Immigrate to Canada from Iran

Everything Iranians need to know about immigrating to Canada. In this guide, you will learn about various ways to immigrate to Canada from Iran.

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Canada has been a top immigration destination for Iranians for many years. Over 11,000 Iranians became permanent residents in 2021. This number is likely to increase in 2023 thanks to the Canadian Government’s new policy to help Iranians extend their temporary status in light of the situation in Iran.

This guide will discuss everything Iranians need to know about immigrating to Canada.

Why Do So Many Iranians Immigrate to Canada?

People immigrate to Canada from Iran for many reasons. This includes:

Special Support for Iranians

The Canadian Government acknowledges the many challenges that Iranians are experiencing due to conditions in their home country. They have introduced measures to make extending their temporary status easier for Iranians residing in Canada. This includes streamlining the student visa, work permit, and visitor visa application processes.

The Canadian Government has also waived certain application processing fees for Iranians who want to delay their return to their home country.

Great Quality of Life

Canadian residents enjoy an excellent quality of life. This is thanks to Canada’s strong and stable institutions. The Canadian Government spends heavily on providing the country’s residents with good infrastructure.

Most major cities have excellent public transportation and water management systems. There are also plenty of great schools and daycares for parents who would like their children to receive a great education.

Free Healthcare

One of the main advantages of becoming a Canadian resident is that it gives you access to free healthcare. Canada has a relatively high tax rate because the Government would like all permanent residents and citizens to have healthcare coverage. This means Iranian immigrants rarely need to worry about footing high hospital bills once they obtain Canadian permanent residence.

Diverse Cultures

Canada prides itself on being a nation built by immigrants. People from all over the world immigrate here and enrich the nation by building distinct communities. This includes Iranians.

It is estimated that over 400,000 Iranian-born individuals are officially residing in Canada. This means new Iranian immigrants are likely to encounter many others who made the same immigration journey they did and discover a great community support system.

Excellent Educational Institutions

Canada is known to have some of the best Colleges and Universities globally. These educational institutions offer valuable degrees and diplomas that help their alumni secure excellent jobs in different industries. Some of the globally renowned educational institutions in Canada include:

University of Toronto
McGill University
University of British Columbia
University of Waterloo
McMaster University

English-Speaking Population

English is one of Canada’s official languages, so anyone that speaks English should feel right at home interacting with Canadians. This includes Iranians who learnt English at their middle schools and high schools back in Iran.

This contrasts with countries such as Europe, where business activities are often conducted in non-English languages.

Wide Range of Immigration Programs

Prospective Iranian immigrants have plenty of Canadian immigration programs to choose from. This includes many Federal programs and dozens of Provincial Nominee Programs. Many of these programs serve as speedy immigration pathways, so Iranians should research each one before determining which is right for them.

6 Easy Ways to Immigrate to Canada as an Iranian

Some of the top programs for immigration to Canada from Iran include:

1. Visitor Visa to Work Permit

The Canadian Government introduced a special immigration policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy allowed people visiting Canada to apply for a work permit if they possessed a Canadian job offer.

The Canadian Government extended this policy in February 2023 and plans to uphold it until February 28th, 2025. Iranians currently in Canada and possess a valid full-time job from a Canadian employer can obtain a work permit easily.

Having a job offer allows prospective immigrants to get more points under the Federal Express Entry program. It also gives them valuable Canadian work experience, making them eligible for more immigration programs.

2. Express Entry

Canada’s Express Entry system covers three Federal Programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program – The Federal Skilled Worker Program is an Express Entry that caters to prospective immigrants with skilled work experience in occupations in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3. Prospective immigrants need a minimum of one year of skilled work experience to apply for this program. However, those with three years of skilled work experience will get extra Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points and stand a better chance of being selected.
Federal Skilled Trades Program – The Federal Skilled Trades Program is a popular Express Entry program catering to prospective immigrants with work experience in low-skill or medium-skill occupations. For example, people who have worked as agriculture or mining supervisors are eligible to apply for this program. The Federal Skilled Trades program is a good choice for Iranians who don’t have the skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations required to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Canadian Experience Class Program – This Express Entry program was made for candidates who had lived in Canada before and could gain at least one year of Canadian work experience. Many international students use this immigration route after working in Canada under a post-graduate work permit.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

As mentioned earlier, dozens of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are available to Iranians who want to immigrate to Canada. Each Canadian province creates and maintains distinct programs designed to help them attract foreign investment, grow their economy, and fill labour storages. Prospective Iranians should research each program and determine which ones they are eligible for.

Family Sponsorship

Many family sponsorship programs are also available to Iranians who would like to settle in Canada. For example, a Canadian permanent resident or citizen can sponsor their non-Canadian spouse or parents for permanent residence. This process allows Iranians to be reunited with their family members. This sponsorship route is excellent if the family member being sponsored isn’t eligible for the economic immigration programs mentioned in this guide.

Student Visa

Many young Iranians immigrate to Canada after studying at one of the country’s world-class educational institutions under a student visa. These students typically finish their study programs and then work in the country under a Post-Graduate Work Permit. These Iranian graduates can apply for Canadian permanent residence under Express Entry’s Canadian Experience Class program once they complete one year of work in Canada.

Investor Visas

There are many investor visa programs available to Iranians with business ownership or management experience. This includes:

Intra-Company Transfer Program – The Intra-Company Transfer program is special for foreign business owners who want to expand their existing business to Canada. Iranians chosen under this program will receive a work permit that allows them to enter Canada and start conducting business operations. They can apply for permanent residence once they fulfill Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) conditions.
Start-Up Visa Program – The Canadian Government introduced a special “Start-Up Visa” program for foreign entrepreneurs with business ownership experience and the ability to create a start-up business in Canada. This program was designed to stimulate the Canadian economy and create new jobs for Canadians. Prospective Iranians who apply for this program must create a robust business plan and secure a letter of support from an official Canadian organization. If chosen, they will receive permanent residence and be allowed to set up and operate their business in Canada.
Self-Employed Persons Program – The Self-Employed Persons Program is another investor program for people with the right work experience. This one caters to athletes or artists who have performed at a world-class level. Such Iranians must be capable of working as self-employed individuals in Canada to be eligible to apply.

How ELAAR can help you?

As you can see, Iranians have plenty of excellent Canadian immigration programs available to them. If you plan to apply for a Canada visa for Iranian nationals, please contact Elaar Immigration. Our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants understand the requirements for each Canadian immigration program and help you apply for the one that offers you the greatest chance of success. Immigrate to Canada under the guidance of Elaar Immigration professionals.