Ottawa-The situation in Lebanon remains volatile and unpredictable due to violent and intensifying clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, including daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes. As conditions continue to worsen, the Government of Canada remains fully engaged and is focused on the safety and security of Canadians in the region.
Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced temporary measures to support Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who have left Lebanon, as well as Lebanese nationals already in Canada who are currently unable to return home.
The immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Lebanon on or after September 29, 2024, will be eligible to apply for an open work permit, a study permit, or a status extension at no cost once in Canada. These measures apply to spouses and dependants regardless of their nationality, and regardless of whether they left on flights arranged by Global Affairs Canada, or by other means.
In addition, Lebanese nationals who are already in Canada with valid temporary resident status can now also apply for an open work permit, a study permit, or a status extension at no cost.
These measures will help keep families together and give Lebanese nationals in Canada a safe place to study, work and stay.
We continue to urge Canadians to avoid all travel to Lebanon. Canadians, permanent residents and their family members are advised to leave by commercial means now if they can do so safely.
IRCC has increased its capacity to process files from the region and continues to process applications from Canadians, permanent residents and their family members in Lebanon as quickly as possible.
