Iranians in Canada Can Still Apply for Special Open Work Permits with Extended PolicyDerek Shank0 shares
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the special public policy for Iranian nationals in Canada has been extended, allowing certain individuals to apply for work permits and study permits under more relaxed conditions.
This article covers:
- Extension of the Special Work Permit Policy for Iranians in Canada
- Work Permit Provisions and Benefits
- Study Permit Provisions for Iranian Nationals
- Dropped Provisions and Changes
- Background of the Policy
Extension of the Special Work Permit Policy for Iranians in Canada
The temporary public policy allowing Iranian nationals to apply for work permits, work permit extensions, and initial study permits from within Canada has been extended by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) until February 28, 2026. This extension comes as the policy was initially set to expire on February 28, 2025.
The policy applies to Iranians who are already in Canada with valid temporary resident status and arrived in Canada before February 28, 2025. This extension provides more time for Iranian nationals to access work and study permits under more favorable conditions, especially amidst ongoing challenges.
Work Permit Provisions and Benefits
Under this extension, eligible Iranian nationals can continue to apply for open work permits even if they do not meet the usual requirements for a Canadian work permit. The open work permits can be issued for up to two years, and the applications will benefit from priority processing.
Importantly, applicants no longer need an existing work permit to apply for a new one from within Canada, streamlining the process for Iranian nationals already residing in Canada.
Study Permit Provisions for Iranian Nationals
Iranian nationals applying for an initial study permit will also continue to benefit from this extended policy. They can submit applications for study permits from within Canada, as long as they meet the usual requirements, including enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses.
However, Iranian nationals applying for an extension of an existing study permit will no longer be covered by this temporary policy and must now follow the regular process to extend their permits.
Dropped Provisions and Changes
Some key changes come with this policy extension:
- Visitor Status: Iranians applying to extend their stay as visitors are no longer eligible for this special policy.
- Study Permit Extensions: Iranian nationals seeking to extend their study permits are no longer covered by this public policy and must adhere to the standard procedure.
- Fee Exemptions Removed: As of March 1, 2025, IRCC will remove the fee exemptions for applications submitted after this date. Applications submitted before February 28, 2025, will still be processed with the previous fee exemptions in place.
Background of the Policy
This special policy was originally introduced in response to the civil unrest in Iran following the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini by the Iranian regime’s “morality police” in September 2022. The policy aimed to provide Iranian nationals in Canada with a more accessible way to extend their stay as temporary residents amid ongoing unrest in their home country.
The continuation and extension of this policy serve to support Iranian nationals who are already in Canada and wish to remain while navigating the challenges in their home country.
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