Background and Current Context

The human rights situation in Iran has deteriorated significantly in recent years, worsening sharply since 2022. Widespread repression, arbitrary arrests, executions, and systemic violence have created an environment in which many Iranian nationals cannot safely return to their country. For thousands of Iranians currently residing in Canada, return is neither viable nor humane.

Who Is Affected

Thousands of Iranian nationals have been living in Canada for multiple years under temporary status, including workers and students. Despite long-term residence, lawful status, and meaningful contributions to Canadian society, many remain unable to obtain permanent residence.

For many, returning to Iran would expose them to serious risks, including persecution, detention, or violence.

Established Lives in Canada

Despite holding temporary immigration status, these individuals have already established their lives in Canada. They work legally, pay taxes, pursue education, build careers, rent or own homes, raise families, and contribute actively to their communities. Canada is not a temporary stop — it has become their home.

Many have invested years of their lives in Canada and demonstrated long-term commitment, stability, and integration, yet remain in prolonged immigration limbo.

The Impact of Prolonged Immigration Uncertainty

Remaining under prolonged temporary status creates significant emotional, mental, and financial strain. Many individuals live with constant anxiety about losing status, facing forced departure, or being unable to plan their futures. This instability is especially harmful to people who have already experienced trauma, displacement, and uncertainty.

A lack of a clear pathway to permanent residence prevents full integration and undermines the wellbeing of individuals who are otherwise contributing members of Canadian society.

Why a TR-to-PR Pathway Is Needed

Canada has previously demonstrated leadership and compassion by implementing humanitarian and temporary-to-permanent residence pathways in response to global crises. A similar approach is both reasonable and necessary for Iranian nationals who are already physically present, long-term residents, and contributing members of Canadian society.

This request is not for preferential treatment, but for a practical, humane, and responsible policy response that recognizes reality: these individuals are already part of Canada.

Purpose of This Petition

The purpose of this petition is to respectfully request that the Government of Canada recognize the circumstances facing Iranian nationals who have been living in Canada for several years under temporary status and provide a clear, structured pathway to permanent residence based on humanitarian considerations and demonstrated establishment.

Our Respectful Request

We respectfully call on the Government of Canada to:

• Establish a Temporary-to-Permanent Residence (TR-to-PR) pathway for Iranian nationals who have been living in Canada for multiple years under temporary status;
• Recognize factors such as length of stay, employment, tax contribution, and community integration;
• Prevent further psychological and social harm caused by prolonged residency instability.
   

Why This Matters for Canada

Providing permanent residence to individuals who are already settled and contributing strengthens Canada’s economy, social fabric, and commitment to human rights. It reflects Canada’s values of fairness, protection, and compassion — and allows people to live with dignity, stability, and peace of mind while continuing to contribute fully and confidently to the country they now call home.