Canada Offers Wildfire-Affected Residents Free Extended Status and Document Replacement
On July 22, 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced special measures to assist individuals, including Canadian citizens, permanent residents, international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly affected by Canada’s recent wildfire season.
Support for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents
Effective immediately until November 30, 2024 , Canadian citizens and permanent residents affected by the wildfires can obtain free replacements for essential documents.
These documents include permanent resident cards (PR cards), Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports, and other travel documents that have been lost, damaged, destroyed, or rendered inaccessible due to the fires.
Extended Measures for Temporary Residents
International students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors directly affected by the wildfires, and whose status expires by November 30, 2024, can restore or extend their status or replace status documents for free.
Temporary Workers
Temporary workers who are unable to work because their workplace is closed due to the fires will be able to extend their status.
Moreover, those in Canada affected by the wildfires with employer-specific work permits will be eligible to convert their permits to open work permits.
International Students
International students can extend their study permits if their classes are delayed or canceled and finish their studies without penalty.
Support for Foreign Emergency Personnel
Foreign emergency services personnel assisting with the wildfires are exempt from application and biometrics fees.
For more details, please visit the official news release on IRCC’s website.
Visit TWA Canada Immigration News for more related updates.
