Gazans arriving in Canada
- Statement by Minister Miller on increasing the cap for the special measures for Gaza
Contact Information
Media Contacts:
Renée LeBlanc Proctor
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Sector
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca
FAQ
What financial assistance is available for Gazans arriving in Canada?
Eligible Gazans can receive a one-time payment of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child to cover basic needs.
Who qualifies for the temporary resident pathway?
The pathway is open to Palestinian extended family members in Gaza, closing on April 22, 2025, or after 5,000 applications.
How can I apply for financial assistance?
Applications should be submitted upon arrival in Canada. More details can be found here.
What other support is available?
Temporary resident visa and biometrics fees will be refunded for those applying for the temporary measures.
What is Canada’s humanitarian response to the crisis?
Canada has committed $215 million in aid to address urgent needs in Gaza and the West Bank.
