Canada is once again facing hard questions about how senior members of foreign regimes—particularly Iran’s—are entering and living in the country. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has confirmed it is actively investigating 66 individuals suspected of being senior Iranian government officials who may be in Canada unlawfully.
This follows increasing pressure from citizens, legal experts, and human rights groups amid the recent conflict between Iran and Israel. The CBSA has so far declared 20 individuals inadmissible, as of June 6, 2025. These decisions stem from laws passed in 2022 and expanded in 2023 that prohibit top Iranian officials from entering or remaining in Canada.
Canada’s Ban on Senior Iranian Officials: Who’s Covered?
The law aims to stop members of the Iranian regime from using Canada as a safe haven. Those deemed inadmissible include:
- Heads of state and senior ministers
- Members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
- Senior military officers and intelligence officials
- Ambassadors, judges, and top public servants
The policy was expanded in September 2023 to include anyone who held senior roles in the Iranian government since June 22, 2003—the day Iranian-Canadian journalist Zahra Kazemi was arrested and later died in custody. Her tragic death became a rallying point for Canadian lawmakers pushing for stronger restrictions.
What Has Canada Done So Far?
Here’s a current snapshot of actions taken, according to CBSA’s most recent report:
| Status | Number of Individuals |
| Declared Inadmissible | 20 |
| Removed from Canada | 1 |
| Ordered Deported | 2 |
| Declared Admissible (under appeal) | 2 |
| Under Active Investigation | 66 total cases |
CBSA is continuing to refer cases to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), which will determine final admissibility through formal hearings.
Public Pressure Growing Amid Human Rights Concerns
Groups like StopIRGC, co-founded by human rights lawyer Mojdeh Shahriari, have been gathering evidence on suspected regime-linked individuals living in Canada. Based in Vancouver, Shahriari’s team has submitted over 90 detailed reports to both the CBSA and RCMP. These reports draw from open-source intelligence, including social media and regional news outlets.
While CBSA has acknowledged it welcomes tips, it has not provided specific updates on these submissions.
What About Security Risks?
Former Canadian justice minister Irwin Cotler has warned that the Iranian regime could already have “sleeper cells” operating inside Canada. According to Cotler, Tehran may activate these networks during times of geopolitical unrest to threaten Iranian dissidents or critics living here.
Cotler, who is on an Iranian regime hit list, has been advocating for stronger countermeasures. His call is echoed by others in the Iranian-Canadian community who believe that some individuals tied to the regime have entered the country under fake identities or through wealth transfers that raise red flags.
Broader Immigration Implications for Canada
While these cases represent a fraction of Canada’s overall immigration system, they shine a light on serious gaps in screening and enforcement.
Here’s why it matters:
- Trust in immigration enforcement: Canadians expect the system to prevent human rights abusers from entering.
- Safety of diaspora communities: Iranian Canadians fear retaliation for speaking out.
- Canada’s global position: As a country with strong human rights values, Canada is expected to act decisively.
The Canada immigration system must continue evolving to protect its borders while maintaining fair and humane immigration standards. That includes stronger intelligence sharing, public transparency, and quick action when violations are discovered.
Canada’s Immigration Integrity Must Hold Strong
As tensions grow in the Middle East, all eyes are on how Canada handles foreign nationals tied to regimes accused of human rights abuses. The Canada immigration system is designed to be open, but also firm where public safety and international obligations are concerned. CBSA’s active investigation into Iranian regime-linked individuals is a necessary step. For Canadian immigration to remain strong and trusted, enforcement must keep pace with global threats, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable communities and maintaining the integrity of our borders.
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