Special Immigration Measures for Iranian Nationals in Canada

IRCC's special measures for Iranian nationals in Canada provide fee waivers, open work permits, and status extensions. Additionally, some Iranian nationals may qualify for expedited PRRA access due to changed conditions in Iran.

This resource covers the special immigration measures available to Iranian nationals currently in Canada, including the status of current IRCC measures, fee waivers, open work permit access, and the availability of PRRA consideration for those affected by changed conditions in Iran.

Iran has experienced significant political and social upheaval since 2022, including the nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini and ongoing human rights concerns. IRCC has responded with special measures for Iranian nationals in Canada and, for certain individuals, has permitted expedited access to the PRRA process due to changed country conditions.

• IRCC has implemented special measures for Iranian nationals that may include fee waivers and open work permit access — confirm current measure status on IRCC's official website, as program parameters change
• PRRA exemptions: IRCC has issued country-specific PRRA guidance for Iran, allowing certain Iranian nationals who received negative decisions to apply for a PRRA without the standard 12-month waiting period
• Changed conditions in Iran — particularly the political and social situation since 2022 — may constitute 'new evidence of risk' for PRRA purposes for eligible individuals
• Iranian nationals who have been in Canada without status, or who are approaching a removal date, should explore whether PRRA or other protections apply to their specific situation
• Applications for extensions of status under special measures should use the appropriate IRCC application code — confirm the current code on IRCC's official website