Canada's immigration authority, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced on Tuesday, August 11, temporary special measures to support foreign nationals whose immigration status was disrupted by natural disasters. The measures, effective from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2028, extend the normal 90-day window to restore immigration status to six months for eligible workers, students, and visitors.
Scope of the Special Measures
The policy applies to temporary residents who held valid status as a worker, student, or visitor on the date a disaster directly affected them. Covered natural disasters include wildfires, storms, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. IRCC announced the measures via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Under normal circumstances, temporary residents who lose their immigration status have 90 days to apply for restoration. The extended six-month window aims to give affected individuals more time to gather documents and submit applications while managing the immediate consequences of a major disaster.
Requirements for Workers and Students
Workers seeking to restore their status must submit a signed attestation describing when and how the disaster affected them, include the code "NaturalDisaster2026" in their application, and provide supporting evidence such as proof of residence in the affected area. They may also need to include their employer's name, address, and evidence that their workplace was unable to operate due to the disaster.
Students face similar requirements, including the same attestation and code. Where a school has closed because of a natural disaster, students can provide supporting evidence such as a letter from the institution, an email sent to students, or a public notice confirming the closure. IRCC said students whose designated learning institutions are shut due to a disaster may be treated as being on authorised leave, allowing them to pause studies without penalties and continue working off campus if their study permits allow it.
Application Process and Fees
Standard application fees still apply across all categories. Applicants who need urgent processing can submit an IRCC web form after applying, selecting "Request Priority Processing for my existing application" and entering "NaturalDisaster2026" alongside reasons why their case should be prioritised. The same form is available to anyone needing assistance, looking to ask questions, or wanting to update their contact details.
IRCC also clarified that people holding a Temporary Resident Permit who wish to extend their stay cannot use the restoration measures and must instead apply for a new temporary resident permit. The measures are designed to give disaster-affected temporary residents breathing room to sort out their immigration status while dealing with the broader disruption that major natural disasters cause to daily life.
Canada continues to rank among the world's top immigration destinations, drawing skilled workers, students, and families from around the globe. The new measures reflect the country's commitment to supporting those affected by unforeseen calamities.
