Introduction Canada has extended a temporary public policy that allows eligible Iranian nationals in Canada to apply for special open work permits. This policy, initially introduced in response to the civil unrest in Iran, has now been extended until February 28, 2026. The initiative enables Iranian temporary residents to secure work permits, extend existing ones, or apply for study permits under specific conditions. Below, we explore the details of the extension, key provisions, and what it means for Iranian nationals in Canada.

Work Permit Provisions for Iranian Nationals Under this extended policy, Iranian nationals currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status can apply for an open work permit without meeting the usual requirements. Open work permits granted under this program are valid for up to two years, providing eligible individuals with an opportunity to work in Canada without employer restrictions.

Key benefits of this work permit extension include:

• No prior work permit required – Eligible Iranians can apply for an open work permit even if they do not currently hold one.
• Priority processing – Applications under this policy will receive expedited processing.
• Work permit extension – Those with existing work permits can apply for an extension under this policy, ensuring continued legal employment in Canada.

Study Permit Provisions Iranian nationals seeking an initial study permit can also benefit from this policy extension. However, they must still meet standard eligibility criteria, including:

• Enrollment in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Proof of financial capability to cover tuition and living expenses.
• A provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL), unless exempt.

It is important to note that extensions of existing study permits are no longer covered under this policy. Those looking to extend their study permits must follow the standard procedures as per IRCC regulations.

Dropped Provisions and Changes With the policy extension, some provisions that were previously available have been discontinued. Notable changes include:

• Iranian nationals can no longer apply to extend their visitor status under this policy.
• Study permit extensions must now follow the normal application process.
• Fee exemptions will no longer be available for applications submitted on or after March 1, 2025. Those applying before February 28, 2025, can still benefit from waived fees.

Why Did Canada Extend This Policy? The Canadian government originally introduced this temporary public policy in response to the civil unrest in Iran following the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The policy aims to provide Iranian nationals already in Canada with the opportunity to extend their stay under less restrictive conditions, allowing them to work or study legally while maintaining their temporary resident status.

How to Apply for an Open Work Permit Under This Policy If you are an Iranian national in Canada and wish to apply for an open work permit under this extended policy, follow these steps:

1. Confirm your eligibility – You must have been in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, with valid temporary resident status.
2. Gather necessary documents – This may include proof of identity, status in Canada, and any additional documentation IRCC requires.
3. Submit your application online – IRCC provides an online portal for work permit applications, where eligible applicants can submit their forms.
4. Wait for priority processing – Under this policy, applications are processed faster than regular work permit applications.

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Conclusion The extension of Canada’s special open work permit policy for Iranian nationals provides a significant opportunity for those in Canada to continue their employment and studies without unnecessary restrictions. While some provisions, such as study permit extensions and visitor status extensions, have been removed, the policy still offers a vital pathway for Iranian nationals to secure temporary residency with work authorization.

If you are eligible, ensure you apply before February 28, 2026, to take advantage of this opportunity. For up-to-date immigration news and expert guidance on work and study permits, contact ICC Immigration today!