On July 2, 2025, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, announced a suite of support measures aimed at citizens, permanent residents, temporary foreign workers, students, and emergency personnel impacted by wildfires. Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose documents were lost or damaged by wildfires can apply for free replacements, retroactive to April 1, 2025, with refunds available if they’ve already paid. Also, fee waivers and extensions for temporary residents (like international students and migrant workers) to replace or renew status and permits without cost; the usual 90‑day limit for restoring status is waived. 

Fee waivers on applications and biometrics for foreign emergency responders assisting with wildfire operations, as of June 11, 2025, streamlining entry and deployment. These measures will span through November 30, 2025, giving affected individuals time to recover essential documentation. The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab said, “We remain firm in our commitment to support people and communities impacted by increasingly severe wildfires in Canada. 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. I’d like to extend my gratitude to the emergency and first responders for their dedication to protect our communities.” 

In addition, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, added, “Wildfire season is in full swing, and Canadians are feeling its effects in every part of their lives. As first responders, the RCMP and volunteers work around the clock to protect communities, we’re doing our part to support those affected. 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.” 

These steps are part of a multi-layered federal-provincial response aimed at mitigating both immediate and long-term wildfire impacts. With the wildfire season still ongoing, these supports play a crucial role in reducing stress for displaced individuals and bolstering preparedness at all levels.