Millions of Temporary Permit Holders to Leave Canada by End of 2025
Nearly 5 million temporary permits in Canada will expire by the end of 2025. The government expects that most of these foreign nationals will voluntarily leave once their permits expire. However, Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged that tracking and ensuring compliance is a significant challenge.
Key Points:
- Challenges in Tracking Departures: MP Tom Kmiec raised concerns about accurately tracking the number of people whose permits have expired and who have actually left Canada. Minister Miller mentioned that there are several monitoring measures in place but admitted that this is a complex issue.
- International Students: There are currently 766,000 international students whose study permits will expire soon. Some may extend their permits or apply for postgraduate work permits, but the government lacks specific data on how many will actually leave.
- Increasing Number of Undocumented Individuals: A report from the Immigration Department estimated that there could be as many as 500,000 undocumented individuals in Canada, including those who entered illegally or those who have exhausted their appeals.
- Enforcement of Immigration Laws: The government is working with partners like the Canada Border Services Agency to investigate and take action against those who violate immigration laws. However, enforcement is challenging, as estimates suggest that more than half of the individuals ordered to leave Canada remain in the country.
- Ensuring Fair Process: With the growing number of immigrants, including asylum seekers, Minister Miller emphasized that they are entitled to a fair process under Canadian law.
👉 Advice for Those Who May Be Affected:
– Check Permit Expiry Dates: Carefully check your permit’s expiry date. Don’t wait until the last minute to take action.
– Consider Extending Your Permit: If you wish to stay in Canada, explore options for extending your permit, such as applying for a postgraduate work permit or other residency programs.
– Follow the Law: Staying in Canada without legal status could severely impact your future residency opportunities and bring significant legal issues.
– Seek Legal Advice: If you are facing challenges in extending your permit or applying for residency, consult with a reputable immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant to get clear and accurate guidance.
– Act Early: Preparing and acting early will provide you with more options in the future and help you avoid unnecessary complications.
