Iran: Canadian immigration information
Country code: IR · Recent PR admissions to Canada: ~21,300 (2023: 11,500 / 2024: 9,800)
Permanent residence admissions from Iran
| Year | PR admissions from Iran |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 11,500 |
| 2024 | 9,800 |
Source: IRCC permanent residence admissions data — open.canada.ca. Numbers are directional and rounded.
Programs IRCC offers to applicants from Iran
- Express Entry — FSW
- Start-up Visa (suspended — see /policy)
- Study Permit → PR
NOC occupations IRCC commonly admits from Iran
Iran-specific factors IRCC considers
- No Canadian embassy in Iran (closed since 2012) — applications routed via Ankara (Turkey) or Abu Dhabi.
- Police certificate (Gozinesh) from Iranian Police HQ; apostille via MOFA.
- Sanctions complicate proof of funds — payments to IRCC must originate outside Iran (Turkey, UAE, Canada).
- Translations must be by Official Court Translator (Motarjem Rasmi).
- Iran does not formally recognize dual citizenship.
Police certificate
Gozinesh from Iranian Police HQ; legalization via Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
ECA / credential evaluation
WES accepts Iranian credentials; sealed transcripts from issuing university; translations notarized.
Visa Application Centres (VAC)
- Tehran (limited services); biometrics in Ankara, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Istanbul
Canadian embassy / high commission
Operations via Embassy of Canada in Ankara, Turkey.
Common information requests from Iran
- Iran Canada visa Ankara processing
- study permit Iran 2026
- Canada PR from Iran
Iran → Canada immigration pathways
Express Entry
Federal economic immigration to Canada via FSW, CEC or FST under Express Entry.
Study Permit
Apply for a Canadian study permit to attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Work Permit
Canadian work permit options — LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt under the International Mobility Program.
Spousal Sponsorship
Sponsor your spouse, common-law partner or conjugal partner for permanent residence.
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada for tourism, family, or business.
Police Certificate
Country-specific guidance for obtaining a police certificate accepted by IRCC.
Other country guides