Iranians No Longer Eligible for Special Canadian Work Permits

Iranians living in Canada can no longer apply for special open work permits after a temporary federal policy officially ended on March 1, 2026.

The measure, known as the Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents, allowed eligible Iranian nationals who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025, to apply for open work permits. The program also gave applicants faster processing and let them apply for study permits from within the country.

The policy expired at midnight Coordinated Universal Time on March 1, 2026. With its conclusion, new applications under this special pathway will no longer move forward.

Policy Introduced After Civil Unrest

The federal government first introduced a version of this policy in February 2023. Officials responded to civil unrest in Iran that followed the killing of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The government later updated and replaced that initial measure with a revised version that took effect on March 1, 2025.

The program aimed to support Iranian nationals who had already come to Canada as temporary residents. It gave them a chance to work legally through open work permits, which allow individuals to work for most employers across the country.

Unlike employer-specific permits, open work permits offer flexibility and help people support themselves without tying them to one job.

What the Policy Offered

Under the expired rules, eligible applicants received priority processing for their work permit applications. They could also submit applications for study permits from inside Canada, instead of applying from abroad.

An earlier version of the program waived certain application and processing fees. However, the most recent version did not include those fee exemptions.

With the policy’s end, Iranian nationals in Canada must now rely on regular immigration and work permit pathways if they wish to extend their stay or obtain authorization to work or study.

Canada’s Use of Temporary Public Policies

Canada often uses temporary public policies to respond to urgent global events. These policies allow the government to adjust immigration rules quickly in special circumstances.

In recent years, Canada has introduced similar measures to support people affected by conflicts and crises in Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza and Sudan. These programs aim to provide short-term relief and stability for those who face uncertainty in their home countries.

Temporary public policies usually operate for a set period. Once the deadline passes, the special provisions no longer apply unless the government extends or replaces them.

What Happens Next

With the March 1 deadline now behind them, new applicants from Iran can no longer use this special pathway. Those who applied before the cut-off date will continue to have their cases processed according to the rules that applied at the time of submission.

Immigration authorities have not announced a replacement policy for Iranian nationals at this time.

For many, the end of the measure marks the close of a program that offered added support during a difficult period. Going forward, affected individuals will need to explore other available immigration options under Canada’s standard system.