Situation in Iran: Temporary immigration measures for workers in Canada
As of March 1, 2026, special measures for Iranian nationals in Canada have changed. Temporary measures have been extended until March 31, 2027, for Iranian work permit holders in Canada only.
Iranian nationals working in Canada may be eligible to extend their work permit.
No other temporary measures are in place for Iranian applicants.
On this page
How to extend your stay as a worker
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
March 31, 2027
You may extend your status if
- you’re an Iranian national with a valid passport
- you’re in Canada with a valid work permit when
- you apply for your work permit extension, and
- a decision is made on your application
- your valid initial work permit was issued no later than February 28, 2025
- you haven’t previously been issued a work permit under these special measures
- If you were already issued a work permit extension under these special measures, you can’t get a second extension.
- you meet the general eligibility and admissibility requirements for a work permit
General eligibility and admissibility requirements for a work permit
To be eligible to apply for a work permit, you must
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
- not be a danger to Canada’s security
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required to)
- not plan to work for an employer listed as “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions
- not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages on a regular basis
- prove that you have enough money to pay for
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a work permit extension that could be valid for up to 2 years.
Check the expiry date on your passport
We can’t issue your work permit past the expiry date listed on your passport. If your passport will expire within 2 years, you should renew it before you apply.
How to apply
Follow the instructions below to extend your work permit from within Canada.
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Sign in to your account
Sign in or create an IRCC secure account to start your application.
Sign in to start your applicationIf you can’t apply online
You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a
- disability that prevents you from applying online or
- problem with the online application system
Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”
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Gather and upload your forms and documents
All applicants need to include
- the Application to extend your worker status(opens in a new tab)
- a copy of your passport or travel document
- Upload this in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Passport.”
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Pay the application fees
We’ll ask you to pay your fees at the end of your application. You’ll need a valid credit or debit card.
Total fees Type of fee Amount Who needs to pay this fee Work permit processing $155 All applicants Open work permit fee $100 Open work permit applicants only Biometrics fee Individual: $85
Family: up to $170 (if you’re eligible)Check if you need to give biometrics -
Submit a complete application
Make sure you submit a complete application in your IRCC secure account. Your application may be refused if you’re missing documents or other required information.
If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed
You’re considered to have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information
Send us a web form(opens in a new tab) .
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “Iran2023” in the text box.
Iranian visitors and study permit holders
Iranian nationals in Canada who hold a visitor record or study permit can no longer apply for a different type of permit under special measures. You can apply to extend your current temporary resident status in Canada through the regular process.