ARCHIVED – Floods in British Columbia: Special measures

If you’re directly affected by the floods in British Columbia (B.C.), you may be able to get free

Answer a few questions and we’ll tell you if there are special measures for you and how to apply.

What would you like to do?

If your visitor visa is valid for 30 days or more: Replace your visitor visa

You can replace your visitor visa for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

How to apply

You need to send us a web form (opens in a new tab) :

  1. Under Type of application/enquiry, select Replacement Documents, Amendments to documents and Verification of status documents.
  2. Type “bcfloods21” in the text box.
  3. Complete all other required fields.
  4. After you click "Next", upload these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of residence, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address in the flood area

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Replacement Documents, Amendments to documents and Verification of status documents.
  • Type “bcfloods21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

If your visitor visa is expired, will expire in less than 30 days or you need a different expiry date: There aren’t any special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you replace your visitor visa. You need to follow the usual steps to apply and pay the fees if you

  • need a visitor visa with a new expiry date or
  • your original visa
    • is expired or
    • will expire in less than 30 days

Apply for a visitor visa (opens in a new tab) 

Replace your document

You can replace your document for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods. For your situation, you can apply for a verification of status. If we approve your application, you’ll get

  • a replacement document for your visitor record, work permit or study permit, or
  • a paper document with your immigration history for your record of landing or confirmation of permanent residence

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

How to apply

  1. Complete the application for a verification of status (opens in a new tab) .
    • For your situation, it’s free to apply.
  2. With your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of residence, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address in the flood area
  3. Write “urgent: bc floods” on
    • the envelope and
    • the first page or covering document of your application
  4. Send your application to the Operations Support Centre in Ottawa, Ontario (opens in a new tab) .

We’ll process your application urgently.

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If your passport is expired, expires in less than 6 months, or if you’re changing the details on your passport: There aren’t any special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you replace your passport. You’ll need to follow the usual steps to apply and pay the fees to get a new passport with a new expiry date or updated details.

Find out how to

If your passport is valid for more than 6 months: Replace your passport in 2 business days or less

You can replace your passport for free if it’s damaged or lost due to the floods.

If we approve your application, the replacement passport will have the same expiry date and details as the previous one.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

How to apply

  1. Complete the application for
  2. Get 2 new passport photos (opens in a new tab) .
    • You must pay for the photos yourself.
  3. Complete the declaration for a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 120 KB).
  4. Include proof of residence in the flood area.
  5. Include the previous passport, if available (even if damaged)
  6. For your situation, there is no application fee.
    • You do not need to pay the fee or include a receipt.
  1. Go to a passport office (Service Canada Centre – Passport Services)(opens in a new tab)  for walk-in service. You do not need an appointment. New
    • Make sure it’s a passport office and not a regular Service Canada Centre or you won’t get your passport in time.
    • You must provide proof that you need the passport in 2 business days or less.

If you need help or have questions

Get help to download, save and open a form (opens in a new tab) .

Contact us (opens in a new tab)  or call us at 1-800-567-6868 if you

  • need help or have any questions
  • need to update your contact information
  • have not received your passport within the service standard (opens in a new tab) 

If your passport is valid for more than 6 months: Replace your passport in 3 to 25 business days

You can replace your passport for free if it’s damaged or lost due to the floods.

If we approve your application, the replacement passport will have the same expiry date and details as the previous one.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

How to apply

  1. Complete the application for
  2. Get 2 new passport photos (opens in a new tab) .
    • You must pay for the photos yourself.
  3. Complete the declaration for a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 120 KB).
  4. Include proof of residence in the flood area.
  5. Include the previous passport, if available (even if damaged)
  6. For your situation, there is no application fee.
    • You do not need to pay the fee or include a receipt.

If you need help or have questions

Get help to download, save and open a form (opens in a new tab) .

Contact us (opens in a new tab)  or call us at 1-800-567-6868 if you

  • need help or have any questions
  • need to update your contact information
  • have not received your passport within the service standard (opens in a new tab) 

If your passport is valid for more than 6 months: Replace your passport

You can replace your passport for free if it’s damaged or lost due to the floods.

If we approve your application, the replacement passport will have the same expiry date and details as the previous one.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

How to apply

  1. Complete the application for
  2. Get 2 new passport photos (opens in a new tab) .
    • You must pay for the photos yourself.
  3. Complete the declaration for a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 120 KB).
  4. Include proof of residence in the flood area.
  5. Include the previous passport, if available (even if damaged)
  6. For your situation, there is no application fee.
    • You do not need to pay the fee or include a receipt.
  1. Submit your application by mail to one of the following addresses:

Courier address

Government of Canada
Passport Program
22 de Varennes Street
Gatineau, Quebec
J8T 8R1

Mailing address (non-courier)

Government of Canada
Passport Program
Box 4000 STN LCD 3
Mississauga, Ontario
L5K 0A9

If you need help or have questions

Get help to download, save and open a form (opens in a new tab) .

Contact us (opens in a new tab)  or call us at 1-800-567-6868 if you

  • need help or have any questions
  • need to update your contact information
  • have not received your passport within the service standard (opens in a new tab) 

Replace your permanent resident card

You can replace your permanent resident card for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

How to apply

  1. Complete the permanent resident card application (opens in a new tab) .
  2. Complete and sign the solemn declaration (opens in a new tab) .
    • Explain how the floods affect you in section 3 of the form.
  3. You do not need to pay the application fee.
  4. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and on the first page of your application or covering document
  5. Submit your application to one of the following addresses:

Courier address

Case Processing Centre – PR Card
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS B1P 5Z2

Mailing address (non-courier)

Case Processing Centre — PR Card
PO Box 10020
Sydney, NS  B1P 7C1

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

Apply online to replace your citizenship card or certificate

You can replace a citizenship certificate for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

Apply online

  • Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply online (opens in a new tab) .
  • If you can, you’ll see a Create an account or sign in button.
  • After you sign in, select “Yes” when the online application asks if you need urgent processing.
  • Upload these required documents under Client Information in the Optional Documents section:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of residence, for example
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address in the flood area

We’ll refund your fees and process your application urgently

Before you submit your application, you must pay the fee in your online account. Our system won’t let you submit without paying.

After you apply, we’ll refund you

  • once we process the application, and
  • if your application includes the required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of residence, for example
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address in the flood area

You don’t have to contact us to get the refund.

If you’re replacing a citizenship card, we

  • have stopped issuing the cards
  • will replace the card with a certificate (if we approve your application)

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

Apply on paper to replace your citizenship certificate or card

You can replace a citizenship certificate for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

How to apply

  1. Complete the paper application for a citizenship certificate (opens in a new tab) .
  2. Include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of residence, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address in the flood area
  3. For your situation, there is no application fee.
    • You do not need to pay the fee or include a receipt.
  4. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  5. Send your application to one of the following addresses:

Courier address

CPC-Sydney
49 Dorchester Street
Sydney, NS
B1P 5Z2

Mailing address (non-courier)

CPC-Sydney
PO Box 10000
Sydney, NS
B1P 7C1

If you’re replacing a citizenship card, we

  • have stopped issuing the cards
  • will replace the card with a certificate (if we approve your application)

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If your certificate of identity or refugee travel document or is expired or will expire in less than 6 months: There aren’t any special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you replace your certificate or document.

You’ll need to follow the usual steps to apply for a new certificate of identity or refugee travel document (opens in a new tab)  and pay the fees.

Replace your certificate of identity or refugee travel document if you need it urgently

You can replace your certificate of identity or refugee travel document for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

How to apply

You must complete the forms and submit them through our web form.

  1. Complete the adult or child travel document application (opens in a new tab)  .
  2. For your situation, there is no application fee.
    • You do not need to pay the fee or include a receipt.
  3. Complete the declaration for a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 120 KB)
  4. Complete the declaration – disaster assistance form(PDF, 51.3 KB)  if you’re
    • a visitor to the affected area or
    • a non-resident affected by the flood
  5. Upload your forms through our web form (opens in a new tab)  :
    • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Certificate of Identity/Refugee Travel Document.
    • Complete the required fields.
    • In the text box
      • type “BCFloods21”, and
      • include your travel date and reason for urgent travel
    • After you click Next, you’ll be able to upload your forms.

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

Replace your certificate of identity or refugee travel document (non-urgent)

You can replace your certificate of identity or refugee travel document for free if it’s damaged, inaccessible or lost due to the floods.

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

How to apply

  1. Complete the adult or child travel document application (opens in a new tab) .
  2. For your situation, there is no application fee.
    • You do not need to pay the fee or include a receipt.
  3. Complete the declaration for a lost, stolen, inaccessible, damaged or found Canadian travel document (PDF, 120 KB)
  4. Complete the declaration – disaster assistance form (PDF, 51.3 KB) if you’re
    • a visitor to the affected area or
    • a non-resident affected by the flood
  5. Submit your application to one of the following addresses:

Courier address

Centralized Network – Certificate of Identity Section
Place du Centre, Commercial Level 2
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC J8X 4B7

Mailing address (non-courier)

OSC PPT-COI
PO Box 8783 STN T CSC
Ottawa, ON K1G 5G8

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If you submitted your application on or before November 14, 2021: There aren’t any special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you get urgent processing or a refund for your submitted application. We won’t refund your fees.

Follow the usual steps to get urgent processing:

If you submitted your application to replace an immigration or refugee document on or after November 15, 2021: Get urgent processing and a refund for your submitted application

If you’re directly affected by the floods, you can get urgent processing if you’ve already applied

  • to replace your visitor visa, visitor record, study permit, work permit, permanent resident card, confirmation of permanent residence, citizenship certificate or record of landing
  • for a certificate of identity or refugee travel document
  • to extend or restore your temporary resident status (visitor, student or worker)
  • to change your work permit to change jobs or employers

You can also get a refund if you

  • paid the application fee and
  • did not previously ask for a refund

There are 2 steps to get urgent processing and a refund.

Deadline: Ask for urgent processing and your refund on or before

May 31, 2022

1. Contact us to get urgent processing

To get urgent processing, send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  :

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

2. Ask for a refund

How you ask for a refund depends on how you paid and what you applied for. Use our online tool to find out what you need to do.

Find out how to ask for a refund (opens in a new tab) .

If you submitted your application to replace a passport on or after November 15: Get urgent processing and a refund of your submitted application

If you’re directly affected by the floods, you can get urgent processing if you’ve already applied for a passport.

You can also get a refund if

  • you paid the application fee
  • we haven’t started processing your application yet and
  • you did not previously ask for a refund

1. Call us to get urgent processing
1-800-567-6868

Let us know you’ve been affected by the floods and need your passport urgently.

2. Ask for a refund

How you ask for a refund depends on how you paid and what you applied for. Use our online tool to find out what you need to do.

Find out how to ask for a refund (opens in a new tab) .

If you applied to extend your temporary resident status on or before November 14, 2021: There aren’t any special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you get urgent processing or a refund for your submitted application.

If you applied before your status expired, you

If you submitted an application to change the conditions on your work permit on or before November 14, 2021: There aren’t any special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you get urgent processing or a refund for your submitted application.

Due to COVID-19, you may not need to wait until we approve your work permit to start your new job or work for a new employer.

You just need to wait for our email (opens in a new tab)  that says you have permission to change jobs. It will confirm that you can start your new job or work for your new employer while we process your application.

  • If you applied online, the email should arrive in about 10 business days.
  • If you applied on paper, it may take longer.

You can check your application status (opens in a new tab) .

If your status was valid on November 15, 2021: Apply online to extend or restore your visitor status

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

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

There are 2 steps to apply for urgent extension of your status.

1. Apply online

  • Complete the online application for a visitor record (opens in a new tab) .
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of temporary residence, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a hotel or utility bill showing your temporary address in the flood area

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

If your status was valid on November 15, 2021: Apply on paper to extend or restore your status as a visitor

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

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

How to apply

  1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) .
  2. If you can, you’ll see the steps to apply.
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of temporary residence, for example:
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a hotel or utility bill showing your temporary address in the flood
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB  T5J 4C3

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If you didn’t have a valid status on November 15, 2021, or it’s expiring on or after June 1, 2022: There are no special measures for your situation

There are no special measures to help you extend your status. We won’t refund your fees.

Find out the usual steps to extend your

If you did not have a valid status on November 15, 2021: Apply online to extend or restore your visitor status

Deadline: Submit your application

within 90 days of having lost your status

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

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

There are 2 steps to apply for urgent extension of your status.

1. Apply online

  • Complete the online application for a visitor record (opens in a new tab) .
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of temporary residence, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a hotel or utility bill showing your temporary address in the flood area

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

If your status was not valid on November 15, 2021: Apply on paper to extend or restore your status as a visitor

Deadline: Submit your application

within 90 days of having lost your status

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

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

How to apply

  1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) .
  2. If you can, you’ll see the steps to apply.
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • a copy of your proof of temporary residence, for example:
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a hotel or utility bill showing your temporary address in the flood
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Visitor and Temporary Resident Permits, Station 303
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB  T5J 4C3

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If your status was valid on November 15, 2021: Apply online to extend or restore your status as a student

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

There are 2 steps to apply for urgent extension of your status.

1. Apply online

  • Complete the online application to extend or restore your student status (opens in a new tab) .
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab)  in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your DLI is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from DLI on school letterhead
      • a media article
      • an email to students stating that classes are suspended
      • a copy of a notice posted on the institution’s website

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

Pausing your studies

You may pause your studies or progress toward a degree, diploma or certificate if your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab) ,  is in the flood area.

After May 31, 2022, you need to resume your studies and progress to complete your program.

If your status was valid on November 15, 2021: Apply on paper to extend or restore your status as a student

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

How to apply

  1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) .
  2. If you can, you’ll see the steps to apply.
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab)  in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your DLI is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from DLI on school letterhead
      • a media article
      • an email to students stating that classes are suspended
      • a copy of a notice posted on the institution’s website
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Pausing your studies

You may pause your studies or progress toward a degree, diploma or certificate if your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab) ,  is in the flood area.

After May 31, 2022, you need to resume your studies and progress to complete your program.

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If your status was not valid on November 15, 2021: Apply online to extend or restore your status as a student

Deadline: Submit your application

within 90 days of having lost your status

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

There are 2 steps to apply for urgent extension of your status.

1. Apply online

  • Complete the online application to extend or restore your student status (opens in a new tab) .
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab)  in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your DLI is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from DLI on school letterhead
      • a media article
      • an email to students stating that classes are suspended
      • a copy of a notice posted on the institution’s website

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

If your status was not valid on November 15, 2021: Apply on paper to extend or restore your status as a student

Deadline: Submit your application

within 90 days of having lost your status

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

How to apply

  1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) .
  2. If you can, you’ll see the steps to apply.
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab)  in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your DLI is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from DLI on school letterhead
      • a media article
      • an email to students stating that classes are suspended
      • a copy of a notice posted on the institution’s website
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Pausing your studies

You may pause your studies or progress toward a degree, diploma or certificate if your designated learning institute (DLI) (opens in a new tab)  ,  is in the flood area.

After your status is restored, you need to resume your studies and progress to complete your program.

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If your status was valid on November 15, 2021: Apply online to extend or restore your status as a worker

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

There are 2 steps to apply for urgent extension of your status.

1. Apply online

  • Complete the online application to extend or restore your worker status (opens in a new tab)  .
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab)  ).
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your employer in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your workplace is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
      • a media article showing your workplace is not operational
      • a copy of a notice posted on your company’s website

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

If your status was valid on November 15, 2021: Apply on paper to extend or restore your status as a worker

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

How to apply

  1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) 
  2. If you can, you’ll see the steps to apply.
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your employer in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your workplace is not operational due to the floods, for example
      • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
      • a media article showing your workplace is not operational
      • a copy of a notice posted on your company’s website
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Work permits/Same employer, Station 202
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB  T5J 4C3

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

If your status was not valid on November 15, 2021: Apply online to extend or restore your status as a worker

Deadline: Submit your application

within 90 days of having lost your status

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

There are 2 steps to apply for urgent extension of your status.

1. Apply online

  • Complete the online application to extend or restore your worker status (opens in a new tab)  .
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab)  ).
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your employer in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your workplace is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
      • a media article showing your workplace is not operational
      • a copy of a notice posted on your company’s website

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

If your status was not valid on November 15, 2021: Apply on paper to extend or restore your status as a worker

Deadline: Submit your application

within 90 days of having lost your status

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can extend or restore your status for free if you’re directly affected by the floods.

How to apply

  1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) 
  2. If you can, you’ll see the steps to apply.
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a signed letter (attestation) explaining how the floods affect you
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • the name and address of your employer in the flood area
    • if applicable, proof that your workplace is not operational due to the floods, for example
      • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
      • a media article showing your workplace is not operational
      • a copy of a notice posted on your company’s website
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Work permits/Same employer, Station 202
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB  T5J 4C3

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

Apply online to change your employer

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

You can follow this special process to apply to change your employer for free if you’re eligible (opens in a new tab)   and you’re directly affected by the floods.

There are 2 steps to apply.

1. Apply online

  • If you can, ask your new employer to name you in a Labour Market Impact Assessment application with Service Canada.
  • Complete the online application for a work permit (opens in a new tab) 
  • For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
    • In your account, to tell us that you don’t need to pay fees, select “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” for the question “There are fees associated with this application. Will you be paying your fees or are you fee exempt?”
  • Upload these required documents in the “Supporting Documents” section, under “Proof of Fee Exemption”:
    • a document with the name and address of your employer in the flood area
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • if applicable, proof that your workplace in the original work permit is not operational due to the floods, for example,
      • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
      • a media article showing your workplace is not operational
      • a copy of a notice posted on your company’s website

2. Tell us you applied to get urgent processing

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  to let us know you applied and ask for urgent processing.

  • Under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied.
  • Type “BCFLOODS21” in the text box.
  • Complete all other required fields.

You can also follow the same instructions to send us a web form if you

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

Apply on paper to change your employer

Deadline: Submit your application on or before

May 31, 2022

The postmark date on the envelope is the date you submit your application.

You can follow this special process to apply to change your employer for free if you’re eligible and you’re directly affected by the floods.

How to apply

  1. If you can, ask your new employer to name you in a Labour Market Impact Assessment application with Service Canada.
  2. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply on paper (opens in a new tab) 
  3. For your situation, you do not need to pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
  4. In your application, include these required documents:
    • a document with the name and address of your employer in the flood area
    • if applicable, a copy of your proof of residence in the flood area, for example,
      • a government-issued identification (ID)
      • a utility bill showing your residential address
    • if applicable, proof that your workplace in the original work permit is not operational due to the floods, for example:
      • a signed letter from your employer on company letterhead
      • a media article showing your workplace is not operational
      • a copy of a notice posted on your company’s website
  5. Write “urgent: bc floods” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
  6. Send your application to the Case Processing Centre in Edmonton:

Case Processing Centre in Edmonton
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
c/o Work permits/New employer, Station 555
9700 Jasper Avenue NW, Suite 55
Edmonton, AB  T5J 4C3

If you need help or have questions

Send us a web form (opens in a new tab)  if you

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

When you fill out the web form

  • under Type of application/enquiry, select Request urgent processing of renewal or replacement card and have already applied
  • type “BCFloods21” in the text box
  • complete all other required fields

Page details

Date modified: