Canada To Extend Temporary Residence For Iranians

Protestors in support of women in Iran hold a banner reading 'Women Life Freedom' during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 29, 2022.
Protestors in support of women in Iran hold a banner reading 'Women Life Freedom' during a protest following the death of Mahsa Amini, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, October 29, 2022.

The Canadian government has announced it will continue to facilitate the process for Iranian temporary residents in Canada looking to extend their stay for another year.

Measures which were adopted in February 2023 and came into effect from March 1, 2024, will continue to be implemented until February 28, 2025, the Canadian government said.

According to the portal of the Canadian government, applicants for extension of current temporary resident status in Canada or change of status will continue to be exempted from application or biometric fees. Those with Canadian citizenship and permanent residence who live in Iran can continue to apply for some documents including limited validity Canadian passport and citizenship certificate could apply for these documents for free.

In February 2023, the Canadian government announced the adoption of these measures to support Iranian temporary residents “in light of the gross and systematic human rights violations being committed by the Iranian regime” during the crackdown on Woman, Life, Freedom protestors.

The measures adopted last year were meant to make it easier for these Iranians to extend their temporary status in Canada and to move between temporary streams so they could continue studying, working, or visiting family by applying for a new permit from inside Canada.