Government introduces temporary measures to help those impacted by recent wildfires

Published August 16, 2024

Individuals affected by wildfires may benefit from special measures announced by the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC). These measures include replacing government issued documents such as passports, citizenship and immigration documents at no cost. Licensees can inform clients impacted by wildfires that they may be eligible for these benefits.

The temporary special measures, starting July 19, 2024, and ending November 30, 2024, are available to those directly affected by wildfires. These include the free replacement of certain documents, as well as options for addressing temporary status issues, such as:

• replacement of citizenship, immigration or travel documents (including passports) that have been lost, damaged or destroyed
• extending or restoring temporary resident status
• transitioning from an employer-specific work permit to an open work permit if unable to work for a current employer.

International students, temporary foreign workers and other visitors directly affected by the wildfires, and whose status will expire by November 30, 2024, are also eligible to restore or extend their status in Canada, or to replace a status document, free of charge.

For more information visit IRCC’s website.