Headline: Canada Introduces Special Measures for Wildfire Victims – Free Replacement Documents and Extended Work Permits
In a bold move to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires of the past year, the Government of Canada has unveiled special aid measures to support Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents hit by the catastrophic blazes. The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made the announcement today in Ottawa.
Under these special measures, individuals directly impacted by the wildfires can access free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents that may have been lost, damaged, or destroyed during the wildfires. Moreover, employer-specific work permit holders affected by the fires will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit, offering them greater flexibility during this challenging time.
These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, providing people with the time they need to assess their document needs, address temporary status issues, and focus on rebuilding their lives, homes, and communities in the wake of the wildfires.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted by the fires, whose status is set to expire by the end of November, are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada at no cost. This includes temporary workers unable to work due to fire-related closures and international students facing delays or interruptions in their studies.
In a gesture of appreciation for the brave firefighters and emergency personnel battling the blazes, the Government has waived application and biometrics fees for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to assist in the firefighting efforts.
The Honorable Marc Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to aiding wildfire victims, simplifying the document replacement process, and acknowledging the courage and dedication of all those involved in protecting communities from the fires.
These measures ensure that applicants awaiting the processing of their status extensions and work permit renewals retain their eligibility to work under the conditions of their original permits. Over 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel lent their support in combating wildfires in 2023, highlighting the international collaboration in times of crisis.
For more details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Throughout this challenging period, Canada remains resolute in its support for those affected by the wildfires, standing united in the face of adversity.
In a bold move to assist those affected by the devastating wildfires of the past year, the Government of Canada has unveiled special aid measures to support Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents hit by the catastrophic blazes. The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, made the announcement today in Ottawa.
Under these special measures, individuals directly impacted by the wildfires can access free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other travel documents that may have been lost, damaged, or destroyed during the wildfires. Moreover, employer-specific work permit holders affected by the fires will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit, offering them greater flexibility during this challenging time.
These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, providing people with the time they need to assess their document needs, address temporary status issues, and focus on rebuilding their lives, homes, and communities in the wake of the wildfires.
International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted by the fires, whose status is set to expire by the end of November, are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada at no cost. This includes temporary workers unable to work due to fire-related closures and international students facing delays or interruptions in their studies.
In a gesture of appreciation for the brave firefighters and emergency personnel battling the blazes, the Government has waived application and biometrics fees for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to assist in the firefighting efforts.
The Honorable Marc Miller expressed the government’s unwavering commitment to aiding wildfire victims, simplifying the document replacement process, and acknowledging the courage and dedication of all those involved in protecting communities from the fires.
These measures ensure that applicants awaiting the processing of their status extensions and work permit renewals retain their eligibility to work under the conditions of their original permits. Over 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel lent their support in combating wildfires in 2023, highlighting the international collaboration in times of crisis.
For more details on eligibility, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, individuals can visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website. Throughout this challenging period, Canada remains resolute in its support for those affected by the wildfires, standing united in the face of adversity.
