Canada Launches New Measures to Support People Impacted by Domestic Natural Disasters
IRCC has introduced targeted measures to assist individuals whose immigration status or applications may be affected by natural disasters within Canada. These updates are designed to ensure that people facing emergencies can:
• Maintain or restore their immigration status
• Access flexible documentation options
• Receive priority support where needed
• Avoid penalties caused by circumstances beyond their control
This high‑level policy shift reflects Canada’s commitment to protecting residents and temporary workers during crisis situations.
Under these measures, you will find the following:
Temporary residents, including international students, temporary foreign workers and other visitors, who are directly affected by a domestic natural disaster can replace their status documents. They can also apply to restore or extend their status in Canada, or renew their work or study permit, even if they are beyond the standard 90-day restoration period.
Foreign emergency services personnel from visa-required countries travelling to Canada to help respond to a natural disaster will be exempt from standard application or biometric collection fees, helping them arrive more quickly to support response efforts.
These measures will be in place for approximately three years, from April 1, 2026, until November 30, 2028.
