Revised temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents

Background

The Government of Canada recognizes that while the protests that erupted following the tragic killing on September 16, 2022 of Mahsa Amini have ended, the situation in Iran continues to be unstable due to a combination of factors, including a recent wave of protests against the current Iranian regime.

Temporary facilitative measures were previously introduced to support Iranian nationals in Canada in light of the situation in Iran. The measures outlined in this public policy will facilitate continued access to work permit extensions from within Canada for Iranian nationals who currently hold work permits that were issued on or before February 28, 2025, in recognition of their reliance on special measures to maintain work authorization to remain employed in Canada.

Therefore, I hereby establish that there are sufficient public policy considerations that justify the granting, pursuant to section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, of exemptions from the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (Regulations) listed below to foreign nationals who meet the conditions set out below.

Conditions (eligibility requirements)

Based on public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant an exemption from the requirements of the Act and Regulations identified below when a foreign national meets the following conditions:

1. The foreign national:
   1. is a national of Iran in Canada with valid temporary resident status;
   2. holds a valid work permit, at the time of application under 1c), that was issued on or before February 28, 2025;
   3. has applied for a work permit renewal under subsection 201(1) of the Regulations from within Canada; and
   4. has not already been granted an exemption under this public policy.

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted, if applicable:

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions listed in 1)

• Paragraph 200(1)(c) of the Regulations – the requirement to be described under this paragraph of the Regulations.

Other Admissibility and Selection Criteria

Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other legislative obligations and admissibility and selection requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy.

Effective Date and Expiration

This public policy comes into effect on March 1, 2026 and expires on March 31, 2027, and may be revoked at any time without prior notice.

This public policy applies to applications received on or after the date it comes into effect, and before the expiry date or the revocation of the public policy.