Special measures for students, workers and visitors affected by domestic natural disasters

These special measures are in place from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2028.

Natural disasters such as wildfires, storms, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes can disrupt the lives of temporary students, workers and visitors. To help manage your immigration status, we’ve introduced special measures to give you additional time to restore your temporary resident status.

1. Who can apply

   You can apply for these measures if

   • you’ve been directly affected by a natural disaster in Canada from April 1, 2026, to November 30, 2028, and
   • you had valid temporary resident status as a student, worker or visitor on the date you were directly affected by the natural disaster

   If you held a temporary resident permit (TRP) and wish to extend your stay, you must apply for another TRP.

2. How to apply for these special measures

   Restore your visitor status

   You need to apply for a visitor record to renew your visitor status. A visitor record is different from a visitor visa.

   1. Complete the online application for a visitor record.
      • Most people have to apply online. If you can’t apply online, check if you can apply on paper.
   2. Include these documents in your application:
      • your signed attestation letter explaining when and how the natural disaster affected you
        • Include the code “NaturalDisaster2026”.
      • a copy of your proof of residence or temporary stay in an affected area, if applicable, such as
        • your government-issued identity document
        • a utility bill showing your home address located in the affected area
        • a hotel receipt
   3. Submit your application.
      • If you apply online, upload your documents in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Client Information.”
      • If you apply on paper, write “NaturalDisaster2026” on both the envelope and the first page or covering document of your application. Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package.
   Restore your worker status

   1. Complete the online application to restore your worker status.
      • Most people have to apply online. If you can’t apply online, check if you can apply on paper.
   2. Include these documents in your application:
      • your signed attestation letter explaining when and how the natural disaster affected you
        • Include the code “NaturalDisaster2026”.
      • a copy of your proof of residence or temporary stay in an affected area, if applicable, such as
        • your government-issued identity document
        • a utility bill showing your home address located in the affected area
        • a hotel receipt
      • the name and address of your employer
      • proof that your workplace is not operational, if applicable, such as
        • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
        • a media article showing that your workplace is not operational
        • a copy of a notice posted on the company website
   3. Submit your application.
      • If you apply online, upload your documents in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Client Information.”
      • If you apply on paper, write “NaturalDisaster2026” on both the envelope and the first page or covering document of your application. Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package.
   Restore your student status

   1. Complete the online application to restore your student status.
      • Most people have to apply online. If you can’t apply online, check if you can apply on paper.
   2. Include these documents in your application:
      • your signed attestation letter explaining when and how the natural disaster affected you
        • Include the code “NaturalDisaster2026”.
      • a copy of your proof of residence or temporary stay in an affected area, if applicable, such as
        • your government-issued identity document
        • a utility bill showing your home address located in the affected area
        • a hotel receipt
      • the name and address of your designated learning institution (DLI)
      • proof that your DLI is currently closed due to the natural disaster, if applicable, such as
        • a signed letter from your DLI on school letterhead
        • a media article
        • an email to students stating that classes are suspended
        • a copy of a notice posted on the DLI’s website
   3. Submit your application.
      • If you apply online, upload your documents in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Client Information.”
      • If you apply on paper, write “NaturalDisaster2026” on both the envelope and the first page or covering document of your application. Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package.

   If your designated learning institution (DLI) is closed, you’re considered to have authorized leave.

   • You can pause your studies or progress towards a degree without a penalty.
   • You will still be able to work off campus if your study permit lets you work.
   • You will still be eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit

   Once your DLI reopens, you’ll need to have valid status as a student to return to your studies.

3. After you apply

   If you would like to be considered for urgent processing, send us a web form:

   • Under “What do you need to do?” choose “Request Priority Processing for my existing application.”
   • Under “Tell us about your situation” type “NaturalDisaster2026” and include why you need your application prioritized.
   • Complete all other required fields.

   You can also use the same web form if you

   • need help or have any questions
   • need to update your contact information

Resources

• Temporary public policy for foreign nationals in Canada affected by domestic natural disasters
• Temporary public policy for foreign emergency services personnel entering Canada to support natural disaster response efforts