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/

Vice President of Iranian Canadian Congress, Mona Ghassemi has sent a letter to The Honourable Marc Miller regarding Concerns of Potential Immigration of MEK Members to Canada.

The Green Party's response to questions on topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The New Democratic Party's response to questions on topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The Liberal party's response to questions on topics of Importance for Iranian-Canadians

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) has sent questions on the topics of importance for Iranian Canadians for the 5 major political parties in federal election 2021 which will be held on September 20th. 

The questions were based on the ICC's survey focusing on the concerns and expectations of its members. The survey shows that issues such as immigration, diplomatic relations, supporting families of victims of the flight PS752, sanctions, and the problem of fugitives are among the top major concerns of the Iranian Canadian community. 

ICC will reflect any and all answers received from the political parties with the Iranian Canadian community to be able to to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The English and French version of the questions already sent for the party leaders and some of their candidates in the ridings with the most populated Iranian Canadians are as follows:

Here is a report from the ICC Policy Committee: