Ottawa: To support those who lost vital documents including those of travel, citizenship and immigration in BC floods, the government of Canada has announced to waive fees to replace these documents under its purview.
In addition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is waiving application and biometrics fees for temporary residents in British Columbia directly affected by the flooding. Fees will be waived for reissuing status documents if they were lost or damaged in the floods, as well as for temporary residents applying to extend their visitor status, study permit or work permit as a result of the crisis.
Fees will also be waived and deadlines extended for those who are not able to apply on time to extend their study permit, work permit or visitor status. This means foreign nationals who had temporary status on November 15, 2021, but whose status expired after that or will soon expire, will be able to apply to restore their status up to May 31, 2022, provided they meet the requirements.
To qualify for the special measures, people will need to provide proof they have been directly affected by the floods, including proof of residence in a flood-affected area.
These special measures take effect retroactively, from November 15, 2021, and will continue until May 31, 2022.
“This time frame gives Canadians and permanent residents time to sort out what documents they need to replace and to apply with no fees. These documents include passports, refugee travel documents, certificates of identity, citizenship certificates (proof) and permanent resident cards,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
IRCC is issuing free replacement passports for Canadians directly affected by the floods. As such, these documents will expire on the same date that their original damaged or lost passport would have expired. Those applying for a new passport will need to pay the usual fees.
Flood-affected people who have already applied and paid for a replacement document or service fee on or after November 15, 2021, will be able to request a refund.
