IRCC Warns: 4 Million Temporary Permits Expiring in 2025-2026
Over four million temporary permits in Canada are set to expire between 2025 and 2026, according to estimates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This wave of expirations follows the end of more than 1.8 million temporary permits slated to lapse by the close of this year.
Current Landscape of Temporary Permits
Temporary residents in Canada include students, workers, and visitors who are permitted to stay for specific durations. Immigration lawyer Mario Bellissimo notes that the large number of expiring permits highlights a growing concern about immigration policies, particularly regarding pathways to citizenship.
Decline in Permanent Residency Admissions
This year, Canada is set to welcome approximately 380,000 permanent residents, a drop of almost 15,000 from the previous year. Many individuals who entered Canada on temporary permits had hoped to transition to permanent status. However, these expectations have dwindled significantly.
Challenges Faced by Temporary Residents
In Toronto, many temporary residents are expressing frustration over recent changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The federal government reduced Ontario’s nominee intake by half in 2025. This adjustment has led to systemic concerns regarding compliance and an uptick in application rejections.
- About 2,600 OINP applications have been denied since last year.
- Demonstrations by temporary residents have occurred outside the Ministry of Labour and Immigration, demanding fair treatment.
Many OINP applicants feel trapped, especially as the Ontario legislature remains inactive since halting proceedings the previous year. The uncertainty surrounding their status leads to concerns about financial stability.
Impact on Students
Students represent one of the most affected groups among temporary residents. This year alone, over 265,000 study permits are due to expire, including nearly 166,000 extensions. Many students entered Canada under the impression that they would secure an opportunity to stay, which has led to disillusionment.
Government Response and Future Outlook
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reports that deportations have reached a peak, with over 22,000 individuals removed from Canada in 2025. An additional 30,000 removals are currently in progress.
Bellissimo cautions that maintaining valid status is crucial for temporary residents aiming for permanent residency. He encourages them to explore their options and consult their local MPs for further assistance.
Despite these challenges, the IRCC indicates that over 177,000 former temporary residents transitioned to permanent residency from January to November 2025. The situation continues to evolve for those affected, painting a complex picture of immigration in Canada during this uncertain period.
