Canada Undocumented Immigrants

Canada will soon launch a citizenship path for undocumented immigrants. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, revealed the nation’s intent to introduce a broad and comprehensive program, facilitating the application for permanent residency for numerous undocumented individuals.

The minister of immigration Miller told The Global and Mail that the initiative aligns with Canada’s ambitious immigration targets, which set out to welcome 500,000 immigrants annually by 2025, fostering population growth that has significantly contributed to the country’s economic prosperity.

According to the report, the existing population of Canada includes an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals residing without valid documentation, putting them at risk of deportation due to their lack of formal status. The proposed program will include not only those who entered the country without proper documentation but also those who initially arrived legally as temporary workers or international students or and chose to stay beyond the expiration of their visas.

Minister Miller clarified that the program would not be open to all undocumented individuals, particularly those who have recently entered the country. A proposal outlining the process for undocumented immigrants to regularize their status is anticipated to be presented to the cabinet in the upcoming spring.

This announcement comes against the backdrop of housing challenges and elevated inflation rates. Despite these economic concerns, the government opted to maintain current immigration targets for the next two years. Starting from 2026, there will be a halt in the incremental increase in immigration, with Canada aiming to reach 465,000 new residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and the targeted milestone of 500,000 in 2025—a level that is intended to be sustained in 2026.