To the Government of Canada

Subject: Immediate Support for Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Vulnerable Iranian Nationals Seeking Evacuation and Protection

 

Dear Prime Minister and Honourable Ministers,

 

We, the undersigned, urgently call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate and robust action to support  Canadian citizens, Dual citizens nationals (who are both Canadian and Iranian citizens), Canadian permanent residents, Iranian citizens who held previously a Canadian visa or permanent residency status, Iranian citizens and other vulnerable individuals currently trapped in Iran.

Canada has set a commendable precedent:

1. Swift military and consular evacuation – The deployment of Operation AEGIS, which secured the safe evacuation of ~3,700 individuals from Afghanistan, including Canadian nationals and Afghan allies;

2. Emergency immigration pathways – Rapidly implemented Special Immigration Measures for Afghans and the Canada–Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), granting multi‑year visas, work and study permits to those fleeing conflict;

3. Humanitarian aid & sanctions adjustment – Allocated significant funds to Syria and temporarily eased sanctions to facilitate relief delivery;

4. Federal support for arrivals – Provided emergency charter flights, free accommodation, and financial assistance to Ukrainian evacuees via CUTAI;

5. Private sponsorship mobilization – Engaged grassroots sponsors through PSR and BVOR pathways, successfully resettling over 100,000 Syrians and thousands of Afghans.

👉 We respectfully request the Canadian federal government:

 

1- Take a clear and urgent stance in encouraging and advocating for an immediate ceasefire between Iran and Israel to help prevent further civilian casualties and to create conditions that allow for the safe evacuation of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and Iranian nationals.

2- Coordinate with neighbouring countries—including Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and others through global affairs—to provide clear guidance, safe land routes, and secure border crossings for Canadians and PRs seeking to exit Iran amid rising conflict.

3- Prepare contingency evacuation plans, and in the event a ceasefire is established and air travel becomes feasible, support the deployment of aircraft to repatriate Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate families who are stranded in Iran.

4- Launch Iran-specific emergency immigration pathways, modelled on SIM (Special Immigration Measures) and CUAET, to allow for expedited temporary residency with work and/or study rights.

5- Facilitate Canadian visas for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who remain trapped or at risk in Iran, with compassionate consideration for reunification and humanitarian grounds.

6- Fund emergency charter flights and temporary accommodations for evacuees arriving in Canada to ensure safe and humane resettlement.

7- Support Iranian nationals seeking asylum or refugee protection, including those who held prior Canadian visas or residency status, through dedicated fast-track processes in coordination with UNHCR and IRCC.

8- Expand private sponsorship and resettlement programs, prioritizing vulnerable Iranian individuals and families, and mobilize community sponsors and civil society partners.

Canada’s leadership in humanitarian response demonstrates both capacity and moral responsibility. We urge immediate action to save lives, support our citizens and residents, and uphold Canada’s values.

 

Sincerely,

Marilene Quintana, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant at e-Visa Immigration;

Negin Salahi, Iranian-Canadian citizen