IRCC presents Temporary Measures to support Lebanon Crisis Effective until July 2025
In light of the escalating conflict in Lebanon, Canada has stepped forward with a suite of temporary measures to support those impacted, offering relief and stability to individuals displaced or affected.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on October 30 that, effective immediately, Temporary Measures to support Lebanon Crisis that will assist Canadians, permanent residents, and their families who have fled Lebanon since September 29, 2024, as well as Lebanese nationals currently in Canada who are unable to return home. These measures are set to remain in place until July 31, 2025.
Canada Offers Vital Support to Canadians and Lebanese Nationals Affected by current Crisis in Lebanon
For Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have fled Lebanon since September 29, 2024, this policy offers a beacon of hope. Their spouses, children, and dependents, regardless of nationality, are now eligible to apply for an open work permit, study permit, or a status extension upon arrival in Canada, without any application costs. These measures are open to all eligible family members, irrespective of whether they left Lebanon on government-arranged flights or through other means.
Find out if you are eligible to get in Canada →
Who Can Benefit from Canada’s New Support Measures for Lebanese?
Canada is opening its doors wide to help those impacted by the Lebanon crisis. IRCC Lebanon Crisis Support Measures include these eligibility criteria:
- Lebanese nationals currently residing in Canada who hold a valid temporary resident status are eligible for relief and extended stay options.
- Immediate family of Canadian citizens and permanent residents—those who left Lebanon after September 29, 2024, and are now in Canada on temporary status—can apply, whether they’re spouses, partners, or dependent children.
- Individuals limited by Canada’s first-generation citizenship rule and their family members who exited Lebanon post-September 29, 2024, and are now in Canada are welcome to apply for this special support.
- Those evacuated with Canadian government assistance are also eligible under these provisions, underscoring Canada’s commitment to helping its people find safety.
Do you need assistance with your application to get in Canada? →
Eligible family members are invited to apply for an open work permit, a study permit, or a status extension in Canada at no cost. The goal is family reunification during Lebanon crisis and provide a stable environment for those seeking refuge in Canada.
“We remain deeply concerned for the well-being of people in Lebanon, and all those in the surrounding region. We are committed to doing everything we can to help Canadians coming home, while also providing temporary safety for Lebanese nationals in Canada who no longer feel safe returning.”
– The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Ongoing Assistance | Canada immigration support for Lebanese nationals
To ensure prompt support, IRCC has increased its capacity to process applications from the region, working to expedite cases for Canadians, permanent residents, and their immediate family members affected by the crisis in Lebanon.
Canada has already facilitated the departure of approximately 1,200 individuals from Lebanon through government-coordinated flights, offering them a crucial pathway to safety.
In addition to immigration assistance, IRCC has committed to financial aid, settlement services, health coverage, language training, and employment support for new arrivals from these conflict zones.
As Canada immigration support for Lebanese nationals continues to extend, the temporary measures to support Lebanon crisis serve as a reminder of Canada’s commitment to humanitarian aid during global crises. For those eligible, detailed information on the application process is available on IRCC’s official website.
