Iran Special Measures 2026: Updated IRCC Policy Guide

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released important updates to the temporary special measures supporting Iranian nationals in Canada. On March 11, 2026, IRCC clarified key aspects of the policy that affects applications received from March 1, 2025 onwards.

These updated measures continue to provide crucial support for Iranian nationals who may be unable to return to Iran due to ongoing regional instability, particularly Iran's involvement in conflicts stemming from the Israel-Gaza situation.

Key Policy Updates Released in 2026

The March 2026 update addresses several critical areas that were causing confusion for both applicants and immigration officers:

Arrival and Presence Requirements

The most significant clarification involves eligibility requirements for Iranian nationals. To qualify for these special measures, applicants must have:

• Arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025
• Remained continuously in Canada until submitting their application
• Maintained valid temporary resident status throughout their stay

Temporary Resident Status Clarifications

IRCC has provided clearer guidance on what constitutes valid temporary resident status under these measures. Applicants must be physically present in Canada both when applying and when decisions are made.

Important Note: Applicants can leave Canada while their application is being processed, but they must be back in Canada with valid status when the final decision is rendered.

Concurrent Applications

A major update allows Iranian nationals to apply for restoration of status simultaneously with applications for status extensions under the crisis measures. However, officers must decide on restoration applications first before processing the main application.

Program Overview and Background

Current Situation Context

While the protests following Mahsa Amini's tragic death in September 2022 have ended, Iran's situation remains unstable. The regional conflict involving Israel and Gaza has created additional complications, making it difficult or impossible for many Iranian nationals to safely return home.

These circumstances have prompted IRCC to extend facilitative measures, though with some modifications from the original policy.

Policy Timeline

Note: While the special measures expired on February 28, 2026, these clarifications help process remaining applications submitted before that date.

Eligibility Requirements in Detail

Who Qualifies

To be eligible for facilitated processing, Iranian nationals must meet all of the following criteria:

• Nationality: Must be an Iranian national
• Location: Currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status
• Arrival date: Arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025
• Continuous presence: Remained in Canada from arrival until application submission
• Application type: Applying for work permits, work permit extensions, or study permits

Valid Temporary Resident Status Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate they:

• Were authorized to enter as temporary residents under sections 22 or 24 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Are within their authorized stay period
• Have maintained status under regulation R183(5) if applicable

Verification Process: IRCC officers may use the Entry/Exit Program to confirm applicants' presence in Canada and may request additional proof of status if needed.

Available Benefits Under Special Measures

Work Permits and Extensions

The updated policy provides facilitated access to:

• Initial work permits (including open work permits)
• Work permit extensions
• Processing from within Canada (normally not allowed)

Validity Periods: Officers may issue permits for up to two years from the decision date, subject to passport validity and biometric requirements.

Open Work Permit Processing

For open work permits under these measures, IRCC uses specific coding:

• LMIA exemption code: R01 (Public policies under A25.2)
• Employer: Open
• NOC: 99999
• Duration: Up to 2 years or passport validity, whichever comes first

Study Permit Access

Iranian nationals can apply for initial study permits from within Canada, with important exemptions:

• Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Not required under crisis response provisions
• Study permit cap: Exempt from current application limits
• Validity: Tied to study period and passport validity

Important Changes from Previous Measures

Fee Requirements

Unlike earlier versions, applications submitted from March 1, 2025 onwards are subject to:

• Standard application fees
• Biometric fees (where applicable)
• No fee waivers for travel documents or citizenship certificates

Biometric Requirements

Standard biometric requirements apply, with regular exemptions for:

• Age-related exemptions
• Previous biometric submissions (within validity period)

Processing Guidelines for Officers

Medical Examination Conditions

When applicants haven't completed medical examinations, specific work restrictions apply:

Non-designated countries: Cannot work in childcare, teaching, or health services

Designated countries: Additional restriction on agricultural occupations

Application Tracking

IRCC has emphasized proper application tracking, requiring officers to:

• Associate correct organization IDs
• Use standardized refusal language
• Include mandatory user remarks: "Permit issued under temporary special measures for nationals of Iran in Canada"

What This Means For You

If you're an Iranian national who applied under these special measures, the March 2026 updates provide important clarifications that may affect your application:

For Pending Applications

If your application is still being processed, these clarifications should lead to more consistent decision-making. Officers now have clearer guidance on eligibility requirements and processing procedures.

For Future Reference

While these specific measures have expired, they establish important precedents for how Canada responds to international crises affecting temporary residents.

Documentation Requirements

Ensure you have comprehensive documentation proving:

• Your continuous presence in Canada
• Valid temporary resident status
• Arrival date before February 28, 2025

Application Refusals and Appeals

Common Refusal Reasons

Applications may be refused if applicants:

• Don't meet the continuous presence requirement
• Lack valid temporary resident status
• Fail standard admissibility requirements not exempted under the policy

Standardized Refusal Language

When applications are refused for not meeting policy eligibility, officers use standardized language: "You do not meet eligibility requirements as per the updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for these measures if I arrived in Canada after February 28, 2025?

No, these special measures are only available to Iranian nationals who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025. The arrival deadline is firm and cannot be extended.

What happens if I left Canada after arriving but before applying?

Unfortunately, you would not be eligible for these measures. The policy requires continuous presence in Canada from arrival until application submission.

Can I apply for restoration of status at the same time as my work permit application?

Yes, the March 2026 update confirms you can submit both applications simultaneously. However, officers must decide on the restoration application first.

Do I still need to pay application fees under these measures?

Yes, standard application and biometric fees apply to applications submitted from March 1, 2025 onwards. The fee waiver period ended on February 28, 2025.

How long can my work permit be valid under these measures?

Officers may issue work permits for up to two years from the decision date, though this is subject to your passport validity and the officer's discretion based on your individual circumstances.

These updated guidelines represent IRCC's ongoing commitment to supporting Iranian nationals facing difficult circumstances. While the special measures period has ended, the clarifications help ensure consistent and fair processing of applications submitted during the eligible period.

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