Canada Announces New Measures to Support Iranian Temporary Residents

The Government of Canada has recently introduced a temporary public policy for nationals of Iran who are currently in Canada as temporary residents. These new measures, which will be effective from March 1, 2023, until February 28, 2024, will allow eligible Iranian nationals to apply for the extension of their temporary resident status, open work permits, and study permits at no cost.

The exact details have not yet been announced, but will be released on March 1, 2023.

Eligible individuals can find detailed information on how to apply on the Government of Canada’s website from March 1, 2023.

For Iranian nationals currently in Canada with temporary resident status, the policy allows them to apply for the following travel documents for free:

• Extension of temporary resident status in Canada
• Open work permits
• Study permits

Applications for eligible individuals already in Canada will be given priority.

Additionally, Canadian citizens and permanent residents residing in Iran can apply for the following travel documents for free:

• Limited-validity Canadian passports
• Canadian citizenship certificates
• Permanent resident travel documents

This public policy was established in reaction to the sad death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the Iranian regime’s “morality police,” and it tries to make the Iranian regime accountable for its suppression of peaceful protesters and the regime’s repression of freedoms and human rights. The Canadian government has underlined its unwavering support for the Iranian people.

Several Iranians have decided to visit or spend time with relatives, study, or work in Canada on a temporary basis. Some of these temporary residents may be reluctant to return to Iran at this time and may desire to stay longer. The actions stated in this public policy will make it easier for persons who want to extend their temporary stay in Canada and switch between temporary resident streams to do so without incurring costs.

Canada is introducing new measures to support Iranians with temporary resident status who wish to extend their stay in Canada. Effective March 1, 2023, these measures will make it easier for Iranians to move between temporary streams and apply for a new permit from inside Canada, as well as provide priority processing for applications. Certain processing fees will also be waived for Iranians who wish to extend their stay, while passport and permanent resident travel document fees will be waived for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran who wish to leave.

Eligibility requirements

1. Eligible foreign nationals must meet the following conditions:

• They are Iranian nationals currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
• They have applied for either an extension of their temporary resident status under section 181 of the Regulations or a temporary resident permit.

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions in this category, exemptions may be granted for:

• Subsection 298(1) – the application processing fee for a temporary resident permit
• Subsection 305(1) – the application processing fee for an extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident
• Subsection 315.1(1) – the fee for biometric information collection services.

2. Eligible foreign nationals must also meet the following:

• They have applied for an extension of their temporary resident status or a temporary resident permit as mentioned above.
• They have applied for a work permit under section 200 or 201 of the Regulations.

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions in this category, exemptions may be granted for:

• Paragraphs 199(a)-(i) of the Regulations – requirements for applying for a work permit after entering Canada
• Paragraph 200(1)(c) of the Regulations – a specific requirement
• Subsection 298(1) – the application processing fee for a temporary resident permit
• Subsection 299(1) – the application processing fee for a work permit
• Subsection 315.1(1) – the fee for biometric information collection services.

3. In addition to meeting the above conditions, eligible foreign nationals must also meet the following:

• They are Iranian nationals currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
• They have applied for either an extension of their temporary resident status under section 181 of the Regulations or a temporary resident permit.
• They have applied for a study permit under section 216 or 217 of the Regulations from within Canada.

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions in this category, exemptions may be granted for:

• Section 213 of the Regulations – the requirement to apply for a study permit before entering Canada
• Paragraphs 215(1)(a)-(g) of the Regulations – requirements for applying for a study permit after entering Canada
• Subsection 298(1) – the application processing fee for a temporary resident permit
• Subsection 300(1) – the application processing fee for a study permit
• Subsection 315.1(1) – the fee for biometric information collection services.

NOTE: Foreign nationals who satisfy the criteria for this public policy’s eligibility are subject to all other legal requirements, including those for admission and selection, that are not waived by this or any other public policy.

This interim public policy is effective upon execution and is applicable to applications submitted on or after that date. It’s valid until February 28, 2024, and it might be taken away at any time without warning.

In summary, this temporary public policy is an important step taken by the Government of Canada to support the Iranian community in Canada and to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its actions. It provides a much-needed relief to temporary residents of Iranian nationality who may be facing difficulties returning to their home country at this time.

Quotes

“Canada will not stand idly by in the face of these aggressions as the Iranian regime continues its ongoing human rights violations. Our government is continuing to stand up for the people of Iran by making it easier for Iranians who wish to extend their stay here in Canada to be with their families, and allowing them to continue to work and study in safety. We will continue to work closely with the Iranian-Canadian community who is resolved to shed light on the repressive actions of the Iranian regime.

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“No matter why you are here, during this time of great uncertainty for the Iranian people, Canada remains committed to supporting the Iranian Canadian community. With these new measures, we hope to ease the hardship they’re currently facing by making it easier for them to stay longer in a place where it is safe to live and work. And perhaps, one day, call home.

– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources

Contact us

If you are an Iranian temporary resident in need of assistance with gathering the required documentation or submitting applications for the aforementioned measures, we are available to provide professional support.