Iranians in Canada remain eligible for special open work permits. IRCC has extended a temporary public policy that applies to Iranian nationals in Canada who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025. 

The policy applies to Iranians with valid temporary resident status who are applying for a work permit, work permit extension, or an initial study permit. 

The policy has been extended until February 28, 2026. Prior to the recent extension, the policy will expire on February 28, 2025.

Work Permit Provisions 

Under this temporary public policy, eligible Iranian nationals can apply for open work permits and/ or extend their existing work permits, even if they don’t meet the normal requirements needed for a Canadian work permit. 

Open work permits can be issued for up to two years under this policy. 

Eligible individuals do not need an existing permit to apply for one of these open work permits from within Canada. 

They will also benefit from priority processing on their applications. 

Study Permit Provisions 

Iranians in Canada remain eligible for special open work permits. Well, eligible Iranian nationals applying for an initial study permit also benefit under this temporary policy. 

These individuals can apply for initial study permits from within Canada. 

They should still meet the usual requirements for the study permit, including being enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), having enough money for tuition as well as living expenses, along with having a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), unless exempt. 

Iranian nationals applying for extensions of existing study permits are no longer covered under this temporary public policy. Moreover, they should follow the normal process to apply for extensions of their study permits. 

Dropped Provisions 

Some provisions that were previously in force have been dropped from the policy extension. 

This policy no longer applies to Iranians applying to extend their stay as a visitor.

IRCC has also removed the fee exemption for all applications submitted on or after March 1, 2025. Applications submitted before February 28, 2025, will be processed in accordance with the earlier fee exemptions. 

Background 

The Canadian federal government originally implemented this temporary public policy in response to civil unrest in Iran ‘following the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini by the Iranian regime’s so-called ‘moral police’ in September 2022’. 

The intention of the temporary public policy is to allow Iranian nationals already in Canada to prolong their stay in Canada as temporary residents more easily. 

If you seek information on how to begin your Canada immigration application process, you can talk to our NavaImmigration experts at 1800-918-8490. You can drop us an email at i[email protected].