Canada introduces measures to support those affected by wildfires

On July 2, 2025, the government of Canada announced new measures to help support those affected by the current wildfire season. These measures are in effect until November 30, 2025 and apply to anyone impacted by the 2025 wildfires.

For temporary residents (including temporary foreign workers, international students, and visitors):

• Temporary residents can replace status documents and apply to restore or extend their status in Canada, or apply to renew their work/study permit free of charge.
• The requirement to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of losing temporary resident status will be waived for those impacted by wildfires.
• As of June 11, 2025, application and biometric fees for foreign emergency services personnel coming to Canada to help fight wildfires will be waived.

For permanent residents and citizens:

• Any passports, citizenship certificates, permanent resident cards or other Canadian travel documents that have been lost, damaged or made inaccessible by the fires can be replaced for free.
• If anyone has already paid to replace documents because of the wildfires (on or after April 1, 2025), they can receive a refund.

Click here to fill out the form to request your replacement documents or to extend or restore your resident status.

Be sure to follow the daily fire updates from The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (CWFIS) to avoid the worst of the wildfires this season. You can also check your province/territory on the official government website to find local updates and emergency alert information.