Maple News reports that Iranians in Canada can no longer apply for special work permits after the temporary public policy expired.
The policy—titled the Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents—had allowed Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025 to obtain open work permits.
In addition, eligible foreign nationals benefited from priority processing on work permit applications and could apply for study permits from within Canada.
The policy was first introduced on March 1, 2025, as the latest version of a framework that began in February 2023 in response to civil unrest in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The latest iteration expired at midnight Coordinated Universal Time on March 1, 2026.
An earlier version of the policy included exemption from certain application and processing fees; these fee exemptions were not part of the most recent update.
Canada has routinely used temporary public policies to address humanitarian considerations tied to global events, and such measures have welcomed people displaced by conflicts in Ukraine, Haiti, Gaza, and Sudan in recent years.
With the expiry, Iranians no longer have access to this specific pathway. Those seeking immigration options should review current programs and official guidance from IRCC for available routes.