Canada’s efforts to remove individuals linked to Iran’s regime are under increasing scrutiny after the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) confirmed that only one senior Iranian official has been deported since new measures were introduced in 2022. The issue has gained urgency amid rising geopolitical tensions and growing concerns within Iranian-Canadian communities, particularly in regions such as Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton.
Concerns about the presence of individuals linked to Iran’s regime date back several years. In 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged that some individuals connected to the Iranian government were living in Canada and benefiting from its freedoms. Canada later designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity in 2024, further intensifying calls for stronger enforcement and deportation measures.
Despite these actions, enforcement outcomes remain limited. As of early March 2026, CBSA has deported just one individual under the policy targeting senior Iranian officials. Two additional deportation orders have been issued but not yet enforced, while 20 cases have been referred for immigration hearings. Several other investigations are ongoing, and one individual has left Canada voluntarily. At the same time, authorities have cancelled 239 visas and reviewed approximately 17,800 visa applications as part of increased screening efforts.
Advocacy groups, including Stop IRGC, estimate that hundreds of individuals in Canada may have links to the Iranian regime. Their database has grown to about 1,000 names based on community tips, with dozens of cases forwarded to authorities. However, officials caution that many allegations remain unproven and require thorough investigation before action can be taken.
Legal and procedural constraints continue to shape enforcement. Individuals facing removal have the right to seek judicial review, and immigration decisions must meet evidentiary standards under Canadian law. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada plays a central role in determining inadmissibility and deportation orders, which can extend timelines significantly.
Security agencies have also raised concerns about Iran’s activities in Canada. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has reported cases of transnational repression, including intimidation and threats against individuals perceived as critics of the Iranian regime. Experts note that such activities tend to increase when the regime faces external pressure.
The issue has become more prominent following recent geopolitical developments, including conflict involving Iran, which has heightened fears that Canada could be seen as a safe haven for regime-linked individuals. Lawmakers from multiple parties are now urging stronger enforcement, while also cautioning against misinformation and vigilantism after recent social media incidents involving misidentified individuals at Toronto Pearson Airport.
As investigations and hearings continue, the federal government faces mounting pressure to balance national security, legal due process and community concerns, while ensuring that Canada’s immigration system maintains both integrity and fairness.