CANADA INTRODUCES SPECIAL IMMIGRATION MEASURES FOR DISASTER-AFFECTED RESIDENTS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Government of Canada has introduced special temporary immigration measures to support international students, foreign workers, and visitors affected by natural disasters.
The policy, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), took effect on April 1, 2026, and will remain in place until November 30, 2028. It covers individuals impacted by disasters such as wildfires, floods, storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes.
According to IRCC, the initiative is designed to provide flexibility for temporary residents whose lives and legal status may be disrupted by emergencies.
Under the new measures, eligible individuals will have up to six months instead of the previous 90 days—to restore their work or study permit status after being affected by a disaster.
Affected residents can also replace lost or damaged immigration documents and apply to extend their stay. Those who submit applications before their current permits expire will benefit from “maintained status,” allowing them to continue working or studying while their applications are being processed.
To qualify, applicants must have held valid temporary resident status at the time of the disaster, which must have occurred in Canada between April 1, 2026, and November 30, 2028. Applications must include a signed attestation letter detailing how the disaster affected them, proof of residence in the impacted area, and the code “NaturalDisaster2026.”
Supporting documents may include employer details for workers or confirmation of institutional closures for students. Individuals facing urgent situations can also request priority processing through the official IRCC web form.
In addition, Canada announced fee exemptions for foreign emergency response personnel from visa-required countries, enabling faster entry into the country during crises.
The government emphasized that the measures are aimed at ensuring continuity in work and study while protecting affected individuals from penalties due to circumstances beyond their control.
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