Lebanon crisis measures—now closed
As of August 1, 2025, IRCC stopped accepting new applications under the temporary measures for people affected by the crisis in Lebanon. Applications submitted on or before July 31, 2025 will still be processed.
Palestinian measures—extended
On August 1, 2025, IRCC extended special measures that allow eligible Palestinians in Canada and certain family members to apply for fee-exempt study/work permits, TRPs, or status extensions; IRCC also published intake statistics to date.
Visitor-to-worker policy—ended earlier (still relevant)
The pandemic-era public policy that allowed visitors to apply for a work permit from inside Canada ended August 28, 2024; only applications filed before that date are processed under the old rules. If you arrived recently as a visitor, you generally need the regular work permit route.
Super visa: insurance requirement eased
Since January 28, 2025, parents and grandparents (super visa) applicants can purchase qualifying private health insurance from certain foreign insurers authorized by OSFI (in addition to Canadian insurers), improving affordability and access.
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake timing
IRCC is accepting up to 10,000 complete PGP sponsorship applications in 2025. Invitations to apply are being emailed starting July 28, 2025 to people who submitted an interest to sponsor form in 2020. Others should consider the super visa as a bridge option.
