A temporary public policy that, for a year, allowed certain Iranian nationals in Canada to obtain open work permits expired at midnight on 1 March 2026—bringing the program to an abrupt close. The measure was first introduced in March 2025 as a humanitarian response to mass protests and economic instability in Iran, and followed even earlier concessions dating back to 2023.
During its lifespan, the policy offered two key benefits: (1) fee-exempt, priority processing for work-permit applications, and (2) the right to apply for study permits from within Canada. Although fee waivers were quietly removed in a July 2025 revision, the ability to work and study without leaving the country remained a lifeline for thousands of temporary residents who faced danger or disruption if forced to return home.
IRCC confirmed that no new applications will be accepted after the expiry. Existing permits will remain valid until their individual expiry dates, but holders will have to transition to mainstream programs—such as employer-specific permits supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or the Global Talent Stream—if they wish to continue working.
![Ottawa lets special Iranian work-permit program lapse, ending priority processing]()
For individuals and employers now navigating the shift to standard programs, VisaHQ can streamline the process. Its Canada-focused portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) provides real-time guidance on LMIA procedures, work-permit categories, and supporting documents, helping applicants stay compliant and avoid costly gaps in status.
Employers with Iranian staff should act quickly to map out replacement strategies; failure to maintain status could trigger payroll interruptions and possible removal orders. Immigration practitioners are urging Ottawa to publish clear transition instructions and processing times to prevent a last-minute surge of web-form enquiries.
The episode highlights Canada’s growing reliance on targeted, time-limited public policies to respond to global crises—from Ukraine to Sudan—and the compliance headaches that arise when such policies sunset without a permanent replacement.
During its lifespan, the policy offered two key benefits: (1) fee-exempt, priority processing for work-permit applications, and (2) the right to apply for study permits from within Canada. Although fee waivers were quietly removed in a July 2025 revision, the ability to work and study without leaving the country remained a lifeline for thousands of temporary residents who faced danger or disruption if forced to return home.
IRCC confirmed that no new applications will be accepted after the expiry. Existing permits will remain valid until their individual expiry dates, but holders will have to transition to mainstream programs—such as employer-specific permits supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or the Global Talent Stream—if they wish to continue working.
For individuals and employers now navigating the shift to standard programs, VisaHQ can streamline the process. Its Canada-focused portal (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) provides real-time guidance on LMIA procedures, work-permit categories, and supporting documents, helping applicants stay compliant and avoid costly gaps in status.
Employers with Iranian staff should act quickly to map out replacement strategies; failure to maintain status could trigger payroll interruptions and possible removal orders. Immigration practitioners are urging Ottawa to publish clear transition instructions and processing times to prevent a last-minute surge of web-form enquiries.
The episode highlights Canada’s growing reliance on targeted, time-limited public policies to respond to global crises—from Ukraine to Sudan—and the compliance headaches that arise when such policies sunset without a permanent replacement.
