The latest reports claim that Canada extended the special measures for Iranians as TRs. These special measures came to the forefront in February last year. The reason behind introducing this special measure was to help Iranian nationals who are facing hard times in Iran. The particular measure’s expiry was due last week but will now expire on February 28, 2025. However, IRCC has extended the measure, considering the unpleasant situation that persists despite the subsided conflicts.
Canada extended the special measures for Iranians as TRs
When these measures initially took effect, the Canadian government stated the following things:
- The measures will make it simpler for those arriving in Canada for temporary work, study, or visitor visas to apply for the extension from within Canada.
- These special measures will prioritize applications from Iranians residing in Canada.
- Iranians already living in Canada will be able to access a new Open Work Permit pathway.
- Exempt Iranians from certain fee payments if they seek to extend their stay in the country.
- Those in Iran with Canadian citizenship or PR currently seeking to leave Iran will be exempt from passport and PR travel document fees.
Along with the exemption from the processing fees, Iranian applicants in Canada will also be exempted from paying the temporary resident permit processing fees. In addition, they will no longer have to pay the processing fee for extending their stay as a temporary resident or the biometrics collection fee.
However, applicants must be Iranians holding a valid Iranian Passport to qualify for the above exemptions. They must also hold a temporary resident status during the application submission and at the time of the decision on their application.
Iranians will have a new Open Work Permit pathway
Qualifying Iranian nationals will be able to apply for an Open Work Permit, which enables holders to work for any Canadian employer in any location or industry. Furthermore, without fees, they will qualify for new TR streams, such as a visitor visa or study permit. In a situation where one visa or permit expires after applying for a new stream, they will be acknowledged for maintained status.
Iran contributes immensely to Canada, with a significant number of Canadian citizens
Iranians continue to value Canada as a prominent and reputed destination. The Canadian Citizenship Institute confirms that Iranians emerged as the fifth-highest number of new immigrants who held Canadian citizenship between January and September last year.
Furthermore, the immigration department demonstrates that there were nearly 14,780 Iranians who held Canadian study permits toward the latter part of 2023 and 10,670 permanent residents.
IRCC data in 2022 demonstrated that Iran was the eighth top source country for immigrant arrivals. Notably, 11,105 Iranians emerged as permanent residents in 2022.
If you have any questions related to the Canadian immigration process, you can access all relevant details through Make Home Canada’s immigration consultants. Write to us at [email protected]
