Canadian Visa Requirements for Iranian Citizens

Created: Feb 22, 2024 | Updated: Feb 22, 2024

Iran consistently ranks among the top ten source countries for newcomers to Canada, which means that many Iranians consider Canada a safe place for work, school, investment, or even to call home. Getting a visa to enter Canada is not the easiest task and as an Iranian citizen, this may hold significant implications for you if you need to travel, study, work, or immigrate to the Great White North. With the constantly evolving regulations and protocols surrounding the Canadian visa, knowing how to go through the process is a real gem to have. 

In today’s guide, we will shed light on the Canadian visa requirements, specifically designed for Iranian citizens, the application process and all the documents and fees you will need. 

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What is a Canadian Visa?

A Canadian visa is an official document issued by the Government of Canada that permits foreign nationals, such as Iranians, to enter and stay in Canada for different reasons, like, tourism, study, work, or permanent residence. Depending on the purpose of your visit, different types of visas will be required. In Iran, Canadian visas are typically issued by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or by Canadian embassies, consulates, and visa offices.

Getting a Canadian visa at the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in Iran is not enough to enter Canada, even if the Consulate decides that you are eligible and fulfill the requirements for entry. The Canadian Border Services Officers (BSO) still reserves the right to evaluate whether you are fit to enter or not.

If you answer their questions honestly and correctly, they will let you enter Canada, but if they have any suspicions, they can ask you to return to Iran even if you have a Canadian visa.
 

Iranian Temporary Residents in Canada

Temporary Iranian residents in Canada are people from Iran who are living in Canada temporarily, typically for reasons like tourism, study, work, or visiting family and friends. These people are usually granted temporary status through visas, permits, or other authorized documents, allowing them to stay in Canada for a specified period. Due to the unrest in Iran, the Canadian Government has introduced special measures to support Iranian temporary residents in Canada such as: 

• The ability to extend your current temporary resident status.
• The ability to change your temporary resident status, for example, from a visitor to a worker.
• The ability to get an additional open work permit or study permit.

When you apply for these, you don’t have to pay application or biometric fees. You can learn more about these support measures and how to apply for them on the website of the Government of Canada.
 

Types of Canadian Visas for Iranians

There are three main categories of Canadian Visas. These include:

• The Temporary Canadian Visas
• The Permanent Canadian Visas
• The Express Entry Visas
   

The Temporary Canadian Visas

Temporary Canadian visas are visas that allow foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary period, for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, studying, or working. Here are some common types of temporary Canadian visas:

1. The Temporary Resident Visa: This visa, also known as the visitor visa, allows you to enter Canada as a temporary resident either as a visitor, a student, or a worker.
    
2. The Super Visa: If you are a Canadian citizen or have obtained permanent residency in Canada, the super visa allows your parents or grandparents to visit you for an extended stay.
    
3. The Diplomatic and Official Visa: The Diplomatic and Official visa permits officials and diplomats from foreign countries like Iran to enter Canada for official duties.
    
4. The Courtesy Visa: If you do not qualify for a Diplomatic and Official Visa but hold an important rank or position in society, you will be given a courtesy visa. 
    
5. The Business Visa: The Business Visa is given to you if you are entering Canada to conduct business.
    
6. The Birthing Visa: This visa will be issued to you if you are pregnant and want to give birth in Canada. If you give birth in Canada, your baby automatically becomes a Canadian citizen.
    
7. Organ Donors Visa: If you are travelling to Canada to donate an organ to a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident, you will be issued an organ donor visa.
    
8. The Facilitation Visa: If you are a Canadian citizen with another nationality such as an Iranian nationality, and you do not have a Canadian passport but have your Iranian passport, you will get a facilitation visa stamped on your Iranian passport if it is proven that you cannot get a Canadian passport due to extreme situations.
    
9. The Student Visa: This visa will be issued to you if you have an admission to study in a Canadian institution for more than six months. If you intend to study for less than 6 months, you will be given a temporary residence visa. 
    
10. The Temporary Work Visa: The Canadian temporary work visa is given to you if you have an employment contract from a Canadian employer to work for more than six months in Canada. 
     

The Permanent Canadian Visas

Permanent Canadian visas refer to immigration programs that allow individuals to obtain permanent residency in Canada. These programs are designed for individuals who wish to live and work in Canada on a long-term basis. 

1. The Immigrant Investor Visa Program: If you intend to make investments in the Canadian economy and have a net worth of at least 800,000 CAD, you will be issued an immigrant investor visa. You must invest at least 400,000 CAD and the Canadian government will return this investment to you in 5 years without any interest.
    
2. The Startup Visa: You will receive a startup visa if you intend to be involved in contributing to the Canadian economy. You must have a net worth of at least 300,000 CAD and you must commit to owning and managing at least one-third of a Canadian business. You must also create and maintain employment within your first 3 years of being in the country.
    
3. The Self-Employed Persons Visa: If you have skills in business, athletics, culture, or farming and can start your businesses, the Canadian authorities will be willing to issue you a self-employed visa. To get it, you will have to demonstrate your skills and how you will finance the business.
    
4. Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): The province of Quebec has a list of occupations that are in demand per time. If you work in one of these occupations and you are fluent in French, then you can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program which will allow you to move and work permanently there.
    
5. The Family-Sponsorship Program: This visa allows you to immigrate permanently to Canada if you are the spouse or dependent child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
    
6. The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP): This visa allows you to move to Canada, if you are qualified, to take care of the elderly, the disabled, or children and live in their private homes.
    

Express Entry Visas

The Canada Express Entry Visa Program is an immigration program designed by the Government of Canada that allows people from around the world to apply for immigration to Canada based on their skills. These visas include:

1. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) visa: This is given to you if you are a qualified tradesperson in occupations such as carpentry, aircraft mechanics, crane operation, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, electrical engineering, plumbing, and a host of other professions and artistries. 
    
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The visa under this program is issued to you if have a profession that is highly sought after in Canada at a certain time. You can do some research on what kind of occupations Canada needs at the point you are planning to apply and get the necessary information.
    
3. Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP): If you are a semi or low-skilled worker who can contribute to the Canadian economy through your work, you will be issued this visa. You will be placed in a Canadian province where the demand for your work is high. Such jobs could include Engineers, Data Scientists, Nurses, Doctors, etc. 
    
4. Canadian Experience Class: If you have a temporary student visa or a temporary workers visa and want to switch to a permanent resident status, this visa is for you. You must have a Canadian education or work experience and must have settled into Canadian society to get this visa.
    

Canadian Visa Requirements for Iranian Citizens

If you intend to travel from Iran to Canada, you need to meet certain criteria before you can apply for a visa, such as:

1. You must be at least 18 years old to apply as the primary visa applicant.
    
2. You must assure the visa officer that you will leave Canada after your appointed stay (for temporary visas).
    
3. You must be able to prove that you have the financial means to support yourself and any family member (s) during your stay in Canada (for temporary visas). 
    
4. You must agree not to work or study in Canada without proper authorization (for temporary visas).
    
5. You must prove to a visa officer that you do not pose a security risk to Canada.
    
6. You must have no criminal records. 
    
7. You must prove that you are in good health. 
    
8. You must provide all the documents requested by the visa officer.
    
9. You must certify and translate all the requested documents from Persian to English or French translations.
    

Canadian Visa Documents Required From Iranians

Iranians going to Canada must provide the following documentation to get a visa:

Temporary Visas

• A valid international passport or travel document.
• A completed visa application form.
• Two passport-size photos with your full name and birth date printed on the back.
• Your financial records as proof of funds to support your stay in Canada and to return to Iran.
• Your biometrics profile (photo and fingerprints).
• Your marriage certificate (if applicable).
• Your travel itinerary.
• A letter of authorisation or custody documents (for minors travelling alone).
• A copy of your current immigration status (if Iran is stated as your nationality on your passport but you live in another country). 

Express Entry Visas

• French/English language proficiency test results.
• Certificates of Canadian education or an educational credential assessment report for immigration purposes if you’re applying through the Federal Skilled Workers Program, or you want to get points for the education you got outside of Canada.
• Provincial nomination (if you have one).
• A written job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Proof of work experience.
• A Canadian-issued certificate of qualification in a trade occupation. 
   

Permanent Visas

• Police certificates.
• Proof of funds.
• Birth certificates (if you have dependent children).
• Adoption certificate (if you have an adopted dependent child).
• The use of a Representative form, if you are using a representative.
• The Common-Law Union form, if you’ve declared your marital status as “common-law”.
• Your marriage, divorce certificate, death certificate (if you are widowed), as the case may be.

For permanent visas, you are no longer required to get an upfront medical exam before you submit your application for permanent residence through Express Entry Programs. 
 

Study Visas

• Proof of acceptance into a Canadian Institution.
• An attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study.
• Proof of identity.
• Proof of funds to cover tuition and well-being while in Canada (20,635 CAD per year).
• Proof of funding source.
• A Statement of Purpose, stating why you wish to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
• An Immigration Medical Exam (IME).
• English or French proficiency exam scores.
• A custodian declaration (for minors).
   

Other Documents

These documents are not mandatory to have as they only apply to certain visas, and you only need to submit them if they were included in your personalized document checklist. 

• Proof of relationship to a relative in Canada.
• Digital photos to confirm your identity.
• Any other names to confirm your aliases.
• Authority to release personal information to a designated individual form.

Remember that you must translate any document that is in Persian language that you will need for your application into either English or French. To do this, you will need the services of a trusted certified translation service in Iran. Having accurate translations is extremely important to convey the correct information to the Canadian immigration authorities and to avoid any hurdles on your visa application path. Translayte makes the job easy by providing an online translation service to save you time and stress. Just visit Translayte, request a quote for a certified translation and you will be on your way to having accurate Persian to English translations in no time. 
 

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa

• Choose the Correct Visa Program for You: Understand the various immigration programs available and determine which program aligns with your goals, whether it's working temporarily in Canada or obtaining permanent residency.
   
• Check if You Are Eligible to Apply: Ensure you meet the specific criteria outlined by your chosen immigration program or visa.
   
• Take the Necessary Assessments: Undergo medical examinations as required by the visa program. Depending on the program, you may need to take language proficiency tests like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign qualifications.
   
• Gather Necessary Documents: Collect all required documents we listed earlier for your chosen program, including general documents like a passport and specific documents such as proof of acceptance for a Canadian student visa.
   
• Create an IRCC Secure Account: Create an account on the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship (IRCC) platform and you will get access to all the forms and information you will need concerning your application. You will need a GCKey username and password to sign up.
   
• Fill out the Visa Application Form: You can fill out and submit the Canadian visa application form online on the IRCC system. You can also download the filled-out form and submit it in person to a visa application centre in Iran or the Embassy of Canada to Türkiye in Ankara as there is no longer a Canadian consular mission in Iran. If you cannot provide any of the required supporting documents, you will need to fill out a visa waiver form alongside your application form.
   
• Pay the Required Fees: Depending on your situation, you may be allowed to pay your visa fees online, otherwise, you will be asked to pay them at the visa application centre or embassy. Make sure to pay all the required fees and keep the receipts handy.
   
• Attend the Interview: You will be given a date for your visa interview after you put in an application and pay the required fees. Arrive on time for your interview, answer all the questions correctly and honestly and be willing to give the biometric information that will be requested, such as your fingerprints and your picture.
   
• Wait for Your Visa: After the interview, wait patiently for a response concerning your visa status. If the Canadian government is satisfied with your application, you will be awarded a visa within 15-30 days, but if not, you will receive a refusal letter. You can pick up your passport in person from the visa application centre or you can have it delivered to you by courier. 
   

The Cost and Processing Time of a Canadian Visa

Canadian visas take about 15 to 30 days to process and Canadian visa fees vary depending on what visa you wish to apply for. The fees range from 7 CAD to 1400 CAD. Here are some of the common visas and their fees, all in Canadian Dollars: 

Canadian Visitors Visas

• Visitor visa – per person (Single or multiple entry) - $100.00
• Visitor visa – per family of 5 or above (Single or multiple entries) - $500.00
• Visitor Extention - per person - $100.00
• Restore your status as a visitor - $229.00

Canadian Work Visas

• Work permit (including extensions) – per person - $155.00
• Work permit (including extensions) – per group (3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place) - $465.00
• International Experience Canada - $172.00
• Open work permit holder - $100.00
• Restore your status as a worker - $229
• New work permit - $155

Canadian Student Visas

• Study permit (including extensions) - per person - $150.00
• Restore your status as a student - $229

Canadian Visa Biometrics Fees

• Biometrics – per person - $85.00
• Biometrics - per family (2 or more people applying at the same time and place) - $170.00
• Biometrics - per group (3 or more performing artists applying at the same time and place) - $255.00
   

Important Considerations Concerning Canadian Visa Applications for Iranian Citizens

• If you are applying for visas with your family, each family member will need their application form; however, you can submit the applications together and they will be processed under one payment receipt.
   
• You should expect to wait an additional four weeks if you are required to do a medical examination.
   
• Processing fees are non-refundable. They can be paid in Iranian Rials at a Tejarat Bank (include the original receipt of payment in the visa application).
   
• When you get to Canada, you can obtain visa assistance at the Embassy of Iran located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
   

FAQs
 

How Much Will I Have to Pay for the Student Visa?

The cost of a Canadian study permit per person is 150 CAD and the fee for restoring your status as a student is 229 CAD.
 

Which Documents are Required for my Student Visa?

To get a Canadian visa in Iran, you will need to submit: 

• Proof of acceptance into a Canadian Institution.
• An attestation letter from the province or territory where you plan to study.
• Proof of identity.
• Proof of funds to cover tuition and well-being while in Canada (20,635 CAD per year).
• Proof of funding source.
• A Statement of Purpose, stating why you wish to study in Canada and that you understand your responsibilities as a student.
• An Immigration Medical Exam (IME).
• English or French proficiency exam scores.
• A custodian declaration (for minors).
   

What Is The New Rule For Iranians In Canada?

The new rule concerning Iranians in Canada is that effective March 1, 2023, Iranian temporary residents in Canada will be able to extend their stay in Canada for free by applying to extend their current temporary resident status or change their temporary resident status (for example, from a visitor to a worker). 
 

How Much Money Do You Need To Show For A Tourist Visa To Canada?

The average individual living in Canada spends an average of 1,230 CAD per month on their monthly expenses, so, if you intend to visit Canada for tourism, then you will be expected to have at least 2,000 CAD.
 

Is a Canada Tourist Visa Easy To Get?

Yes, it is relatively easy to get a Canadian tourist visa, however, your application can still get rejected if your forms are incomplete, or if you have insufficient or incorrect documentation. 
 

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