IRCC Announces Special Measures For People Affected by 2024 Wildfire
On July 22, 2024, The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that special provisions are now available to assist Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents who have been impacted by wildfires.
Free Replacement Documents: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have lost, damaged, destroyed, or cannot access their permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, passports, or other travel documents due to the wildfires can obtain replacements at no cost.
Open Work Permits for Employer-Specific Work Permit Holders: Those in Canada on employer-specific work permits who are affected by the wildfires can transition to open work permits, providing greater flexibility during this challenging time.
Status Restoration and Extensions: International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors whose status expires by November 30, 2024, can restore or extend their status or replace their status documents free of charge. This ensures that temporary workers who cannot work due to workplace closures can extend their status, and international students whose studies are disrupted can complete their education without penalty.
Support for Foreign Emergency Services Personnel: Foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to assist with wildfire efforts will be exempt from paying application and biometrics fees, acknowledging their critical role and providing ease of entry.
The introduction of these measures underscores the government’s commitment to supporting those impacted by wildfires. By easing administrative burdens and providing critical support, Canada aims to help affected individuals and communities recover and rebuild stronger than before.
These special measures are in effect until November 30, 2024. This timeframe allows affected individuals to focus on recovery and rebuilding efforts without the added stress of dealing with documentation and status issues immediately.