Situation in Iran: Temporary immigration, passport and citizenship measures
Extended Some temporary measures have been extended until February 28, 2026.
Temporary measures are available to support Iranian temporary residents who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025.
Iranian temporary residents in Canada
As of March 1, 2025, special measures for Iranian temporary residents in Canada have changed.
Iranian nationals with valid temporary resident status in Canada may be eligible if they
- arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, and
- are applying for a work permit, work permit extension or an initial study permit
Iranian nationals in Canada wanting to extend their stay as a visitor or study permit holder must now apply through the regular process:
Applications submitted on or after March 1, 2025, are subject to standard application fees. We’ll continue to process eligible fee exemptions for those who applied on or before February 28, 2025.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Iran
As of March 1, 2025, Canadian citizens and permanent residents living in Iran seeking to replace travel documents and citizenship certificates are no longer eligible for a fee exemption.
We’ll continue to process eligible fee exemptions for those who applied on or before February 28, 2025.
Standard processing fees now apply for the following:
How to apply
Answer a few questions below to find out how and what you’re eligible to apply for as an Iranian temporary resident living in Canada.
Special measures for this application type have ended
You must apply for a visitor record through our regular application process. Regular fees and processing times apply.
Apply online to extend your status - worker
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
February 28, 2026
You can extend your status if you
- are an Iranian national with a valid passport
- are in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply, and
- a decision is made on your application
- arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, and
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
To be eligible to apply for an open work permit, you must
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
- not be a danger to Canada’s security
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required to)
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions
- not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages on a regular basis
- prove that you have enough money to pay for
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for an open work permit that could be valid for up to 2 years.
Apply online
- Complete the online application to extend your worker status (opens in a new tab) .
- You’ll need to pay the application fees, including the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
- Upload a copy of your passport or travel document in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Passport.”
If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed
You are considered to have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information
Send us a web form (opens in a new tab) .
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “Iran2023” in the text box.
Most people must apply online
You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a
- disability that prevents you from applying online or
- problem with the online application system
Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”
Special measures for this application type have ended
You must apply for a extend your stay as a study permit holder through our regular application process. Regular fees and processing times apply.
Special measures for this application type have ended
You must apply for a new temporary resident permit through our regular application process. Regular fees and processing times apply.
Apply online for an open work permit
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
February 28, 2026
You can apply for an open work permit (opens in a new tab) if you
- are an Iranian national with a valid passport
- are in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply, and
- a decision is made on your application
- arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, and
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
You’ll also get priority processing on your application.
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
To be eligible to apply for an open work permit, you must
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
- not be a danger to Canada’s security
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required to)
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions
- not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages on a regular basis
- prove that you have enough money to pay for
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for an open work permit that could be valid for up to 2 years.
Apply online
- Complete the online application to extend or change the conditions on your work permit (opens in a new tab) .
- When filling out form IMM 5710, in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section, select “Open Work Permit” for question 1.
- You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply.
- You’ll need to pay the application fees, including the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) ).
- Upload a copy of your passport or travel document in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Passport.”
If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed
You are considered to have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information
Send us a web form (opens in a new tab) .
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “Iran2023” in the text box.
Most people must apply online
You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a
- disability that prevents you from applying online or
- problem with the online application system
Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”
Apply online for a study permit
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
February 28, 2026
You can apply for a study permit if you
- are an Iranian national with a valid passport
- are in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply, and
- a decision is made on your application
- arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, and
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
You’ll also get priority processing on your application.
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for a study permit
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must
- be enrolled at a DLI
- provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study, unless you meet one of the exceptions.
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- your tuition fees
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if we ask you to)
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
Studying in Canada as a minor child
Minor children may be able to study in Canada without a study permit but may benefit from having one. Learn more about studying in Canada as a minor.
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a study permit that will be valid for the length of your study program.
Apply online
- Complete the online application to extend or restore your student status (opens in a new tab) .
- You’ll need to pay the application fees, including the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
- Upload a copy of your passport or travel document in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Passport.”
If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed
You are considered to have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information
Send us a web form (opens in a new tab) .
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “Iran2023” in the text box.
Most people must apply online
You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a
- disability that prevents you from applying online or
- problem with the online application system
Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”
Apply online for an open work permit
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
February 28, 2026
You can apply for an open work permit (opens in a new tab) if you
- are an Iranian national with a valid passport
- are in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply, and
- a decision is made on your application
- arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, and
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
You’ll also get priority processing on your application.
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
To be eligible to apply for an open work permit, you must
- obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)
- not be a danger to Canada’s security
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if required to)
- not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions
- not plan to work for an employer that offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages on a regular basis
- prove that you have enough money to pay for
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for an open work permit that could be valid for up to 2 years.
Apply online
- Complete the online application to extend or change the conditions on your work permit (opens in a new tab) .
- When filling out form IMM 5710, in the “Details of intended work in Canada” section, select “Open Work Permit” for question 1.
- You don’t need to provide employer details or ask your employer to complete any steps before you apply.
- You’ll need to pay the application fees, including the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
- Upload a copy of your passport or travel document in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Passport.”
If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed
You are considered to have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information
Send us a web form (opens in a new tab) .
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “Iran2023” in the text box.
Most people must apply online
You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a
- disability that prevents you from applying online or
- problem with the online application system
Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”
Apply online for a study permit
Deadline: Submit your application on or before
February 28, 2026
You can apply for a study permit if you
- are an Iranian national with a valid passport
- are in Canada with valid temporary resident status when
- you apply, and
- a decision is made on your application
- arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, and
- meet eligibility and admissibility requirements for an open work permit
You’ll also get priority processing on your application.
Eligibility and admissibility requirements for a study permit
To be eligible to apply for a study permit, you must
- be enrolled at a DLI
- provide a provincial attestation letter (PAL) or territorial attestation letter (TAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study, unless you meet one of the exceptions.
- prove you have enough money to pay for
- your tuition fees
- living expenses for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- transportation to return home for you and the family members who came with you to Canada
- obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)
- be in good health and get a medical exam (if we ask you to)
- prove to an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
Studying in Canada as a minor child
Minor children may be able to study in Canada without a study permit but may benefit from having one. Learn more about studying in Canada as a minor.
If you meet all the requirements, you can apply for a study permit that will be valid for the length of your study program.
Apply online
- Complete the online application to extend or restore your student status (opens in a new tab) .
- You’ll need to pay the application fees, including the biometrics fees (if you need to give biometrics (opens in a new tab) .
- Upload a copy of your passport or travel document in the “Supporting Documents” section under “Passport.”
If you apply to extend your status and it expires before your application is processed
You are considered to have maintained your status.
Maintained status is a legal extension of status that allows a temporary resident to stay in Canada while we process their application. This means you can legally stay in Canada while you wait for a decision on your application. You must continue to meet the conditions described in your expiring document.
If you need help, have questions or need to update your contact information
Send us a web form (opens in a new tab) .
- Complete all required fields.
- Include “Iran2023” in the text box.
Most people must apply online
You can contact our Client Support Centre if you can’t apply online due to a
- disability that prevents you from applying online or
- problem with the online application system
Choose the option “get urgent help in a crisis, emergency, or vulnerable situation.”
There are no special measures for your situation
There are no special measures to help you restore your temporary resident status if it has expired.
If it has been less than 90 days since your status expired, you may be able to apply to restore it. Regular fees and processing times would apply.
If your application to restore your status is approved, you may then be eligible to apply for these special measures.
Find out how to restore your
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