To the Right Honourable Mark Carney, P.C., M.P.

Prime Minister of Canada

 

We, the undersigned residents and supporters in Canada, respectfully urge the Government of Canada to implement urgent, compassionate, and time-limited immigration and permanent residence measures in response to the escalating violence and repression in Iran.

 

Iran is experiencing a rapidly deteriorating human rights crisis. Widespread protests have been met with lethal force, mass arrests, arbitrary detention, internet shutdowns, and systemic repression. These conditions have made return to Iran unsafe and, in many cases, life-threatening.

 

Thousands of Iranian nationals currently residing in Canada — including protected persons, refugee claimants, international students, work permit holders, and other temporary residents — have built lives, pursued education, paid taxes, and contributed to Canadian society. Yet many remain in prolonged legal uncertainty and face potential forced return to a country where they face serious risk.

 

We respectfully call upon the Government of Canada to adopt the following emergency measures:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Family Reunification for Protected Persons and Refugee Claimants

 

 

 

Establish a time-limited public policy to facilitate the issuance of Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) or Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) to immediate family members of Iranian protected persons and accepted or pending refugee claimants, enabling safe and timely reunification in Canada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Inclusion of Iranian Nationals Lawfully in Canada

 

 

 

Extend these family reunification measures to Iranian nationals lawfully residing in Canada under permanent or temporary status, allowing them to bring immediate family members facing serious risk in Iran.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Extension of Temporary Public Policies for Iranian Nationals in Canada

 

 

 

Extend and expand existing temporary public policies for Iranian nationals currently in Canada, including work permit extensions and maintained status, to provide stability and protection during this ongoing crisis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Establishment of an Emergency Permanent Residence Pathway (CUAET-Style PR Pathway)

 

 

 

Create a time-limited humanitarian permanent residence public policy — similar in legal framework and humanitarian intent to the CUAET initiative — granting direct access to permanent residence for Iranian nationals currently in Canada who hold temporary or protected status and cannot safely return to Iran.

 

This pathway should include flexible eligibility criteria, reduced language thresholds, exemptions from LMIA-based job offer requirements, recognition of Canadian education and survival employment, and facilitated inclusion of immediate family members.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Flexibility Regarding the One-Year Refugee Claim Bar

 

 

 

In recognition of the rapidly changing conditions in Iran, we urge the Minister to exercise available discretion through temporary public policy or other lawful mechanisms to ensure that Iranian nationals with newly arising protection needs are not unfairly barred from seeking refugee protection due to the one-year limitation.

 

 

 

 

By adopting these measures, Canada would uphold the humanitarian objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, reaffirm its international protection commitments, and demonstrate leadership in responding to a rapidly evolving human rights crisis.

 

We urge the Government of Canada to act swiftly and compassionately to prevent further family separation and to protect those at risk. The safety and future of countless families depend on timely action.

 

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter.