Canada introduces special measures to help Indians in Canada affected by 2025 wildfires

The 2025 wildfire season in Canada has been one of the most severe on record, threatening homes, communities, and vital documents. For Indians in Canada, as well as other immigrants —whether citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents like students and workers—losing essential paperwork such as passports, study or work permits, or permanent resident cards can be a major source of stress.

Thankfully, the Government of Canada has introduced temporary measures to help those affected replace these critical documents quickly and at no cost.

Free replacement of lost or damaged documents

If your documents have been lost, damaged, or made inaccessible due to wildfires, you can now apply for free replacements. This includes:

• Canadian passports and citizenship certificates
• Permanent resident cards
• Study or work permits for temporary residents

If you already paid for replacements since April 1, 2025, you may be eligible for a refund.

“We remain firm in our commitment to support people and communities impacted by increasingly severe wildfires in Canada,” said Lena Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. “These measures will make it easier for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and temporary residents to replace lost documents.

“They will also help foreign emergency services personnel come to Canada and begin their critical work more quickly, when they are needed most,” she added. “I’d like to extend my gratitude to the emergency and first responders for their dedication to protect our communities.”

Temporary residents receive special support

Indians in Canada who are international students, temporary workers, or visitors affected by the wildfires can also apply to restore or extend their status in Canada, or renew their study or work permits, without paying the usual fees. The typical 90-day limit for status restoration has been waived for anyone impacted by these wildfires.

Waived fees for emergency personnel

Foreign firefighters and other emergency services personnel coming to Canada to assist in wildfire response can have application and biometric fees waived, helping them deploy faster and focus on relief efforts.

“Wildfire season is in full swing, and Canadians are feeling its effects in every part of their lives,” added Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience.

“As first responders, the RCMP and volunteers work around the clock to protect communities, we’re doing our part to support those affected,” she added. “By replacing lost documents at no cost and waiving biometric fees for international firefighters, we’re helping ease some of the stress during this difficult time.”

How long are these measures in effect?

These temporary measures are in place until November 30, 2025, giving residents plenty of time to secure replacement documents and focus on safety and recovery. Click here to find out how you can apply for free.