According to IRCC data, over 1.05 million work permits expired by the end of 2025, while another 9.27 lakh permits are expected to expire in 2026.
Canada may see a sharp increase in undocumented immigrants as a large number of work permits are set to expire following major changes to immigration policies under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration.
When a work permit expires, individuals lose their legal status unless they secure another visa or transition to permanent residency. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data, over 1.05 million work permits expired by the end of 2025, while another 9.27 lakh permits are expected to expire in 2026.
Opportunities for migrants have become more limited as the government restructures its immigration system to reduce overall numbers, particularly among international students and temporary foreign workers. New measures to curb asylum claims have further tightened immigration pathways.
Mississauga-based immigration consultant Kanwar Seirah said recent policy changes have made it increasingly difficult for temporary residents to move to permanent status, creating a bottleneck at a time when Canada already has a high number of temporary migrants.
The growing uncertainty has triggered responses from advocacy groups. The Naujawan Support Network has announced plans to hold protests in January, demanding solutions for expiring permits and fewer legal pathways for migrant workers.
Under the new immigration plan, permanent residency targets will drop to 3.8 lakh in 2026. The government is also cutting intake of temporary foreign workers, international students and refugees.
In September, the Carney government announced a major overhaul of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, stating that the changes are aimed at better matching labour needs while easing pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services. The government also plans to reduce the share of non-permanent residents from about 7% to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.
