Background

Following the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini by the Iranian regime’s so-called "morality police", the Government of Canada has introduced a number of measures designed to hold the Iranian regime accountable for its repression of peaceful protests. The actions by the Iranian regime represent a blatant disregard for human rights and human life. The Government of Canada reiterates its unequivocal and ongoing support for the brave women, students, and people of Iran.

Many Iranians have chosen to come to Canada to visit or spend time with family, study, or work temporarily. It is understood that some of these temporary residents may feel uncomfortable returning to Iran at this time, and may wish to prolong their stay. The measures outlined in this public policy will make it easier for those who wish to extend their temporary stay in Canada without fees and move between temporary resident streams.

As such, I hereby establish, pursuant to my authority under section 25.2 of the Act, that there are sufficient public policy considerations that justify the granting of an exemption from the provisions of the Act and Regulations to foreign nationals who meet the conditions (eligibility requirements) set out below.

Conditions (eligibility requirements):

Based on public policy considerations, delegated officers may grant an exemption from the requirements of the Regulations identified if:

1. The foreign national
   1. Is a national of Iran in Canada with valid temporary resident status; and
   2. Has applied for an extension of their authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident under section 181 of the Regulations, a temporary resident permit>

Provisions of the Regulations for which an exemption may be granted:

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions listed in 1:

• Subsection 298(1) – the requirement to pay an application processing fee for a temporary resident permit;
• Subsection 305(1) – the requirements to pay an application processing fee for an extension of authorization to remain in Canada as temporary resident;
• Subsection 315.1(1) – the requirement to pay for the provision of service in relation to the collection of biometric information.

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions listed in 2:

• Paragraphs 199(a)-(i) of the Regulations – the requirements that a foreign national must meet in order to apply for a work permit after entering Canada;
• Paragraph 200(1)(c) of the Regulations – the requirement to be described under this paragraph of the Regulations;
• Subsection 298(1) – the requirement to pay an application processing fee for a temporary resident permit;
• Subsection 299(1) – the requirement to pay an application processing fee for a work permit;
• Subsection 315.1(1) – the requirement to pay for the provision of service in relation to the collection of biometric information.

For foreign nationals who meet the conditions listed in 3:

• Section 213 of the Regulations – the requirement to apply for a study permit before entering Canada;
• Paragraphs 215(1)(a)-(g) of the Regulations – the requirements that a foreign national must meet in order to apply for a study permit after entering Canada;
• Subsection 298(1) – the requirement to pay an application processing fee for a temporary resident permit;
• Subsection 300(1) – the requirement to pay an application processing fee for a study permit;
• Subsection 315.1(1) – the requirement to pay for the provision of service in relation to the collection of biometric information.

Other Admissibility and Selection Criteria

Foreign nationals eligible under this public policy are subject to all other legislative obligations and admissibility and selection requirements not exempted under this, or another, public policy.

Effective Date and Expiration

This public policy comes into effect upon signature.

This public policy applies to applications received on or after the date it comes into effect.

This public policy expires on February 28, 2024, and may be revoked at any time without prior notice.