Last Updated On 20 November 2024, 9:46 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Canada’s immigration policies are at a critical juncture, with the federal government grappling with surging asylum claims, mounting removal orders, and a growing temporary resident population.

Recent data reveals the complexities of managing immigration amidst a housing crisis, affordability concerns, and policy shifts aimed at reducing population growth.

Rising Asylum Claims in Canada

Between January and September 2024, Canada received 132,525 asylum claims, a sharp increase from previous years.

Notably, 84,645 claims were made by foreign nationals already inside the country, with the rest seeking asylum at ports of entry.

Top Countries of Origin for Inland Claims

Among inland claimants under study permits:

India: 2,290 claims
Nigeria: 1,990 claims
Ghana: 1,385 claims
Republic of Guinea: 1,095 claims

The trend reflects an uptick in international students turning to the asylum system, with claims under study permits rising to 15,160—already surpassing the total of 13,080 claims in all of 2023.

The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), tasked with processing asylum claims, is buckling under a backlog of 250,000 pending cases.

This growing queue not only delays justice for legitimate claimants but also strains the country’s immigration infrastructure.

Policy Responses and Provincial Agreements

To address some of these challenges, the federal government has brokered agreements with:

Alberta
Manitoba
Yukon

These agreements aim to extend work permits for in-Canada migrants selected by the provinces and awaiting permanent residency.

However, the limited capacity of these initiatives leaves many temporary residents in limbo.

Rising Enforcement and Removal Orders

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has ramped up its inland enforcement efforts, increasing the number of officers by 15% since January 2023.

The agency has also issued a surge in removal orders for inadmissible foreign nationals, citing a 60% expected rise in removals this fiscal year compared to 2021-22.

Key Removal Data

2023 Removal Orders Issued: 3,650
2022 Removal Orders Issued: 3,912

Most removals are for non-compliance with immigration rules, such as overstaying visas or working without authorization.

Of the 103,131 removals since 2022, over 93,000 were for these infractions.

The CBSA currently has 38,030 active immigration arrest warrants, illustrating the scale of enforcement challenges.

Temporary Residents in Transition

The Canadian temporary resident population, which includes visitors, international students, and foreign workers, is projected to decrease significantly under the federal government’s three-year immigration plan.

By 2025, the temporary resident population is expected to fall to 2.52 million from its current 2.96 million.

Why Are Temporary Residents Leaving?

Stricter Work Permit Rules: Ottawa has tightened eligibility for work permits, leaving many temporary residents with limited pathways to stay.
Voluntary Departures: The government anticipates 1.26 million temporary residents will leave Canada when their status expires in 2025.

For those unable to comply, the lack of viable options often pushes them toward two extremes:

Seeking asylum to extend their stay.
Moving underground to avoid detection.

The Shift in Permanent Residency Targets

Amid rising concerns over housing and affordability, the federal government has announced a reduction in annual permanent residency quotas:

2025 Target: 395,000 permanent residents (Down from 485,000 in previous years).

Of these, 40% of spots will be allocated to international students and work permit holders already inside the country, signaling a shift toward prioritizing in-land applicants over newcomers from abroad.

Impact on International Students and Workers

International students and foreign workers form the backbone of Canadian temporary resident population.

However, recent policy changes have placed unprecedented pressure on these groups:

Work Permit Extensions: Restrictions have left many scrambling to find legal pathways to stay.
Financial Strain: Families of international students often invest heavily in education and living expenses, leaving little room for alternative plans.

For those unable to transition to permanent residency or return home, desperation leads to unintended consequences—seeking asylum or remaining in Canada illegally.

The Housing and Affordability Crisis

At the heart of Canada’s population management strategy lies a broader crisis: housing and affordability.

Policymakers argue that reducing immigration levels is necessary to slow population growth and ease pressure on housing markets.

Projected Population Impact

By implementing the new immigration plan, Canada expects a 0.2% population decline in 2025.

While this may alleviate some housing challenges, it raises questions about the country’s long-term economic and demographic goals.

What’s Next for Canada’s Immigration System?

The federal government faces an uphill battle to balance economic needs, humanitarian obligations, and public concerns.

Key priorities moving forward include:

Streamlining Asylum Processes: Reducing backlogs and ensuring fair hearings for all claimants.
Supporting Temporary Residents: Expanding pathways for international students and workers to transition to permanent residency.
Enhancing Enforcement Efficiency: Focusing resources on high-priority removal cases, such as those involving national security.

A Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Canada’s immigration system is at a crossroads. While tightening rules and reducing quotas may address immediate concerns, long-term solutions require a more comprehensive approach.

Policymakers must strike a balance between welcoming newcomers and addressing public concerns over affordability and infrastructure.

By investing in smarter policies and compassionate solutions, Canada can uphold its reputation as a land of opportunity while managing the challenges of a dynamic immigration landscape.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.