Exclusive: Mandatory Military Service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Does Not Prevent Entry to Canada

The Canadian government tells the Persian section of Voice of America that mandatory military service in the Iranian military forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), does not necessarily lead to an individual's inadmissibility to Canada. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada stated in a special correspondence that the aim of adding the IRGC to the list of terrorist organizations is to identify those who have participated or played a key role in 'terrorism or violent acts.' According to him, 'Given the designation of the IRGC as a terrorist entity, this ministry is allowed to prevent visa acquisition by perpetrators of these crimes, as well as their entry or stay in Canada.' The spokesperson emphasized that Canada supports equal rights for all its citizens, regardless of their place of birth, stating, 'This country supports Canadian citizens and permanent residents born in Iran who have fled the regime [of the Islamic Republic] and assures them that they will not be treated discriminately due to the IRGC's terrorist designation.' He noted that all applicants for Canadian immigration programs, 'including those who have served in the IRGC,' undergo comprehensive security screening and that 'mandatory military service, in itself, does not necessarily lead to an individual's inadmissibility in Canada.' The spokesperson further explained that applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and their acceptance is evaluated based on certain considerations, including 'whether the applicant served voluntarily in this military force or performed mandatory military service.' Additionally, considerations include 'whether the individual participated in violence, terrorism, or any other actions that would render them a security and personal risk unacceptable in Canada.' 'The role and participation of the applicant in intra-organizational and factional activities or sub-groups,' 'support for the organization's goals and principles,' and 'the nature of their ties and connections with members of the organization' are other considerations for this ministry. According to this spokesperson, senior commanders who have served in the military of the Islamic Republic since June 23, 2003, are inadmissible in Canada. This Canadian official pointed out, 'This means that their visa applications may be denied, they may lose their temporary or permanent residency status, and they may be subject to enforcement actions, including deportation from Canada.' He also stated, 'The final decision regarding inadmissibility in Canada is made by an immigration officer of the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada after a thorough review of all information provided by the applicant and legal procedures and recommendations provided by relevant organizations, including the Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.'