Crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories: Temporary special measures
Special measures for people living in Gaza
We’re introducing special measures for people who:
- currently live in Gaza and
- are extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
These measures are not yet available to apply to.
Due to the crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, temporary measures are in place for
- Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders in Canada
- foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who
- left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023
- are in Canada
- permanent residents of Canada who
- left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023
- are in Canada
Tell us about your situation to find out what temporary measures you may be eligible for.
Definition of family member
A family member is defined as a
- spouse or common-law partner
- dependent child (yours, your spouse’s or your common-law partner’s) or
- dependent child of a dependent child
You told us
- you’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
- you’re an Israeli national or a Palestinian passport holder
- you arrived in Canada as part of the assisted departures
Based on your answers, you can apply for the following from inside Canada:
- open work permit
- study permit
You may also be eligible to apply for temporary, limited health-care coverage
You may be eligible to apply for the Interim Federal Health Program to get temporary, limited health care coverage in Canada.
You’re also exempt from paying the following fees:
- work permit fee ($155)
- open work permit holder fee ($100)
- study permit fee ($150)
You told us
- you’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
- you’re an Israeli national or a Palestinian passport holder
- you did not arrive in Canada as part of the assisted departures
Based on your answers, you can apply for the following from inside Canada:
- open work permit
- study permit
You’re also exempt from paying the following fees:
- work permit fee ($155)
- open work permit holder fee ($100)
- study permit fee ($150)
You told us
- you’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
- you’re not an Israeli national or a Palestinian passport holder
- you’re the family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023.
- you arrived in Canada as part of the assisted departures
Based on your answers, you can apply for the following from inside Canada:
- open work permit
- study permit
You may also be eligible to apply for temporary, limited health-care coverage
You may be eligible to apply for the Interim Federal Health Program to get temporary, limited health care coverage in Canada.
You’re also exempt from paying the following fees:
- work permit fee ($155)
- open work permit holder fee ($100)
- study permit fee ($150)
You told us
- you’re in Canada with valid temporary resident status
- you’re not an Israeli national or a Palestinian passport holder
- you’re the family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023
- you did not arrive in Canada as part of the assisted departures
Based on your answers, you can apply for the following from inside Canada:
- open work permit
- study permit
You’re also exempt from paying the following fees:
- work permit fee ($155)
- open work permit holder fee ($100)
- study permit fee ($150)
You told us
- you’re a permanent resident of Canada who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023
- you arrived in Canada as part of the assisted departures
Apply for temporary, limited health care coverage
You may be eligible to apply for the Interim Federal Health Program and get temporary, limited health care coverage.
No special measures are available
Based on your answers, there are no special measures for your situation.
You chose study permit
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a study permit that will be valid for the length of your study program.
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
June 12, 2024
Who can apply
To apply under the temporary measures, you must
- be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply
- a decision is made on your application
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements
Studying in Canada as a minor child
Minor children may be able to study in Canada without a study permit but can still apply for one if they like. Learn more about studying in Canada as a minor.
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for a study permit
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must
- be enrolled at a DLI
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- your tuition fees
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required)
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
How to apply
You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.
If you can’t apply online
You can apply on paper if you meet one of the following exemptions:
- You can’t apply online because of a disability.
- There’s a barrier that
- prevents you from applying online or
- makes applying online unreliable
Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.
Complete all required fields in the form and include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.
Tips for filling out the forms:
- Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and have turned on JavaScript.
- If you have trouble downloading, saving or opening a form, visit our Help Centre (opens in a new tab).
- It’s easier to complete the forms on a computer.
- You don’t need to print and sign the forms to upload them to your online application. You sign your online application electronically (opens in a new tab).
Forms:
If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a study permit in Canada (opens in a new tab) :
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM 5709] (PDF, 0.49 MB)
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.53 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if somebody is applying for you, and you want them to be the main contact on your behalf.
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 1.52 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you want to allow us to release your personal information to someone else. This person will be able to get information on your case, for example, the status of your application.
- Custodianship Declaration [IMM 5646] (PDF, 1.02MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form to appoint a custodian if the person studying in Canada is a minor and will be in Canada without a parent or legal guardian. The custodian is responsible for taking care of and supporting the minor child while in Canada.
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 0.78 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you’re in a common-law relationship.
Supporting documents:
Include copies of the following documents:
- the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document if you have one
- a letter of acceptance(opens in a new tab) from the school that you’ll attend
- proof of financial support(opens in a new tab)
- a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures”
You may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate if you want to study in Quebec
If you want to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you need an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Government of Quebec. Your school can tell you how to apply for the CAQ.
Find out about the process and the documents you need (opens in a new tab) for studying in Quebec.
Step 2: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- submit your application forms
- check your status
Step 3. Start your online application
Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
- Click Apply to come to Canada.
- On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
- Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.
Step 4. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist
You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.
When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:
- Answer “Study” when asked What would you like to do in Canada?
- Answer “Temporarily – more than 6 months” when asked How long are you planning to stay in Canada?
- Answer “yes” when asked:
Does one of the following apply to you?- I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
- I applied for a study or work permit, before entering Canada, that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
- I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student in Canada with visitor status.
- I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
- I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
- I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first-stage approval) under one of the following classes:
- spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- humanitarian and compassionate cases
- protected persons in Canada
- live-in caregiver in Canada
- When you get your results, choose “Study Permit (in Canada)”.
Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application.” to the question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?
Step 5: Upload your forms and supporting documents
Forms
Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms that you need to upload.
Supporting documents
Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.
- Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
- Under “Proof of means of financial support,” upload documents to prove that you can support yourself and the family members who came with you to Canada.
- Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures.”
If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document (opens in a new tab) .
After you apply
Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.
Medical exam
You might need to get a medical exam if you
- plan to work in certain jobs
- plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months
If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.
Find more information about medical exams.
If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon
If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If your application is approved
We’ll mail the study permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application. The study permit will outline all the conditions of your stay.
If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.
Your responsibilities while studying in Canada
While studying in Canada, you must
- make progress toward completing your program
- respect any conditions listed on your study permit
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as
- whether you’re allowed to work in Canada
- whether you’re allowed to travel within Canada
- the specific date you must leave Canada
- where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
- You must change your DLI in your IRCC secure account before you can study at a different DLI.
- whether you need an immigration medical examination
How to contact us
If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab) :
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
You chose study permit
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a study permit that will be valid for the length of your study program.
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
June 12, 2024
Who can apply
To apply under the temporary measures, you must
- be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply
- a decision is made on your application
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements
Studying in Canada as a minor child
Minor children may be able to study in Canada without a study permit but can still apply for one if they like. Learn more about studying in Canada as a minor.
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for a study permit
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must
- be enrolled at a DLI
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- your tuition fees
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required)
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
How to apply
You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.
If you can’t apply online
You can apply on paper if you meet one of the following exemptions:
- You can’t apply online because of a disability.
- There’s a barrier that
- prevents you from applying online or
- makes applying online unreliable
Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.
Complete all required fields in the form and include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.
Tips for filling out the forms:
- Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and have turned on JavaScript.
- If you have trouble downloading, saving or opening a form, visit our Help Centre (opens in a new tab).
- It’s easier to complete the forms on a computer.
- You don’t need to print and sign the forms to upload them to your online application. You sign your online application electronically (opens in a new tab).
Forms:
If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a study permit in Canada (opens in a new tab) :
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM 5709] (PDF, 0.49 MB)
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.53 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if somebody is applying for you, and you want them to be the main contact on your behalf.
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 1.52 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you want to allow us to release your personal information to someone else. This person will be able to get information on your case, for example, the status of your application.
- Custodianship Declaration [IMM 5646] (PDF, 1.02MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form to appoint a custodian if the person studying in Canada is a minor and will be in Canada without a parent or legal guardian. The custodian is responsible for taking care of and supporting the minor child while in Canada.
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 0.78 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you’re in a common-law relationship.
Supporting documents:
Include copies of the following documents:
- the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document if you have one
- a letter of acceptance (opens in a new tab) from the school that you’ll attend
- proof of financial support (opens in a new tab)
- a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures”
- proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example:
- a marriage certificate
- proof of a common-law relationship
- birth certificates for children
- documents showing the date you left Israel or the Palestinian Territories, for example:
- a travel itinerary
- boarding passes
- passport stamps
You may need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate if you want to study in Quebec
If you want to study in Quebec for longer than 6 months, you need an attestation of issuance of your Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) issued by the Government of Quebec. Your school can tell you how to apply for the CAQ.
Find out about the process and the documents you need (opens in a new tab) for studying in Quebec.
Step 2: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- submit your application forms
- check your status
Step 3. Start your online application
Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
- Click Apply to come to Canada.
- On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
- Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.
Step 4. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist
You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.
When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:
- Answer “Study” when asked What would you like to do in Canada?
- Answer “Temporarily – more than 6 months” when asked How long are you planning to stay in Canada?
- Answer “yes” when asked:
Does one of the following apply to you?- I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
- I applied for a study or work permit, before entering Canada, that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
- I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student in Canada with visitor status.
- I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
- I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
- I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first-stage approval) under one of the following classes:
- spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- humanitarian and compassionate cases
- protected persons in Canada
- live-in caregiver in Canada
- When you get your results, choose “Study Permit (in Canada)”.
Answer “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application.” to the question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?
Step 5: Upload your forms and supporting documents
Forms
Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms that you need to upload.
Supporting documents
Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.
- Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
- Under “Proof of means of financial support,” upload documents to prove that you can support yourself and the family members who came with you to Canada.
- Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures.”
- Under “Client Information,” upload the documents that show proof of your travel date.
- Under “Client Information,” upload the documents that show proof of your family relationship.
If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document(opens in a new tab) .
After you apply
Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.
Medical exam
You might need to get a medical exam if you
- plan to work in certain jobs
- plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months
If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.
Find more information about medical exams.
If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon
If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If your application is approved
We’ll mail the study permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application. The study permit will outline all the conditions of your stay.
If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.
Your responsibilities while studying in Canada
While studying in Canada, you must
- make progress toward completing your program
- respect any conditions listed on your study permit
- stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements
Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as
- whether you’re allowed to work in Canada
- whether you’re allowed to travel within Canada
- the specific date you must leave Canada
- where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)
- You must change your DLI in your IRCC secure account before you can study at a different DLI.
- whether you need an immigration medical examination
How to contact us
If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab) :
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
You chose open work permit
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for an open work permit that could be valid for up to 3 years.
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
June 12, 2024
Who can apply
To apply under the temporary measures, you must
- be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply
- a decision is made on your application
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
To be eligible to apply for an open work permit, you must
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
- not be a danger to Canada’s security
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required to)
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions
- not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages on a regular basis
- prove that you have enough money to pay for
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
How to apply
You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.
If you can’t apply online
You can apply on paper if you meet one of the following exemptions:
- You can’t apply online because of a disability.
- There’s a barrier that
- prevents you from applying online or
- makes applying online unreliable
Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.
Complete all required fields in the form and include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.
Tips for filling out the forms:
- Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and have turned on JavaScript.
- If you have trouble downloading, saving or opening a form, visit our Help Centre (opens in a new tab).
- It’s easier to complete the forms on a computer.
- You don’t need to print and sign the forms to upload them to your online application. You sign your online application electronically (opens in a new tab).
Forms:
If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a work permit in Canada (opens in a new tab) :
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] (PDF, 0.59 MB)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 0.78 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you’re in a common-law relationship.
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.53 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if somebody is applying for you, and you want them to be the main contact on your behalf.
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 1.52 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you want to allow us to release your personal information to someone else. This person will be able to get information on your case, for example, the status of your application.
When you fill out the work permit application form (IMM 5710):
- In the Details of Intended work in Canada section, choose “Open Work Permit” for question 1.
- You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply.
Supporting documents:
Include copies of the following documents:
- the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document (if you have one)
- a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures”
Step 2: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- submit your application forms
- check your status
Step 3. Start your online application
Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
- Click Apply to come to Canada.
- On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
- Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.
Step 4. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist
You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.
When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:
- Answer “Work” when asked What would you like to do in Canada?
- Answer “Temporarily – more than 6 months” when asked How long are you planning to stay in Canada?
- Answer “yes” when asked:
Does one of the following apply to you?- I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
- I applied for a study or work permit, before entering Canada, that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
- I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student in Canada with visitor status.
- I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
- I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
- I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first-stage approval) under one of the following classes:
- spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- humanitarian and compassionate cases
- protected persons in Canada
- live-in caregiver in Canada
- When you get your results, choose “Open Work Permit”.
- Answer “No, I am exempt from paying application fees for this application.” to this question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?
Step 5. Upload your forms and supporting documents
Forms
Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms that you need to upload.
Supporting documents
Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.
- Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
- Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures.”
If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document (opens in a new tab) .
After you apply
Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.
Medical exam
You might need to get a medical exam if you
- plan to work in certain jobs
- plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months
If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.
Find more information about medical exams.
If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon
If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If your application is approved
We’ll mail the work permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application. The work permit will outline
- the type of work you can do
- how long you can work
If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.
How to contact us
If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab) :
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
You chose open work permit
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for an open work permit that could be valid for up to 3 years.
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
June 12, 2024
Who can apply
To apply under the temporary measures, you must
- be in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply
- a decision is made on your application
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
To be eligible to apply for an open work permit, you must
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
- not be a danger to Canada’s security
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required to)
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions
- not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages on a regular basis
- prove that you have enough money to pay for
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
How to apply
You must apply online using the IRCC secure account.
If you can’t apply online
You can apply on paper if you meet one of the following exemptions:
- You can’t apply online because of a disability.
- There’s a barrier that
- prevents you from applying online or
- makes applying online unreliable
Contact us using our crisis web form if you can’t apply online.
Complete all required fields in the form and include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
Prepare the forms and supporting documents listed below. You need to upload them to your account when you apply.
Tips for filling out the forms:
- Make sure you have Adobe Reader 10 or higher and have turned on JavaScript.
- If you have trouble downloading, saving or opening a form, visit our Help Centre (opens in a new tab).
- It’s easier to complete the forms on a computer.
- You don’t need to print and sign the forms to upload them to your online application. You sign your online application electronically (opens in a new tab).
Forms:
If you need help answering the questions in these forms, you can use our general instruction guide to apply for a work permit in Canada (opens in a new tab) :
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Worker [IMM 5710] (PDF, 0.59 MB)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 0.78 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you’re in a common-law relationship.
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.53 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if somebody is applying for you, and you want them to be the main contact on your behalf.
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 1.52 MB) – (if applicable)
- Complete this form if you want to allow us to release your personal information to someone else. This person will be able to get information on your case, for example, the status of your application.
When you fill out the work permit application form (IMM 5710):
- In the Details of Intended work in Canada section, choose “Open Work Permit” for question 1.
- You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply.
Supporting documents:
Include copies of the following documents:
- the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document (if you have one)
- a letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures”
- proof of your relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member, for example:
- a marriage certificate
- proof of a common-law relationship
- birth certificates for children
- documents showing the date you left Israel or the Palestinian Territories, for example:
- a travel itinerary
- boarding passes
- passport stamps
Step 2: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- submit your application forms
- check your status
Step 3. Start your online application
Once you sign in to your account, you need to follow these steps:
- Go to the Start your application section on the account welcome page.
- Click Apply to come to Canada.
- On the next page, scroll down to the I do not have a personal reference code section.
- Click on the Visitor visa, study and/or work permit button.
Step 4. Complete the online questions to get your document checklist
You must answer some questions to create a personalized document checklist.
When completing the online questions, make sure you answer these questions as follows:
- Answer “Work” when asked What would you like to do in Canada?
- Answer “Temporarily – more than 6 months” when asked How long are you planning to stay in Canada?
- Answer “yes” when asked:
Does one of the following apply to you?- I am the subject of a removal order that is unenforceable.
- I applied for a study or work permit, before entering Canada, that was approved but not issued at a port of entry.
- I am in primary or secondary school, or a visiting or exchange student in Canada with visitor status.
- I am applying for an open work permit under an active public policy or pilot program announced by IRCC.
- I am a student who has completed a program of study that is a prerequisite to my enrolment at a designated learning institution with visitor status in Canada.
- I applied for permanent residence and was found eligible (first-stage approval) under one of the following classes:
- spouse or common-law partner in Canada
- humanitarian and compassionate cases
- protected persons in Canada
- live-in caregiver in Canada
- When you get your results, choose “Open Work Permit”.
- Answer “No, I am exempt from paying application fees for this application.” to this question: There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?
Step 5. Upload your forms and supporting documents
Forms
Upload your completed forms to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of forms that you need to upload.
Supporting documents
Upload your supporting documents to your online application. Your document checklist should give you a list of required documents.
- Under “Passport,” upload the photo or identification page of your passport or travel document.
- Under “Proof of fee exemption,” upload your letter that states “I am exempt from paying application fees under the ISR/PSE2023 special measures.”
- Under “Client Information,” upload the documents that show proof of your travel date.
- Under “Client Information,” upload the documents that show proof of your family relationship.
If you have multiple documents to upload, you may need to combine them into 1 document (opens in a new tab) .
After you apply
Fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
In most cases, you need to give your biometrics if you haven’t given them in the last 10 years. If you need to give them, we’ll send you a biometric instruction letter (BIL). Follow the instructions on your BIL.
Medical exam
You might need to get a medical exam if you
- plan to work in certain jobs
- plan to stay in Canada for more than 6 months
If you need an exam, an officer will send you instructions on what to do.
Find more information about medical exams.
If your current temporary resident status is expiring soon
If you apply before your current status expires, you have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If your application is approved
We’ll mail the work permit to the Canadian address you gave us in your application. The work permit will outline
- the type of work you can do
- how long you can work
If your mailing address changes before we approve your application, you must contact us to tell us your new address.
How to contact us
If you need to update your contact information or have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab) :
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “ISR/PSE2023” in the text box.
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