News release
On July 22, 2024, Canada experienced its worst wildfire season on record, posing threats to health, safety, and economic stability. The country’s climate is warming twice as fast as the global average, increasing the severity of heat waves and the risks of drought.
The Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting those affected and assisting provinces and territories with emergency responses was demonstrated through special measures announced by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, for people affected by wildfires. Free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, and Canadian passports, can be received by Canadian citizens and permanent residents if the originals were lost, damaged, destroyed, or made inaccessible due to wildfires. Employer-specific work permit holders are allowed to transition to an open work permit.
These measures are in effect until November 30, 2024, providing time for people to determine necessary documents and address temporary status issues. International students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors directly affected by wildfires are also able to restore or extend their status in Canada or replace a status document free of charge. Additionally, international students are permitted to extend their study permits if classes are delayed or canceled. Measures have also been implemented to exempt foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to help fight wildfires from paying application and biometrics fees.
Quotes
“We remain steadfast in our efforts to support those affected by severe wildfires. Our measures will simplify the process for Canadians, permanent residents and temporary residents to replace lost documents. To the first responders and firefighters across the country, as well as the foreign emergency support personnel entering Canada to assist in the response, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your bravery and dedication in protecting our communities.”
– The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Quick facts
- Those who apply for an extension of their temporary resident status and a renewal 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.
- Approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel came to Canada’s aid to combat wildfires in 2023.
