Earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye: Temporary immigration, passport and citizenship measures

The special measures to support those affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye ended on January 3, 2024.

Applications submitted on or before January 3, 2024

We’ll continue to process applications free of charge for:

• a citizenship certificate
• a temporary passport or emergency travel document
• a permanent resident travel document
• extending your current temporary resident status
• changing your temporary resident status or applying for a different status (for example from a student to a worker)

Updating your contact information

If you applied to extend or change your temporary resident status:

• Send us a web form (opens in a new tab) .
• Complete all required fields.

If you applied for a passport, citizenship certificate, or permanent resident travel document:

• from Syria
  • Contact the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon.
• from a country other than Syria
  • Contact the closest Government of Canada office abroad.

You applied for permanent residence outside of Canada without a passport or travel document

If you applied without a passport or travel document, and your application was not approved before January 3, 2024:

• you’ll need to provide your passport or travel document to be approved for a permanent resident visa before you can come to Canada.

Applications submitted on or after January 4, 2024

If you submit an application on or after January 4, 2024, you can no longer benefit from the special measures.

• You will need to pay the processing fees when you submit your application.
• If no fees are included with your application it will be returned to you.