11,105 Iranians became new permanent residents in Canada in 2022
As of March 1, 2023, the Canadian government has implemented new immigration measures in support of Iranians. These changes were introduced to facilitate the extension process for those in Canada on temporary work, study, or visitor visas. Iranians in Canada can now apply for an extension more easily from within the country.
Additionally, applications from Iranians residing in Canada are being prioritized for processing. The Canadian government has also created a new open work permit pathway for Iranians already living in the country, enabling them to work in any occupation and for any employer.
Moreover, certain processing fees have been waived for Iranians looking to extend their stay in Canada, as well as passport and permanent resident travel document fees for Canadian citizens and permanent residents currently in Iran who wish to depart.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provided further details on their website starting March 1. Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Natural Resources Minister, announced these measures in Vancouver on behalf of Immigration Minister Sean Fraser.
In a press release, the Canadian government emphasized that it is closely monitoring the ongoing needs of Iranians and will adjust its response as necessary.
According to recent IRCC data, Iran ranked eighth as a source country for immigrants arriving in Canada in 2022, with 11,105 Iranians becoming new permanent residents that year. Furthermore, Iranian nationals are the sixth leading source country for study permit holders in Canada, with 21,115 Iranian students in the country as of December 31, 2022.
The 2021 census indicated that there are approximately 200,000 people of Iranian origin in Canada, with around 68% of the Iranian population residing in Toronto and Vancouver.