Public policy for Iranians: study and open work permits, fees waived

If you are an Iranian national legally staying in Canada, you may benefit from a unique public policy for Iranians. The policy follows the atrocities of the Iranian government against its citizens. Specifically, they have killed, tortured, imprisoned, blinded, and raped thousands since September 13, 2022. To alleviate the pain of Iranians and their loved ones in Canada, IRCC will assist them if they reside in our country.

The prescribed duration of public policy for Iranians

This public policy comes into effect on March 1, 2023, and will end on February 28, 2024. Affected people may receive relief from specific requirements of temporary residents in Canada, namely:

• Fees for certain applications
• Applying for a work or study permit after entering Canada as a visitor
• Receiving an open work permit

Who qualifies for public policy for Iranians

To qualify for this public policy, you must meet the following requirements. Of course, you must also apply within the prescribed duration.

• Be a citizen of Iran who resides in Canada with a valid status
• Apply for an extension as a visitor, worker, student, or TRP holder.
• Meet all eligibility requirements other than the exemptions in this and other public policies.

It is certain that you must be physically and legally present in Canada at the time of application. However, the public policy is silent about whether you must remain in Canada while the application is being processed. Regardless, it is in your best interest; you do not leave Canada until IRCC renders a decision.

Exemptions for visitor extension requests

When you apply for a Visitor Record or the extension of your visitor status, you must pay specific fees. The processing fee is $100. Moreover, you have to pay $85 for biometrics if your biometrics are not valid. If you need to apply for a TRP, add a $200 processing fee. However, eligible Iranians under this public policy are exempt from all these fees.

If you have already lost your status in Canada, you must still apply for Restoration of Status and pay the $200 processing fee. Unfortunately, this policy does not cover those who have lost their status in Canada.

An open work permit for this group

If you meet the basic requirements of this group, you may apply for an open work permit in Canada. In other words, if you are an Iranian national currently in Canada with valid status, you do not need a job offer to apply for a work permit. Interestingly, you will also be exempt from the $155 processing fee. The public policy text is silent about the $100 open work permit fee. However, the recently published guidelines show you do not need to pay this fee either. Moreover, there is no need to pay for biometrics or TRP if you need them. Of course, you must apply within the prescribed duration.

Study permit applications under the public policy for Iranians

If you fall under the eligible group, you may apply for a study permit inside Canada. You still need a valid Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution. However, you may apply inside Canada and not pay the $150 processing fee. Eligible applicants are also exempt from the TRP and biometrics fee.

The process for Iranian Special Measures public policy

To apply, you need to either apply online or on paper. If you are applying on paper, you must add IRAN2023 to your envelope. For online applications, you must create a file that explains the application is exempt from fee payments under the Iranian Special Measures.

Other measures

The immigration authorities also have other policies in place for Iranians. Many of these are temporary and subject to change:

• Deferral of their removal from Canada
• Fast-tracking some of the refugee applications inside Canada
• Issuing the following documents for those Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are in Iran:
  • Limited-validity Canadian passports
  • Canadian citizenship certificates
  • Permanent resident travel documents (PRTD)

Let us help!

If you wish to benefit from public policy for Iranians, please fill out the following form. The form is in Farsi for your convenience. However, if you do not know Farsi, please fill out our English contact form. Of course, you may book a consultation session with me or fill out our assessment form.

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