What to do if your temporary protection visa has been lost?

Losing your temporary protection visa or any other related document is a serious problem for Ukrainians in Calgary who are participating in the CUAET program. Such situations occur due to physical loss, theft, or damage to the document, but there is a clear and understandable procedure for restoring legal status in each case. It is important to react quickly and follow each step to avoid problems with your stay in Canada or legal consequences.

What to do immediately after losing your documents

First, make sure you know what type of document you have lost:

  • Visa or temporary resident permit
  • Work or study permit
  • Visitor record This will determine the next steps you need to take.

Search and assess the situation Stop and try to remember where you last saw your documents. Check all possible places where they could have been left. Contact Calgary's lost and found service and inform your employer or educational institution if you suspect that you left the document there.

Determining the cause of the loss

If the document may have been stolen, you must act immediately and contact the police.

Contacting the Calgary Police

If you suspect theft, report it to the police immediately.

  • Phone: 403-266-1234 (non-emergency number), for emergencies call 911.
  • How to file: you can call or go to the police station in person.
  • What information is required: document number (if known), date and place of issue, circumstances of loss/theft, any other details.

You will be given a case number/police report number. Be sure to keep it for future reference when applying to the immigration service (IRCC).

CUAET document renewal: basic steps

All renewal issues are handled through IRCC using form IMM 5009 – “Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document.”

Who is eligible? The application can only be submitted for a valid document that has not yet expired. If the document has expired, you will need to restore your status separately!

Cost and processing time

  • Processing fee: 30 Canadian dollars (pay online on the IRCC website).
  • Standard processing time: 4–8 weeks, but may take longer depending on the workload.

Completing the IMM 5009 form

  • Part A: Enter your personal information (full name, date of birth, passport details, citizenship, marital status).
  • Part B: Indicate the type of document, details (number/date of issue, if known), circumstances of loss; for theft, be sure to include the police report number.
  • Part C: Additional information (for special categories, not usually required for newcomers).

What supporting documents to submit with the form

  • Copy of passport (all pages with photo, details, visas, and stamps)
  • Another form of ID (driver's license, provincial card, birth certificate, etc.)
  • Copy of lost document, if available (photo/scan speeds up the process)
  • Police report number (if stolen), or explanation why the report could not be filed
  • Receipt for payment of the fee ($30)

How and where to send the application

Submissions must be made BY MAIL! (There is no online form for such cases.)

  • Address: Verification of Status (VOS) or Replacement of an Immigration Document Operations Support Centre (OSC) P.O. Box 8784 STN T CSC Ottawa, Ontario K1G 5J3

Send all documents in one package. It is recommended to use Canada Post with tracking or a courier service.

Urgent processing

If the matter is truly urgent, write “URGENT” on the envelope and include proof of urgency.

How to maintain your status while your application is being processed

  • If your work/study permit is still valid, you may continue to work and study. Bring a copy of the completed form and confirmation that you have sent the package of documents with you.
  • If you do not have the original, it is NOT RECOMMENDED to leave Canada, as you will not be able to return even with a valid visa in your passport (without a residence permit).
  • If your employer requires proof of your right to work, show them a copy of your application and explain the situation.

If the validity period has already expired

  • Have you lost or damaged your document after the expiry date? Now you need to restore your status:
  • You can only apply within 90 days!
  • Pay a separate fee of $200 + the cost of a new permit.
  • While your application is being processed, you CANNOT work or study.

Special provisions for CUAET participants

  • Those who arrived before March 31, 2024, may apply for an extension or renewal of their status until March 31, 2026.
  • Standard government fees apply from 2025.
  • Ukrainians are given priority consideration — processing times may be slightly shorter.

Where else can you get help in Calgary

  • Immigrant Services Calgary — comprehensive support (403-265-1120)
  • Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) (403-262-2006)
  • Centre for Newcomers (403-569-3325)
  • Ukrainian Canadian Congress Alberta — immigration, social, and psychological assistance

Prevention

  • Take photos/scans of all documents and save them in the cloud, email, or on different devices.
  • Keep paper copies separate from the originals.
  • Get additional identification (Alberta ID card or driver's license).
  • Keep your documents in a safe place.

Legal assistance

  • Legal Aid Alberta — free/low-cost assistance for people with low income.
  • Licensed immigration consultants — for particularly complex situations.

How to contact IRCC

  • Special hotline for Ukrainians: 613-321-4243 (collect calls accepted)
  • Crisis web form on the IRCC website (indicate “Ukraine2022” for expedited processing)

Temporary solutions

  • If necessary, IRCC may issue a temporary confirmation of status.
  • Verification of status (VOS) is possible to confirm your immigration history.
  • Ask your employer to write a letter confirming your right to work due to the loss of your documents.

Conclusion

Losing your temporary protection visa or permit is not a disaster if you act calmly and consistently. Follow the instructions carefully, contact Calgary support organizations in a timely manner, and don't forget about prevention (copies, safe storage). The Canadian system anticipates such situations and has clear solutions even in the most difficult cases!