Vast majority of Gaza study permits denied in Canada, report says

Only 2 of 37 applicants approved so far: Feds

Published Jul 23, 2026  •  2 minute read

The University of Toronto downtown campus. Photo by Cynthia McLeod /Toronto Sun

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When it comes to foreign study permits from applicants in Gaza, Immigration Department records showed it had rejected more people than it accepted, according to Blacklock’s Reporter

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While there were no reasons given, a June 17 briefing note said applicants were subjected to being photographed and fingerprinted in security screenings.

“By using enhanced biographic information from applicants, Canada is able to conduct preliminary security screening while people are still in Gaza,” said the note called Canada’s Response to the Situation in Gaza.

“Provided no inadmissibility concerns are flagged and where applicable, people who are able to exit Gaza will have their biometrics collected in a third country.”

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Only two applicants approved

The Palestinian Students and Scholars at Risk Network had asked the feds to speed up the processing of some 130 study permits by Gazan refugees accepted to study at Canadian universities and colleges.

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The briefing note said of the 37 people who had applied, two were approved and issued a visa.

“Fourteen applications have been refused, while the remaining cases are in the final stages of assessment including procedural fairness reviews where required,” said the briefing note, adding: “Four applicants have chosen not to proceed with their application.”

Also on offer were special permits given to Gazan refugees with extended family in Canada and a quota of 5,000 went unfilled.

“As of March 31, approximately 1,000 people have arrived in Canada through the special measures for extended family members,” said the briefing note.

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Budget details lacking

In 2024, cabinet waived immigration rules to permit Gazans otherwise ineligible to enter Canada, “the only country in the world” to offer temporary residency, according to authorities at the time.

Gazans who arrived in Canada were offered tax-free grants of up to $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per minor child, free health care, free work and study permits and language training at no cost.

There has been no detailed budget to date.

The note said Gazans were expected to leave once their temporary permits expire.

“The temporary resident pathway is a time-limited humanitarian measure focused on temporary protection for extended family members,” wrote the department.

“It is not a refugee program and not intended to facilitate any large-scale exit of Palestinians from Gaza. It is anticipated that Palestinians from Gaza would leave Canada once conditions allow.”

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