Canada unveils special immigration measures for disaster-affected foreign workers, students

Canada has introduced temporary special immigration measures to support foreign workers, students, and visitors whose lives and immigration status have been affected by natural disasters in the country. These measures, in effect from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2028, allow eligible temporary residents up to six months to apply for status restoration, compared to the usual 90-day timeframe.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the measures on Twitter, specifying that they apply to those directly affected by a natural disaster while holding valid temporary resident status as a worker, student, or visitor at the time of the event. Covered disasters include wildfires, storms, floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Workers must submit a signed attestation detailing the disaster's impact, along with the code "NaturalDisaster2026" and supporting evidence like proof of residence or workplace unavailability due to the disaster. Students applying must provide similar attestation and evidence, as well as information regarding their designated learning institution if it was closed due to the disaster.

If a school was closed, students may be considered on authorized leave, allowing them to pause studies without penalty and continue working off-campus if permitted by their study permits. Applicants must still pay standard fees and can request priority processing through an IRCC web form, noting "NaturalDisaster2026" and explaining their situation.

This initiative aims to provide additional time for disaster-affected temporary residents to regularize their immigration status amidst the aftermath of major natural disasters.