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

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

This measure applies to all applications we approve before January 3, 2024.

If you can’t include a copy of your passport or travel document with your permanent resident application, include a supporting document explaining why you can’t instead.

You may not need to provide your passport or travel document to be approved for a permanent resident visa to come to Canada.

If we approve your application for permanent residence before January 3, 2024, to confirm if you do or don’t have a passport or travel document

• we may send you a letter, or
• an officer may contact you directly

We’ll issue a single journey travel document with your visa attached (so you can travel to Canada) if

• you can’t submit a passport or travel document and
• we’re satisfied with your reason for not providing one

Apply for a permanent resident travel document

If you don’t have a valid permanent resident card, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document for free if

• you’re a permanent resident of Canada directly affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye and
• you need a permanent resident travel document to travel

How to apply

1. Complete the application for a permanent resident travel document (opens in a new tab) .
2. Don’t pay the processing fee of $50 or include a receipt with your application.
3. You can apply online or on paper.

If you apply online

Write and sign a letter (attestation) that

• explains how you were affected by the earthquakes
• includes “TS2023” at the top of the letter

Upload this letter in the “Proof of payment” section before you submit your application.

If you apply on paper

1. Write “TS2023” on the envelope and on the first page of your application or covering document.
2. Write and sign a letter (attestation) that explains how you were affected by the earthquakes. Include this letter with your application.
3. Submit your application to the visa application centre (VAC) nearest you.
   • If you’re applying from Syria, submit your application to the VAC in Jordan or Lebanon.

Apply online to extend your status – visitor

You can extend your status for free if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

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

Apply online for a visitor record

1. Complete the online application for a visitor record (opens in a new tab) 
2. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
   • To tell us you don’t need to pay fees, in your account choose “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” when asked if you will be paying fees or if you’re fee exempt.
3. Upload these required documents in the “Supporting documents” section
   • Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport.
   • Under “Proof of fee exemption”, upload a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures”.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply online to extend your status – worker

You can extend your status for free if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply online

1. Complete the online application to extend your worker status (opens in a new tab) 
2. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
   • To tell us you don’t need to pay fees, in your account choose “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” when asked if you will be paying fees or if you’re fee exempt.
3. Upload these required documents in the “Supporting documents” section
   • Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport.
   • Under “Proof of fee exemption”, upload a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures”.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply online to extend your status – student

You can extend your status for free if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply online

1. Complete the online application to extend your student status (opens in a new tab) 
2. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
   • To tell us you don’t need to pay fees, in your account choose “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” when asked if you will be paying fees or if you’re fee exempt.
3. Upload these required documents in the “Supporting documents” section
   • Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport.
   • Under “Proof of fee exemption”, upload a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures”.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply on paper for another temporary resident permit

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for free if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply on paper

1. Complete the paper application to remain in Canada as a temporary resident permit holder (opens in a new tab) .
2. When completing form IMM 5708, under section 3 at the top of the form choose “Get a new temporary resident permit.”
3. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
4. Include these required documents with your application
   • a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport
   • a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures.”
5. Write “TS2023” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply on paper for another temporary resident permit and a work permit

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for free if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply on paper

1. Complete the paper application to change conditions or extend your stay as a worker (opens in a new tab) .
2. When completing form IMM 5710, under section 3 at the top of the form choose both of these
   1. “Get a new temporary resident permit”
   2. the type of work permit you’re applying for
3. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
4. Include these required documents with your application
   • a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport
   • a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures.”
5. Write “TS2023” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply on paper for another temporary resident permit and a study permit

You can apply for another temporary resident permit for free if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply on paper

1. Complete the paper application to change conditions or extend your stay as a student (opens in a new tab) 
2. When completing form IMM 5709, under section 3 at the top of the form choose both of these
   • “Get a new temporary resident permit”
   • “Apply for a study permit for the first time or extend my study permit”
3. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
4. Include these required documents with your application
   • a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport
   • a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures.”
5. Write “TS2023” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply online to change your status to that of a visitor

You can apply for a free visitor record to change your status in Canada to that of a visitor if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada, and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply online

1. Complete the online application for a visitor record (opens in a new tab) .
2. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
   • To tell us you don’t need to pay fees, in your account choose “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” when asked if you will be paying fees or if you’re fee exempt.
3. Upload these required documents in the “Supporting documents” section
   • Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport.
   • Under “Proof of fee exemption”, upload a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures”.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply online to change your status to that of a worker

You can apply for a free open work permit (opens in a new tab)  to change your status in Canada to that of a worker if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada, and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply online

1. Complete the online application to extend or change the conditions on your work permit (opens in a new tab) .
2. When filling out form IMM 5710
   • Under Details of intended work in Canada, choose “Open Work Permit” for question 1.
   • You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply
3. Don’t pay the application fees, the open work permit holder fee or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
   • To tell us you don’t need to pay fees, in your account choose “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” when asked if you will be paying fees or if you’re fee exempt.
4. Upload these required documents in the “Supporting documents” section
   • Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport.
   • Under “Proof of fee exemption”, upload a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures”.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Apply online to change your status to that of a student

You can apply for a free study permit to change your status in Canada to that of a student if

• you have valid temporary resident status in Canada, and
• you’re either a
  • Syrian national with a valid Syrian passport
  • Turkish national with a valid Turkish passport

Apply online

1. Complete the online application to extend or restore your student status (opens in a new tab) .
2. Don’t pay the application fees or the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) )
   • To tell us you don’t need to pay fees, in your account choose “No, I am exempt from paying fees for this application” when asked if you will be paying fees or if you’re fee exempt.
3. Upload these required documents in the “Supporting documents” section
   • Under “Passport”, upload a copy of your Syrian or Turkish passport.
   • Under “Proof of fee exemption”, upload a letter that states “I am exempt from paying fees under the TS2023 special measures”.

If you have questions or need to update your contact information

Restore your status

There are no special measures to help you restore your temporary resident status if it has expired.

If it has been less than 90 days since your status expired, you may be able to apply to restore it. Regular fees and processing times would apply.

If we approve your application to restore your status, you may then be eligible to apply to extend or change your status under these special measures.

Find out how to restore your

• visitor status
• worker status
• student status

Apply for a 1-year limited validity Canadian passport

You can apply for a 1-year limited validity passport for free if

• you’re a Canadian citizen directly affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye and
• you need passport services to travel

You’ll be given a regular passport that is valid for 1 year with a temporary passport.

If you want to apply for a regular passport with full validity (either 5 or 10 years), you need to pay the normal processing fees.

How to apply

Write and sign a letter (attestation) that explains how you are impacted by the earthquakes.

Contact the closest Government of Canada office abroad and provide them with your letter.

If you’re applying from Syria, contact the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon.

If you need to travel urgently

When you contact the Government of Canada office, tell them you need to travel urgently. They may issue you an urgent travel document if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Apply online for a citizenship certificate

You can apply for a citizenship certificate for free if

• you’re a Canadian citizen directly affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye and
• you need to confirm your Canadian citizenship to get a Canadian passport or travel document

How to apply

1. Start by answering a few questions to make sure you can apply online (opens in a new tab) .
2. If you can, you’ll see a Create an account or sign in button.
   • If you don’t already have an IRCC secure account, you’ll need to create one.
3. Choose the electronic citizenship certificate. If we approve your application, you’ll get instructions on how to download your certificate in your IRCC secure account.
   • If you choose to get a paper citizenship certificate, it’s important to know that mailing times will impact the time it takes to get your certificate. A delay may impact the type of passport or travel document you receive.
4. Write and sign a letter (attestation) that explains how you are impacted by the earthquakes. Upload this letter under Client Information in the “Supporting Documents” section.

If you have questions

Contact the closest Government of Canada office abroad.

If you’re applying from Syria, contact the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon.

Apply on paper for a citizenship certificate

You can apply for a citizenship certificate for free if

• you’re a Canadian citizen directly affected by the earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye and
• you need to confirm your Canadian citizenship to get a Canadian passport or travel document

How to apply

1. Complete the paper application for a citizenship certificate (opens in a new tab) .
2. Write and sign a letter (attestation) that explains how you are affected by the earthquakes. Include this letter with your application.
3. Don’t pay the fee or include a receipt.
4. Choose the electronic citizenship certificate. If we approve your application, we’ll send instructions to the most recent email address you gave us on how to download your certificate.
   • If you choose to get a paper citizenship certificate, it’s important to know that mailing times will impact the time it takes to get your certificate. A delay may impact the type of passport or travel document you receive.
5. Write “TS2023” on the envelope and the first page of your application or covering document.
6. Submit your application to a Government of Canada office abroad.

If you have questions

Contact the closest Government of Canada office abroad.

If you’re applying from Syria, contact the Canadian Embassy in Lebanon.