5 Million Temporary Residents Face Potential Departure from Canada

Immigration officials in Canada are preparing for a major transition as Canada approaches the expiration of nearly five million temporary permits by the end of 2025.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has addressed the Commons immigration committee, indicating that while most visa holders are expected to depart voluntarily, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) will actively enforce laws against those who overstay their permits. This situation becomes increasingly pressing amidst a broader reduction in Canada’s immigration targets, aimed at easing the burden on housing and social services. Conservative MP Tom Kmiec expresses concerns regarding the nearly 4.9 million temporary visa holders, inquiring about the government's strategy for ensuring their departure as their permits approach expiration.

In a clear response, Minister Miller notes that a portion of these individuals, including 766,000 study permit holders set to expire by December 2025, may either renew their permits or opt for post-graduate work permits, which would allow them to extend their stay in Canada. In light of impending elections and rising scrutiny, the Trudeau government has announced substantial cuts to the intake of both permanent and temporary residents over the next three years.

Under the newly established immigration levels plan, the target for new permanent residents will decrease from 500,000 to 395,000 by 2025, representing a 21% reduction. These changes also include a major decline in the number of temporary workers and international students. By 2026, the influx of temporary foreign workers is projected to drop by over 40%, while the target for international students is set to decrease by 10%. The motivation behind these adjustments is to alleviate the strain on Canada’s housing, healthcare, and social services, thus providing communities with the opportunity to adapt to the demands generated by rising population figures.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledges that temporary foreign workers have become integral to the Canadian workforce. However, he highlights that the rapid influx of immigrants, particularly following the pandemic, has overwhelmed essential infrastructure. The new immigration cap seeks to find a balance between the economy’s need for labour and the capacity of communities to accommodate ongoing population growth.