Last Updated On 31 March 2023, 9:45 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
On February 23, 2023 IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) announced new measures for Iranians on temporary status in Canada making it easier for them extend their stay.
This new temporary policy announced by Canada will come in effect on March 1, 2023 and will be applicable until February 28, 2024.
This temporary IRCC policy was signed by Canadian immigration minister, Sean Fraser on February 9, 2023.
This new measure will allow Iranians to switch between temporary streams, allowing them to continue studying, working, or visiting relatives in Canada by simply applying for a new permit from within Canada.
Furthermore, an open work permit will also be made available to Iranians who are currently in Canada. Moreover, applications from Iranians living in Canada will also be prioritized.
Additionally, the Canadian government is eliminating processing fees (including biometrics) for Iranians applying for open work permit, study permits, and extension of temporary resident status in Canada.
Canada will also waive fees for limited-validity Canadian passport, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel document (PRTD) for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who seek to leave Iran.
Important: This new policy will not be applicable to applications already under processing. It will only apply to applications submitted on or after March 1, 2023.
Details on how to apply will be made public by IRCC on March 1, 2023.
Canada is also looking into reforms to other programs, such as the Human Rights Defenders stream. This is one of the few in the world with a dedicated, permanent immigration program for people who guard and promote human rights.
For refugees who are outside their home country and unable to return, Canada has three resettlement options. The Government-Assisted Refugees Program, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program.
Previously, the Government of Canada announced actions on October 7, 2022, including labelling the Iranian regime as one that participates in serious or systematic human rights violations and terrorism.
As a result, this made top officials of that regime inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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