Canada launches measures to support those impacted by domestic natural disasters

Canada continues to face the growing impacts of climate change, with extreme weather conditions becoming more frequent and severe. Communities across the country have responded to these challenges with resilience and strength, and the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting those affected.

Today, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced new special measures to support people and communities across Canada who may be directly affected by domestic natural disasters.

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.