Key Takeaways:
- 2.1 million temporary residents in Canada may have to leave the country this year due to expiring permits
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has limited spots available for permanent residence (PR) – 395,000 in 2024 and 380,000 in 2025
- Temporary residents who are out of status may be able to apply to restore it within 90 days, but may face deportation if unsuccessful
- The number of temporary residents applying for PR is expected to increase, making the competition for limited spots even more challenging
- Immigration lawyers and consultants are warning of a "painful process" for those with expiring or expired statuses, with some potentially going undocumented
Introduction to the Issue
Abhishek Parmar, a 25-year-old who has spent the last six years in Windsor-Essex, is one of the 2.1 million temporary residents in Canada who may have to leave the country this year due to expiring permits. Parmar, who arrived in Canada in 2019 to pursue mechanical engineering technology at St. Clair College, has spent over $80,000 on tuition and living expenses. Despite landing a job at an automotive company, he was laid off due to tariffs and has since struggled to find stable employment. His work permit is set to expire in mid-March, putting his plans to make Windsor his forever home, start a business, and buy his first house on hold.
The Challenges of Temporary Residency
Parmar’s story is not unique. According to IRCC, 1.49 million temporary residents had their permits expire last year, and another 1.4 million will expire this year. Of those 1.4 million expiring this year, 55% are due to expire by June alone. IRCC has limited spots available for PR – 395,000 in 2024 and 380,000 in 2025 – making the competition for these spots highly competitive. Temporary residents who are out of status may be able to apply to restore it within 90 days, but may face deportation if unsuccessful.
The Consequences of Expiring Permits
The consequences of expiring permits can be severe. Lou Janssen Dangzalan, a Toronto-based immigration lawyer, notes that IRCC assumes that people with expiring permits will return home, but this may not always be the case. Many temporary residents have sold all their assets back home, taken out loans, or incurred huge debts, making it difficult for them to return. Dangzalan warns that the process of deporting 2.1 million people will be "painful" and may lead to some individuals going undocumented. Canada Border Services Agency numbers show that the country removed over 18,000 people in 2024-25 at a cost of $78 million.
The Immigration Lawyer’s Perspective
Dangzalan notes that the current immigration system is not sustainable and that the government needs to "regain control" of the system. He warns that the fear of going home, colloquially known as the "walk of shame," can be overwhelming for many temporary residents. Dangzalan also notes that the number of foreign nationals forging their immigration documents or going underground is increasing, as individuals try to stay in Canada by any means possible.
The Immigration Consultant’s Perspective
Amanjit Kaur Verma, an immigration consultant and founder of Earnest Immigration in Windsor, agrees that the competition for PR is highly competitive. She notes that the number of people wanting PR has "exponentially increased," making it difficult for individuals to secure a spot. Verma warns that many temporary residents were "sold the Canadian dream" without being aware that PR is a privilege, not a right. She notes that there is a "humongous" need in Windsor-Essex for people with expiring permits and that many are considering going underground out of desperation.
Conclusion
The issue of expiring permits is a complex and challenging one, with severe consequences for temporary residents who are unable to secure PR. The competition for limited spots is highly competitive, and the process of deporting 2.1 million people will be "painful" and may lead to some individuals going undocumented. Immigration lawyers and consultants are warning of the need for the government to "regain control" of the immigration system and to prioritize inland applicants. Ultimately, the fate of temporary residents like Abhishek Parmar hangs in the balance, as they wait to see if they will be able to make Canada their forever home.
