Newcomers to Canada, including temporary residents, permanent residents, and citizens affected by the 2025 wildfire season, can benefit from fee waivers and extended application deadlines until November 30, 2025. Individuals impacted by the wildfires can apply for these measures by providing an attestation of their situation, regardless of their current location.
Special measures by IRCC include the replacement of lost or damaged immigration, citizenship, and passport documents, with potential eligibility for urgent processing. The article covers an overview of available measures, eligibility criteria, and application processes for different applicant groups.
Overview of Measures
| Group | Special Measures | Effective Window |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residents | – Fee waivers for extensions/restorations, document replacements, and biometrics. – Extended time for affected individuals. – Document replacements (TRV, work/study permits). | July 2 – Nov 30, 2025 |
| Permanent Residents | – Fee-free replacement of PR cards issued in the last 5 years. – Verification of status document replacements. – Waived biometrics fees for replacements. | Apr 1 – Nov 30, 2025 |
| Canadian Citizens | – Fee-free replacement of citizenship certificates. – Passport fee waivers for lost/damaged documents. – Replacement passports with original expiry dates. | Apr 1 – Nov 30, 2025 |
*TRPs are temporary resident permits distinct from temporary resident visas, usually for individuals deemed criminally inadmissible.
Eligibility Criteria
IRCC’s special measures are available to all individuals affected by the 2025 wildfires, including temporary residents, permanent residents, and citizens. Applicants must provide evidence of impact to qualify for the extended deadlines and fee waivers.