Headline: Canada Extends Support to Wildfire-Affected Residents with Special Measures
In a proactive response to the devastating effects of the worst wildfire season on record last year, Canada is extending a helping hand to those affected by the wildfires. The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced special measures to assist Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and visitors impacted by the wildfires.
Individuals directly affected by the wildfires can avail themselves of free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports, and other essential travel documents. Moreover, employer-specific work permit holders affected by the wildfires will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit to alleviate their circumstances.
These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, offering those affected the necessary time to replace lost documents and address temporary status issues while prioritizing their families and communities. International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted and facing status expirations by the given date are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada without any additional charges.
Furthermore, additional provisions have been made to exempt foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to aid in firefighting efforts from application and biometric fees, recognizing their invaluable contributions in combating the wildfires.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the wildfires, simplifying the process for document replacement and extension requests. “To the first responders and firefighters nationwide, and the foreign emergency support personnel lending their assistance, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your valor and dedication to safeguarding our communities,” Minister Miller stated.
Affected individuals applying for status extensions and work permit renewals will continue to retain their status during the application processing period and remain eligible to work as per the conditions of their original permits.
With approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel having offered aid in combating wildfires in 2023, Canada’s measures aim to alleviate the burdens faced by those affected by the catastrophic events.
For more details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
For media inquiries: Aissa Diop Director of Communications, Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Email: Aissa.Diop@cic.gc.ca Media Relations, Communications Sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Phone: 613-952-1650 Email: media@cic.gc.ca
In a proactive response to the devastating effects of the worst wildfire season on record last year, Canada is extending a helping hand to those affected by the wildfires. The Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced special measures to assist Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and visitors impacted by the wildfires.
Individuals directly affected by the wildfires can avail themselves of free replacement documents, including permanent resident cards, Canadian citizenship certificates, Canadian passports, and other essential travel documents. Moreover, employer-specific work permit holders affected by the wildfires will have the opportunity to transition to an open work permit to alleviate their circumstances.
These special measures will remain in effect until November 30, 2024, offering those affected the necessary time to replace lost documents and address temporary status issues while prioritizing their families and communities. International students, temporary foreign workers, and other visitors directly impacted and facing status expirations by the given date are eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada without any additional charges.
Furthermore, additional provisions have been made to exempt foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to aid in firefighting efforts from application and biometric fees, recognizing their invaluable contributions in combating the wildfires.
The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the wildfires, simplifying the process for document replacement and extension requests. “To the first responders and firefighters nationwide, and the foreign emergency support personnel lending their assistance, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your valor and dedication to safeguarding our communities,” Minister Miller stated.
Affected individuals applying for status extensions and work permit renewals will continue to retain their status during the application processing period and remain eligible to work as per the conditions of their original permits.
With approximately 5,600 foreign emergency services personnel having offered aid in combating wildfires in 2023, Canada’s measures aim to alleviate the burdens faced by those affected by the catastrophic events.
For more details on eligibility criteria, application procedures, and covered replacement documents, visit the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
For media inquiries: Aissa Diop Director of Communications, Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Email: Aissa.Diop@cic.gc.ca Media Relations, Communications Sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Phone: 613-952-1650 Email: media@cic.gc.ca
