Lebanese nationals and their immediate family can extend their stay in Canada under a temporary program announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on October 30, 2024.
The extensions of stay will be granted to spouses and children of Canadians and permanent residents who have fled Lebanon since the end of September and are not Lebanese.
The situation in Lebanon remains volatile and unpredictable due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah militants, including daily rocket and missile fire and air strikes.
“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,” Miller said.
Canadians in Lebanon are encouraged to register through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
Visa Extensions and Fee Exemptions
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is waiving application fees for this process for Lebanese nationals and their immediate family members who have been in Canada since the end of September 2024.
Eligible individuals can apply for fee-exempt:
- Open work permit
- Study permit
- Extensions to their current temporary resident status
- Temporary resident permit (if valid and a new one is needed)
Who can apply?
- Lebanese nationals in Canada with valid temporary resident status
- Non-Lebanese foreign national family members of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who left Lebanon on or after September 29, 2024, and are in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
- Non-Lebanese foreign nationals affected by the first-generation limit on citizenship and their foreign national family members who left Lebanon on or after September 29, 2024, and are in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
- People who left Lebanon with the help of the Government of Canada on or after September 29, 2024
Canada’s Commitment
These temporary measures reflect Canada’s commitment to supporting those affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon and surrounding regions and providing stability during profound uncertainty.
These measures remain in effect until July 31, 2025. Canada will continue to monitor the situation closely, adapting its response as needed to ensure the well-being and safety of those impacted by the conflict.
Canada has pledged over $56 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon in 2024. Through partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross, the funding will provide food, water, healthcare, and other emergency services to those affected by the conflict. The Canadian Red Cross will allocate its funding to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s response to the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
Critics Want More Done
According to The Globe and Mail, MPs and immigration experts say the measures are not enough. They are urging the government to expand a temporary immigration program that gives people who have managed to escape Lebanon a haven in Canada.
Other critics say the July 31, 2025, end date is more limited than other programs the government set up for people fleeing war zones, including Ukrainians and Palestinians in Gaza.
They want the program to be expanded to include family members still in Lebanon, including extended family such as grandparents.
Liberal MP Salma Zahid, representing a large Lebanese community in Scarborough, said constituents are concerned about their extended family.
“While I welcome the government’s announcement of measures to help those already here, I believe there needs to be a special measure to help the extended family of Canadian citizens and permanent residents find temporary safety here in Canada.”
However, the government has stopped short of instigating a mass evacuation, although it has drawn up contingency plans. During the Israel-Hezbollah war of 2006, Canada hired ships and chartered aircraft to ferry about 15,000 of the estimated 50,000 Canadians living in Lebanon to safety.
NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan questioned why the Ukrainian emergency visa program has not been repeated for people in other conflict zones.
“The government has announced measures for those who have already left Lebanon, but nothing for those who are in still in grave danger and desperate to get to safety, Kwan said.
Canada’s Response to Global Conflicts
The measures, alongside substantial humanitarian aid, underscore Canada’s dedication to safeguarding vulnerable populations and assisting its citizens and residents abroad. Canada has previously implemented similar measures for Israelis, Palestinians from the West Bank, and Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion. In addition to providing temporary safety to Lebanese nationals, Canada is assisting its citizens and permanent residents to return home.
According to Global Affairs Canada, over 1,200 Canadians, permanent residents, and their family members have been evacuated from Lebanon with the assistance of government-arranged flights. Passengers are responsible for ticket costs.
The government typically provides financial support to experienced humanitarian partners responding to the crisis, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross Movement, or non-governmental organizations.
Canada is working closely with the international community and regional partners to support the de-escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
FAQ: Canada’s Special Measures For Lebanese
What temporary immigration measures has Canada introduced for Lebanese nationals?
Canada has introduced a temporary program allowing Lebanese nationals and certain non-Lebanese family members to extend their stay, with fee exemptions for applications. Eligible individuals can apply for open work permits, study permits, or extensions of temporary resident status, ensuring they can remain in Canada safely amid ongoing conflict in Lebanon. These measures are available until July 31, 2025, reflecting Canada’s commitment to assisting those affected.
Who is eligible for these temporary immigration measures?
The program applies to Lebanese nationals in Canada with valid temporary status, non-Lebanese family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who recently fled Lebanon, and others assisted by Canada to leave Lebanon after September 29, 2024. The program also includes family members affected by the first-generation limit on citizenship. This initiative allows those eligible to stay temporarily in Canada without fear of returning to an unsafe environment.
Are application fees waived for these extensions?
Yes, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is waiving fees for eligible Lebanese nationals and their immediate family members. This waiver applies to applications for open work permits, study permits, temporary resident extensions, and temporary resident permits, easing the financial burden for those affected by the crisis. This fee exemption is part of Canada’s efforts to support individuals fleeing dangerous conditions in Lebanon and seeking temporary safety in Canada.
What additional support has Canada provided to Lebanon amid the conflict?
Canada has pledged over $56 million in humanitarian aid for Lebanon, supporting essential services like food, water, healthcare, and emergency response through partnerships with organizations like the Canadian Red Cross. This funding aids the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in their on-ground efforts, ensuring that critical resources reach those impacted by the conflict. These humanitarian efforts highlight Canada’s ongoing commitment to assisting Lebanese citizens amid the region’s crisis.
Why are some critics calling for expanded immigration measures for those fleeing Lebanon?
Critics argue that the current measures fall short, as they primarily aid those already in Canada, not those still in Lebanon facing conflict. Advocates, including MPs and immigration experts, suggest extending the program to cover more family members, such as grandparents. They also point to Canada’s response to the Ukraine crisis, urging similar support for Lebanese nationals to ensure broader protection and aid for families facing dire circumstances.
