Nearly 1 million Indians at risk of losing legal status in Canada

Nearly 1 million Indian citizens living in Canada are at extreme risk of losing their legal residence permit or legal status in the country in the next few months. This unprecedented situation has arisen mainly due to the expiration of work permits, the difficulty of obtaining new visas and the gradual narrowing of permanent residence (PR) opportunities. Immigration experts say that if the current trend continues, it could turn into one of the largest immigration crises in Canada's recent history.

Mississauga-based immigration expert Kanwar Sirah, citing data collected from the Canadian immigration department IRCC, said that by the end of 2025, about 1 million 53 thousand work permits in the country will expire. In addition, about 9 lakh 27 thousand work permits are set to expire by 2026. Analyzing this data, experts fear that by mid-2026, about two million people could be in Canada in an irregular or undocumented state, at least half of whom are Indian citizens.

The Canadian government's recent strict immigration policies have further intensified this crisis. In addition to toughening new rules for temporary workers and international students, restrictions have also been imposed on political asylum or asylum applications. As a result, alternatives to staying in the country legally are gradually closing for those whose work permits are expiring. Kanwar Sirah warned that the permits of about 315,000 people will expire in the first quarter of 2026, which will create major pressure and stagnation in Canada's immigration system.

The social impact of this crisis is already starting to be visible. Undocumented immigrants are seen living in temporary tents in the Greater Toronto Area, especially in the forests of Brampton and Caledon. According to local journalists, many Indian citizens who have lost their legal status are now forced to work for nominal wages in cash. At the same time, it has been alleged that groups involved in various immoral and illegal activities, including fake marriages, have also become active in the hope of becoming legal.

Various rights organizations have come out in protest against this humanitarian and legal crisis. Worker-friendly organizations like the ‘New Young Support Network’ have been planning large-scale protests since January. They demand that those who have been working in the Canadian economy, paying taxes and contributing to society for years should be given the opportunity to live permanently.
Keeping in mind the slogan ‘If you are qualified to work, you are qualified to stay’, they are trying to create pressure on the Canadian government to reform its immigration policy.