Canada is dedicated to helping Iranian families remain together and to protecting Iranians who are currently residents of the country. Government Announces Support for Iranian Temporary Residents
Some would prefer to stay in Canada longer rather than go back home right now in view of the egregious and ongoing human rights violations the Iranian dictatorship is doing as it brutally suppresses protesters.
New initiatives to assist Iranian temporary residents in Canada were announced today by the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
These changes will make it simpler for Iranians to renew their temporary status in Canada and to switch between temporary streams starting on March 1, 2023. Iranians will be able to continue their studies, employment, or family visits by requesting a new permit from within Canada. For Iranians already residing in Canada, a flexible work visa track will be made available. Applications from Iranians residing in Canada will also be given particular consideration.
The Canadian government is also canceling some processing fees for Iranians who want to stay longer in Canada as well as fees for passports and permanent resident travel documents for those who want to leave Iran who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This will increase support of Iranian Temporary Residents.
The Human Rights Defenders stream is one of the only programmes in the world with a dedicated, permanent immigration programme for persons who guard and promote human rights. Canada continues to investigate adjustments to other programmes, like this one.
These activities build on our prior ones against the Iranian regime’s blatant violation of the rights and freedoms of the Iranian people.
We are keeping a close eye on the ongoing requirements of Iranians, and we will change our reaction as necessary.
Ministers on Government Supporting Iranian Temporary Residents
As per Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, “Canada will not stand idly by in the face of these aggressions as the Iranian regime continues its ongoing human rights violations. Our government is continuing to stand up for the people of Iran by making it easier for Iranians who wish to extend their stay here in Canada to be with their families and allowing them to continue to work and study in safety. We will continue to work closely with the Iranian-Canadian community which is resolved to shed light on the repressive actions of the Iranian regime.”
Highlights
- On October 7, 2022, the Government of Canada announced measures that included designating the Iranian regime as one that engages in gross or systematic human rights violations and terrorism, rendering senior officials of that regime inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- These new facilitative measures are in effect and individuals can apply as of March 1, and until February 28, 2024.
- More information about how to apply for these new measures will be available on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website as of March 1, 2023.
- Canada offers 3 resettlement streams for refugees who are outside their home country and who cannot return: the Government-Assisted Refugees Program, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program.
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