The previous year, Canada faced its worst wildfire season on record, endangering health, safety, and economic stability. With the climate warming twice as fast as the global average, extreme heat, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires are expected to intensify. The Government of Canada is dedicated to supporting affected communities and aiding provincial and territorial emergency responses.
On July 22nd, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced special measures for those impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents directly affected can receive free replacements for lost, damaged, or inaccessible documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents. Furthermore, wildfire-affected individuals with employer-specific work permits can transition to open work permits.
These special measures will be in place until November 30, 2024, providing individuals with the time needed to replace documents or resolve temporary status issues while they concentrate on their families, homes, and communities.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted by the wildfires, whose status will expire by November 30, 2024, are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada, or replace a status document, at no cost. This includes temporary workers who cannot work due to closed workplaces and international students whose classes are delayed or canceled, allowing them to complete their studies without penalty.
Additionally, foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to assist with wildfire response are exempt from application and biometrics fees. This measure not only expresses gratitude but also facilitates their essential work.
For information on eligibility, application procedures, and the replacement documents covered by these special measures, visit the IRCC website.