On April 21, 2010, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney announced that the Government of Canada would be making special accommodations for foreign nationals whose Canadian immigration status may be at risk because of the recent delays in air travel.

“Temporary residents whose status in Canada expired on or after April 15, but who have been unable to leave because of the interruptions to air travel over the Atlantic, will have their status automatically extended up to 30 days at no charge,” said Minister Kenney.

Temporary residents outside of Canada who were unable to complete their firm travel plans, and whose purpose of travel remains valid, will be able to obtain a temporary replacement document at no charge upon application.

Immigrants who were unable to move to Canada before their permanent resident visa expired will also be given a reprieve upon application, subject to certain conditions. For example, if their medical certificate has expired, a new medical assessment will be required.

In all cases, new extensions will cease to be granted once regular travel resumes on a sustained basis, and all extensions will expire on June 30 at the latest.

The official press release appears here.