The Canadian government has implemented new immigration policies starting on March 1, 2023, to help people of Iranian nationality. As per this policy, Temporary Iranian visitors to Canada can now extend their stay.
According to the Canadian government, it will:
- Make it easier for foreign workers, students, and visitors to request extension requests from within Canada when they are on a temporary visa.
- The Canadian authorities should prioritize Iranians residing in Canada and their families.
- Ensure that Iranian residents who have already arrived in this country have access to an open work visa route. Work permits for open work permits can be obtained by foreign nationals from any employer.
- There may be exemptions from some fees for Iranian citizens who wish to stay longer in Canada.
- The Government of Canada waives passport and travel document fees for individuals who hold Iranian citizenship and are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
IRCC will publish more information on its website on March 1. Today in Vancouver, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, announced these measures on behalf of Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
According to a news release, the Canadian government is closely monitoring Iranians’ ongoing needs and will adjust its response as necessary.
Newcomers to Canada most commonly come from Iran
IRCC data shows that Iran ranked seventh among the top origins of immigrants to Canada in 2022. The number of Iranians residing permanently in the United States increased by 11,105 during the year. A Canadian citizen can be granted a study permit as an Iranian national. According to statistics from December 31, 2022, there were 21,115 Iranian students in Canada.
Canadian census data from 2021 shows that there are 200,000 Iranians living here. Around 68% of all Iranians in Canada live in Toronto and Vancouver.
