Canada’s special work permit measures for Iranians in Canada have ended (deadline passed)
A temporary IRCC public policy that helped some Iranian nationals in Canada apply for open work permits (and in some cases study permits) has now expired. This matters because the policy had a clear eligibility cut-off and a firm end date—so applicants who missed the deadline must now use the regular processes. If you are unsure whether you applied in time, the key point is the date IRCC received your application.
What ended, and the exact deadline
IRCC’s “Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents”:
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came into effect: March 1, 2025
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expired: February 28, 2026
IRCC’s public guidance also states that applications under these special measures had to be submitted on or before February 28, 2026.
Who the policy applied to
These special measures were not for all Iranian nationals. They applied to people who were:
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Iranian nationals in Canada, with valid temporary resident status, and
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who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025.
What the policy allowed (while it was active)
While it was active, the policy could allow eligible applicants to:
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apply from inside Canada for an open work permit (and certain work permit renewals), and
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apply from inside Canada for a study permit under the policy’s conditions.
IRCC’s operational page also described priority processing for eligible open work permit applications submitted under these measures.
Fees: why some people expected “free” applications
Earlier special measures (before March 1, 2025) included fee-free extensions and stream changes for eligible Iranian nationals in Canada.
But IRCC later clarified that applications submitted on or after March 1, 2025 under the updated measures were subject to standard fees.
What to do now (practical next steps)
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If you applied before the deadline: IRCC’s policy applies to applications received before the expiry date. Keep proof of submission and monitor your account for requests.
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If you did not apply in time: you cannot use the special measures anymore. You will need to use the regular work permit / study permit / visitor processes, and meet the usual rules and timelines.
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If your status is expiring or already expired: review IRCC options like extending status or restoring status (if eligible).
Internal guidance: Before making any decision, confirm (1) your current status expiry date, and (2) whether your application was submitted and received by IRCC on time.
FAQ
Can Iranians in Canada still apply for the “special” open work permit now?
No. The public policy expired February 28, 2026, and IRCC’s guidance shows the special-measures submission deadline was February 28, 2026.
If I submitted before the deadline, can IRCC still process it after the policy ended?
Yes, the policy applied to applications received before the expiry date. Processing can continue after submission.
Did this policy guarantee approval?
No. Applicants still had to meet eligibility and admissibility requirements; the policy mainly provided exemptions and special processing features.
Did the newest version include fee exemptions?
No. IRCC states standard fees applied to applications submitted on or after March 1, 2025 (even though older special measures previously allowed fee-free processing).
Reality check
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This was a time-limited humanitarian measure with strict dates. If you missed the deadline, your options are now the regular temporary residence processes.
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Even under special measures, approval was never automatic—IRCC still assesses admissibility and eligibility.
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If you are close to losing status, delays can have real consequences. Focus first on maintaining legal status, then on longer-term plans.
Official government outlinks (IRCC)
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/iran.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/iran-national-extend-stay-extension-2025.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/extension-special-measures-iranian-nationals-canada-temporary-residents.html
