Extended Open Work Permit Policy for Iranians in Canada

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of its temporary public policy that allows certain Iranian nationals in Canada to apply for special open work permits. This policy, which initially targeted those who arrived on or before February 28, 2025, will now remain in place until February 28, 2026. It applies to Iranian nationals in Canada with valid temporary resident status, enabling them to apply for open work permits, extend their existing permits, or apply for an initial study permit.

Open Work Permits Now Available for Longer Periods

Under this temporary public policy, eligible Iranian nationals can request open work permits that are valid for up to two years. Notably, they don’t need to meet the usual requirements that apply to standard Canadian work permits. Individuals who qualify for this program can even apply for an open work permit from within Canada without already holding one. Additionally, IRCC will give these applications priority processing to speed up the approval process.

Options for Study Permits

The policy also extends to certain study permit applications. Eligible Iranian nationals can apply for their first study permit from within Canada. However, they must still meet all standard requirements, such as enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of financial resources for tuition and living expenses, and a provincial or territorial attestation letter if needed.

It’s important to note that this policy no longer applies to Iranians seeking to extend existing study permits. Those individuals must follow the normal application process.

Removed Provisions in the Latest Extension

The current extension of this policy has brought some changes. It no longer covers Iranians applying to extend their visitor status or to renew a study permit. Additionally, fee exemptions that previously applied will no longer be in effect for applications submitted on or after March 1, 2025. However, applications submitted before February 28, 2025, will still be processed under the earlier fee waiver provisions.

Why Was This Policy Implemented?

This temporary public policy was first introduced in response to the civil unrest in Iran following the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The Canadian government’s intent was to make it easier for Iranian nationals already in Canada to remain here temporarily. By extending the policy, IRCC is continuing to provide a pathway for eligible Iranian nationals to stay and work in Canada more easily.