OTTAWA, Ontario, Canada: Mandatory IRGC military service does not automatically bar Iranian immigration applicants, Canada’s immigration department said, adding that officers will assess each case individually.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) told Iran International that membership in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and service in the organisation are separate considerations when determining admissibility.
IRCC said immigration officers make final decisions after examining applicants’ documents, relevant case law and recommendations from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
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Iran International reported that applicants whose declared IRGC connection was compulsory service had received Procedural Fairness Letters raising possible security inadmissibility.
The outlet said one letter issued on Aug. 6 gave an applicant 30 days to provide additional information. The letters cited paragraph 34(1)(f) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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The provision covers membership in an organisation reasonably believed to engage in terrorism, espionage or forcible government subversion.
Canada listed the IRGC as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code on June 19, 2024. IRCC said a fairness letter is not a final ruling and gives the applicant an opportunity to respond before an immigration officer reaches a decision.
