Canada Ends Visitor Work Permit Program
On August 28, 2024, Canada officially ended a special immigration policy that had been in place since the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy allowed visitors in Canada to apply for work permits without leaving the country. Initially introduced in 2020, it helped those who couldn’t leave Canada due to travel restrictions find legal work without needing to return to their home country first.
While this temporary policy was initially set to expire in February 2025, the government decided to end it earlier to manage the number of temporary residents and protect the integrity of the immigration system. Unfortunately, some people had misused the program, which influenced the decision to close it sooner. If you applied before August 28, 2024, your application will still be processed under the old rules.
Moving forward, visitors in Canada will have to leave the country to apply for a work permit, making it more difficult for those wanting to transition from visitor status to work status within Canada.
Extended Support for Iranian Nationals in Canada
At the same time, Canada is extending its special measures for Iranian nationals living in the country as temporary residents. These special measures, first introduced in response to the unrest in Iran following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, have been extended until February 28, 2025.
Under this policy, Iranian nationals who are in Canada on a temporary visa—whether it’s for study, work, or visiting family—can apply to extend their status for free. They can also switch between visa types (such as moving from a visitor visa to a work or study permit) without paying any fees. This extension offers much-needed flexibility and financial relief for Iranians during a time of uncertainty.
In addition, Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Iran who wish to leave the country can apply for passports or permanent resident travel documents without any cost.
What Could Happen Next?
The extension of these special measures is great news for Iranian nationals in Canada, but it’s important to keep in mind that the policy is currently only extended until February 2025. What happens after that will depend on the situation in Iran and the Canadian government’s response to it.
There’s a possibility that the Canadian government could further extend the program or even introduce new, more permanent immigration pathways for Iranians affected by the crisis. However, it’s also possible that the special measures could end without renewal, depending on the circumstances. Keeping an eye on future updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is key to staying informed about any changes.
What Should You Do Now?
If you are an Iranian national currently in Canada under temporary status, now is the time to take advantage of these special measures while they are still in place. You can apply for an extension or switch between different visa types without paying any fees until February 2025.
It’s important to be proactive and consider all your options, whether you plan to continue studying, working, or even pursuing permanent residency in Canada.
Conclusion
With the recent end of the visitor work permit program and the extension of special measures for Iranian nationals, Canada’s immigration policies are shifting. For Iranian nationals in Canada, these extended measures provide an important opportunity to remain in the country legally and plan for the future.
If you’re unsure about your options or need help navigating these changes, feel free to reach out to Soleimani Immigration Inc. We are here to assist you in making the right decision for your immigration journey.