Canada extends special immigration measures for Iranians. This measure was announced in February 2023 to support Iranians in Canada during a time of turmoil. The measure will now expire on February 28, 2025. IRCC states that they have been extended because while protests in Iran have subsided, the situation remains unstable. 

During the initial release, the government of Canada said the special measures: 

  • Make it simpler for those in Canada on a temporary work, study, or visitor visa to apply for an extension from inside Canada.
  • Process candidates from Iranians residing in Canada on a priority basis
  • Introduce a new open work permit path for Iranians already living here.
  • Waive specific processing fees for Iranians who want to extend their stay in Canada. 
  • Waive passport & permanent resident travel document fees for permanent residents. 
  • & Canadian citizens presently in Iran who wish to leave. 

Among processing fees waived, Iranian candidates in Canada will not need to pay the processing fee for a temporary resident permit, the application processing fee for an extension of authorization to stay in Canada as a temporary resident, or the fee for the collection of biometrics. 

In order to be eligible, applicants must be Iranian nationals with a valid Iranian passport. They must also have valid temporary resident status both when they apply & when a decision is made on their application. 

Open Work Permit Pathway For Iranians 

As Canada extends special immigration measures for Iranians, eligible Iranian nationals might apply for an open work permit. An open work permit allows holders to work for almost any employer in Canada in any industry. 

Further, they might apply for new temporary resident streams without paying a fee. If one visa/ permit expires after they have applied for a new stream, they will be deemed to have maintained status.    

Iran Is A Top Source Nation For Canadian Citizens 

Canada is a popular destination for Iranians. According to the Institute for Canadian Citizenship data, Iranians were the fifth highest number of newcomers who became Canadian citizens between January & September 2023. 

Further, data from IRCC shows that there were also 14,780 Iranians with Canadian study permits at the end of 2023 & 10,670 permanent residents.

Additionally, IRCC data also shows that in 2022, Iran was the eighth leading source nation for immigrant landings. In particular, 11,105 Iranians became permanent residents that year.