To The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada

We, the undersigned, call on the Government of Canada to urgently process and approve Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) for immediate family members—specifically first-degree relatives—of Iranian nationals currently residing in Canada, including:

• International students and foreign workers holding valid study or work permits
• Protected persons who have been granted refugee status and are awaiting permanent residency

Background and Urgency

Across Canada, thousands of Iranian nationals—whether international students, work permit holders, or individuals who have been granted refugee protection—are enduring prolonged and painful separation from their spouses, children, and parents. This separation is not just a personal hardship—it is a humanitarian crisis for many.

Following recent Israeli military aggression against Iran and the resulting armed conflict, the situation inside Iran has become increasingly dangerous and volatile. Communication with family members inside Iran has become extremely limited due to internet blackouts.

These developments have left Iranian nationals in Canada deeply anxious and distressed, fearing daily for the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones back home. Many have no safe or reliable way to contact their families, and uncertainty over the future only deepens their emotional and psychological burden.

Despite Canada’s strong tradition of family reunification and humanitarian leadership, visa applications from immediate family members of Iranians are often delayed, refused, or left without clear timelines, even when their relatives in Canada are legally residing and contributing to Canadian society.

Our Appeal to the Canadian Government

We respectfully urge the Government of Canada to:

• Immediately implement a streamlined and expedited process for Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) for first-degree relatives (spouses, children, and parents) of Iranian nationals residing in Canada under valid study/work permits or as protected persons.
• Recognize these applicants as having strong ties to Canada through their family members, and exempt them from unreasonable assessments of immigration intent under current humanitarian conditions.
• Prioritize processing of their visa applications in recognition of the urgent risk they face, and remove administrative barriers that are currently preventing reunification.
• Respond to the current conflict and humanitarian crisis in Iran with compassion, flexibility, and urgency, in alignment with Canada’s international commitments and values.

Why It Matters

• Families are essential to emotional wellbeing, mental health, and social stability.
• Separation in the context of war causes irreparable harm.
• Reuniting families helps newcomers integrate, study, work, and contribute meaningfully to Canadian life.
• This is an opportunity for Canada to uphold its global reputation for compassion and leadership in times of crisis.

We call on the Government of Canada and the Prime Minister to act now.
Reunite families. Approve the visas. Protect those in danger. Show the world that Canada stands for compassion and justice.