Canada extends special work permit measures for Iranians, i.e., as of March 1, 2026, Canada has updated and extended its special immigration measures for Iranian nationals living in the country. These measures now apply only to certain work permit holders and will remain in effect until March 31, 2027.
These updated rules allow eligible Iranian workers in Canada to apply for an extension of their work permits under specific conditions.
Under the newest version of these measures, Iranian nationals in Canada can apply for a work permit extension if they meet the following requirements:
- They must be an Iranian national with a valid passport.
- They must be inside Canada and hold a valid work permit at the time of application and when a decision is made by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Their original work permit must have been issued on or before February 28, 2025.
- They must not have already received a work permit extension under these special measures. Only one extension is allowed.
- They must meet all normal eligibility and admissibility requirements for a work permit.
Applications under this policy must be submitted before March 31, 2027.
Even though this policy provides special support, applicants must still meet all other requirements normally required for a work permit extension unless specifically exempted.
More details about the application process can be found on the official IRCC website.
How The New Policy Differs From Previous Measures?
This new policy comes shortly after the expiration of the earlier “temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada,” which ended on February 28, 2026. The updated policy continues to provide support to Iranian nationals, but it is more limited compared to the previous measures.
The current policy introduces several important changes.
Is narrower in scope:
The new rules apply only to Iranian nationals in Canada who already hold valid work permits and want to extend them. IRCC has confirmed that no additional temporary measures are currently available.
- The earlier policy offered more options. It allowed Iranian nationals to apply for open work permits and even apply for study permits from within Canada, in addition to work permit extensions.
Uses a different cut-off rule:
- Eligibility under the current policy depends on holding a valid work permit and having an initial permit issued on or before February 28, 2025.
- Under the previous policy, eligibility depended on whether the individual had arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025.
Applies to a smaller group of applicants:
- The updated measures apply only to workers who already have valid work permits. They must also remain employed in Canada at the time of application and decision.
- In contrast, the earlier policy covered a wider group of Iranian temporary residents, including workers and individuals applying for study permits from inside Canada.
Visitors and students cannot change status through this policy:
- Under the new measures, visitors and international students cannot switch to work or study permits through the special program. These individuals must now follow the regular immigration application process.
- Previously, eligible individuals could apply for their first study permit from within Canada under the special policy.
One-time extension rule:
The updated policy clearly states that the work permit extension under these special measures can only be used once. Anyone who has already received an extension through this policy will not be eligible to apply again.
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