Around a month after establishing an immigration task force for helping Lebanese with facilitated consular services, Canada announced additional measures, including waiving some immigration fees, for this purpose.
As per the new measures, Canadian citizens and Lebanon-based holders of a valid permanent Canadian residence permit may receive priority processing if they require a Canadian passport or other travel documents.
Additionally, the immediate family members of Canadians and permanent residents currently residing in Beirut neighborhoods affected by the August 4 blast will be prioritized in visitor visa applications to Canada.
The applicable family members for this prioritization are spouses, common-law partners, dependant children, parents, and step-parents.
On the other hand, Lebanese citizens currently residing temporarily in Canada may extend their stay in case they are unable to return to Lebanon due to the explosion.
The following are the immigration fees exceptionally waived for Canadian citizens, permanent residents in Lebanon, as well as Lebanese nationals in Canada:
- Permanent resident travel document (PRTD) ($50). Note: Those who require a PRTD may still need to pay a service fee to submit their application at the Beirut Visa Application Centre.
- Temporary Canadian passport ($110).
- Canadian passport (various).
- Replacement of certificate of Canadian citizenship ($75). Note: Those requesting the certificate for the first time will not be able to benefit from the fee exemption.
- Emergency travel document (various).
- Temporary resident status extension ($100).
- Study permit renewal ($150).
- Work permit renewal ($155).
Immigration support is one way Canada has been supportive of Lebanon since the Beirut explosion.
Through tons of aid, fundraising, and other shows of solidarity, Canada and its people have been remarkable in standing with Lebanon through the tragic disaster of the Beirut Port explosion.