Free replacement documents for Canadians and special measures for people affected by severe wildfires
OTTAWA, ON, June 12, 2023 /CNW/ - With the country experiencing an unprecedented wildfire season, the Government of Canada is urgently mobilizing to help support communities and the people who live in them. This includes help for Canadians and for people who are crucial to the rebuilding effort.
Today, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced special measures for people who have been impacted and need to replace vital documents or to extend or restore their status in Canada.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue free replacement documents for Canadians, permanent residents and temporary residents directly affected by the wildfires. These include permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports and other travel documents that are lost, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible due to wildfires.
International students, temporary foreign workers and other visitors who have been directly affected by the wildfires and whose status will expire by September 30, 2023, will also be eligible to apply, restore or extend their status in Canada free of charge. This means that temporary workers who are unable to work because their workplace is closed due to the fires don't need to worry ? they'll be able to extend their status and stay until their workplace reopens. In addition, international students can extend their study permits if their classes are delayed or cancelled and finish their studies without penalty.
These special measures will be in effect until September 30, 2023. They give Canadians, permanent residents and temporary residents time to sort out documents or temporary status issues, so they can focus on what matters most right now: their families, their homes and their communities.
"We will continue to be there for those people across the country who are facing extreme wildfires. These new measures will make it easier for Canadians, permanent residents and temporary residents to replace lost documents. They will also help make sure temporary residents are not unduly penalized and are there to help rebuild our communities. To the first responders and firefighters across the country, thank you for your continued courage and hard work to protect our communities during this challenging time."
? The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
- More information about who is eligible, how to apply and what replacement documents are covered under the special measures will be available on IRCC's website.
- Those who apply for an extension of their work permit continue to benefit from maintained status while their application is being processed and remain eligible to work as per the conditions of their original work permit.
- Wildfires in Canada: Temporary immigration, passport and citizenship measures
- Wildfires 2023
- Government of Canada to provide assistance to Nova Scotia in response to extreme wildfires
- Government of Canada to provide assistance to Alberta in response to ongoing wildfire situation
- Backgrounder: The Government of Canada is supporting Canadians through the 2023 Wildfire Season
- Wildfire Donation-Matching Initiatives
- Donate to the Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada Fires Appeal
- Donate to the 2023 NWT Emergency Response Fund
- Donate to the 2023 Alberta Fires Appeal
SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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