Special measures for Iranian nationals lapse as IRAN2023 public policy expires

A March 2 industry bulletin confirmed that the IRAN2023 public policy—introduced three years ago to help Iranian nationals in Canada extend temporary status—expired on February 28, 2026 and will not be renewed. The one-time measure had allowed eligible Iranian workers, students and visitors to obtain simplified extensions without leaving Canada. With the policy now defunct, affected individuals must apply under regular Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rules or risk lapses in legal status. The announcement creates immediate pressure for employers of Iranian work-permit holders whose documents are approaching expiry; standard Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or International Mobility Program pathways may be required. Stakeholder groups have urged IRCC to issue transition guidelines, warning that sudden status gaps could force skilled employees to stop working and could disrupt academic programmes. The department has not ruled out case-by-case humanitarian relief but said resources are focused on newer crises. Global-mobility teams should audit their Iranian employee population, begin renewals well in advance and consider alternative routes such as provincial nominations or postgraduate work-permit bridges where applicable.