The Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) stands in full solidarity with members of the Iranian community across Canada who gathered peacefully in Ottawa on September 22 to highlight the prolonged processing of permanent residency (PR) applications, particularly the lengthy pauses during background checks, and to call for immediate reforms. The ICC is deeply concerned about the increasingly difficult path to permanent residency faced by Iranians in Canada. What should be a fair and efficient immigration process has, in recent years, become one of the most pressing challenges for Iranian applicants. Many who first arrived on study or work permits now face extraordinarily long and complex procedures when applying for PR. Too often, applications remain stalled for months—or even years—at the background check stage without any clear response from immigration authorities. These prolonged delays impose serious psychological and financial hardship. Students are left in limbo regarding their academic and professional futures, while temporary workers are deprived of job security and the ability to plan long term. The burden is worsened by high processing costs, the need for legal counsel, and banking restrictions linked to international sanctions. Constant changes in Canada’s immigration regulations and the lack of transparent communication have only deepened confusion and uncertainty. Many Iranian applicants are left feeling unstable, with some even considering migration to third countries or seeking alternative, faster routes to obtain permanent residency. In light of these challenges, the ICC calls on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to act with justice, fairness, and transparency by: Providing clear timelines and regular updates for applicants stuck in prolonged background checks; Simplifying and streamlining permanent residency procedures for those already contributing to Canadian society; Ensuring that policy changes are communicated openly and in a timely manner to all applicants. The ICC urges the Government of Canada to respond swiftly and uphold the principles of justice and transparency that Canadians expect and deserve.   Join the email campaign to support Iranian PR Applicants: https://iccongress.good.do/justicetransparencyintheprocessingofprapplicationsforiraniansincanada/

Iranian Canadian Congress expresses its deep concern over the detention of peace and human rights activists aboard the “The Conscience” ship by the Israeli Forces. The seizure blatantly violates international law and defies the ICJ’s binding orders requiring unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.“The Conscience” ship carried activists from various countries whose goal was to draw the world’s attention to the ongoing and unlawful blockade of Gaza Strip and to call for an end to the transfer of weapons and military support to the State of Israel. Their detention is both legally indefensible and politically alarming. It represents an attempt to silence the global voices of conscience calling for peace, justice, and respect for human dignity.Iranian Canadian Congress calls for:1.The immediate and unconditional release of all detainees aboard “The Conscience” ship including 6 Canadian passport holders: Mskwaasin Agnew (ON), Sadie Mees (NL), Nikita Stapleton (NL), Nima Machouf (QC), Devoney Ellis (NL) & Khurram Musti Khan (ON)2.Full respect for international law and the right to peaceful activism;3.An immediate halt to the transfer and sale of weapons to Israel, which fuels ongoing occupation and violence;4.Strong international pressure to end the blockade of the Gaza Strip and guarantee civilians’ access to humanitarian aid.We urge governments, international bodies, human rights organizations, and global civil society to fulfill their moral and political responsibilities by defending the fundamental rights of the detainees and the Palestinian people.The voice of justice and freedom cannot be silenced.