Free Replacement of Travel Documents for Flood-Affected Residents in British Columbia
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Overview of the Announcement
Residents of British Columbia continue to face the challenges brought by severe floods and landslides. Recognizing the need to replace critical documents, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is offering free replacements for travel and immigration documents affected by these disasters.
As announced by Minister Sean Fraser, IRCC will waive fees for replacing documents lost or destroyed due to the floods. This initiative is effective retroactively from November 15, 2021, and extends until May 31, 2022.
Details of the Special Measures
Document Replacement and Fee Waivers
During this period, individuals can apply for replacements without fees for passports, refugee travel documents, certificates of identity, citizenship certificates, and permanent resident cards. Temporary residents in British Columbia can also have their application and biometrics fees waived if they need to extend their visitor, study, or work permits due to the flooding.
Extension of Application Deadlines
For those unable to apply on time, deadlines will be extended. Foreign nationals who had temporary status as of November 15, 2021, and whose status expired or will soon expire, can apply to restore their status until May 31, 2022, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
Government Support and Commitment
“The Government of Canada’s top priority is to collaborate with the province and Indigenous governments to aid British Columbia residents hit by the catastrophic floods. As communities begin rebuilding, these measures are part of our relief efforts.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“Our dedication is to support British Columbians in recovering from severe flooding. These measures, along with other governmental actions, aim to assist those directly impacted to recover and rebuild.”
– The Honourable Bill Blair, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness
Key Information
- Eligibility for these measures requires proof of direct impact by the floods and proof of residence in the affected areas.
- Free replacement passports will expire on the original date of the damaged or lost passport. New passport applications will incur the regular fees.
- Flood-affected individuals who already paid for replacement documents after November 15, 2021, may request a refund.
- On November 26, 2021, a committee of federal and provincial ministers was established to provide immediate and continued support, co-chaired by Bill Blair and Mike Farnworth.
Additional Resources
- Floods in British Columbia: Special measures
- Public policy for foreign nationals in British Columbia directly affected by the floods
Contact Information
For Media Inquiries:
Alex Cohen
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-954-1064
Media Relations
Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQ
What documents are eligible for free replacement?
Eligible documents include passports, refugee travel documents, certificates of identity, citizenship certificates, and permanent resident cards.
How can temporary residents benefit from these measures?
Temporary residents can have their application and biometrics fees waived for extending visitor, study, or work permits due to the crisis.
Can I get a refund if I already paid for document replacement?
Yes, individuals who paid for replacement documents or services after November 15, 2021, can request a refund.
For more assistance, Read our immigration guide.
