Headline: “Canada Introduces Special Measures for Wildfire Victims, Including Free Replacement Documents and Extended Work Permits”
In a proactive response to the devastating impacts of the worst wildfire season on record seen last year in Canada, the Government of Canada has announced special initiatives to aid those affected by the catastrophic fires.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of measures designed to assist Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents directly impacted by the wildfires. One key provision includes the provision of free replacement documents, such as permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents which may have been lost, damaged, or rendered inaccessible due to the wildfires.
Moreover, individuals in Canada facing challenges as a result of the wildfires, including employer-specific work permit holders, will be granted the opportunity to transition to an open work permit. These measures, effective until November 30, 2024, offer affected individuals the necessary time to address document replacements or temporary status issues while focusing on their wellbeing, families, and communities.
The outreach extends to international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors whose status might expire by the end of November 2024. These individuals are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada or replace status documents free of charge, providing relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires.
Furthermore, to facilitate the crucial work of foreign emergency services personnel aiding in wildfire response efforts, measures have been enacted to exempt them from application and biometrics fees upon entry into Canada.
Minister Miller expressed heartfelt gratitude to the first responders and firefighters who displayed unwavering bravery and dedication in safeguarding communities amidst the wildfire crisis. The initiatives aim to streamline processes for individuals to replace essential documents and navigate through challenges arising from the wildfires.
As an additional support, individuals who apply for status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per their original permit conditions during the processing period.
The proactive measures underscore the government’s commitment to assisting all those affected by the wildfires and ensuring continued support for individuals and communities in their recovery efforts. For detailed information on eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the scope of replacement documents covered by the special measures, individuals are encouraged to visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
In a proactive response to the devastating impacts of the worst wildfire season on record seen last year in Canada, the Government of Canada has announced special initiatives to aid those affected by the catastrophic fires.
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled a series of measures designed to assist Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents directly impacted by the wildfires. One key provision includes the provision of free replacement documents, such as permanent resident cards, citizenship certificates, passports, and other essential travel documents which may have been lost, damaged, or rendered inaccessible due to the wildfires.
Moreover, individuals in Canada facing challenges as a result of the wildfires, including employer-specific work permit holders, will be granted the opportunity to transition to an open work permit. These measures, effective until November 30, 2024, offer affected individuals the necessary time to address document replacements or temporary status issues while focusing on their wellbeing, families, and communities.
The outreach extends to international students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors whose status might expire by the end of November 2024. These individuals are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada or replace status documents free of charge, providing relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires.
Furthermore, to facilitate the crucial work of foreign emergency services personnel aiding in wildfire response efforts, measures have been enacted to exempt them from application and biometrics fees upon entry into Canada.
Minister Miller expressed heartfelt gratitude to the first responders and firefighters who displayed unwavering bravery and dedication in safeguarding communities amidst the wildfire crisis. The initiatives aim to streamline processes for individuals to replace essential documents and navigate through challenges arising from the wildfires.
As an additional support, individuals who apply for status extensions and work permit renewals will maintain their eligibility to work as per their original permit conditions during the processing period.
The proactive measures underscore the government’s commitment to assisting all those affected by the wildfires and ensuring continued support for individuals and communities in their recovery efforts. For detailed information on eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the scope of replacement documents covered by the special measures, individuals are encouraged to visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website.
