The Government of Canada has announced temporary measures to assist Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members who have left Lebanon. This support also extends to Lebanese nationals who have previously arrived in Canada and cannot return home due to the clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made the announcement on October 30, 2024.

If you are an immediate family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Lebanon on September 29, 2024, or after, you are eligible to apply for an open work permit, a study permit, or a status extension. You can apply for any of these visa categories for free if you are already in Canada

Immediate family members who are eligible for this support include:

• The spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• A dependant child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident or a dependant child of their spouse or common-law partner
• A dependent child of a dependent child

This temporary support from the Canadian government aims to keep families together and provide Lebanese nationals with a safe place to live, study, and work. It will expire on July 31, 2025, or until it is revoked.

Visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to learn more about eligibility requirements or to submit an application.