Last Updated On 23 August 2025, 10:40 AM EDT (Toronto Time)
Canada is globally recognized for its inclusive immigration policies, attracting a significant number of legal immigrants annually.
According to the last Canadian census, immigrants number 8.3 million, comprising 23.0% of the population, with projections suggesting this could rise up to 34.0% by 2041.
However, alongside legal immigration, there exists a substantial population of undocumented immigrants—individuals residing in Canada without legal authorization.
Estimates for this group vary widely, ranging over 600,000, as noted in recent reports, reflecting the challenge of quantifying a population that often avoids official detection.
Undocumented immigrants, often referred to as “irregular migrants” in Canadian discourse, typically enter legally (e.g., as temporary workers, students, or visitors) but overstay their visas or fail to meet immigration program criteria, becoming undocumented upon falling out of status.
This situation is sensitive, with ongoing debates about their rights, economic contributions, and the need for regularization programs, as highlighted by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in 2023, estimating 300,000–600,000 undocumented individuals.
Although actual numbers could be even more than a million in 2025.
This analysis aims to identify the top 10 Canadian cities with the highest numbers of undocumented immigrants, based on available data and proxies like total immigrant populations.
Table of Contents
Methodology and Data Sources
Exact data on undocumented immigrants by city is scarce, as they are not captured in official censuses.
The approach here relies on the proportion of immigrants in each CMA from the last Census, supplemented by reports and policies indicating support for undocumented populations.
Key sources include Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census data, academic literature like “Undocumented Migrants in Canada: A scope literature review on health, access to services, and working conditions,” and news articles from CBC, CTV, and others, as of August 8, 2025.
Given the data gap, the analysis assumes cities with higher immigrant proportions are likely to have higher undocumented populations, supported by evidence of local sanctuary policies and community services.
Estimates for national figures (e.g., 600,000 in 2024) and city-specific mentions (e.g., Toronto hosting nearly 50%) guide the ranking, with acknowledgment of their potential outdated or anecdotal nature.
These are our conservative figures, but the number of illegal immigrants in Canada could be way higher.
Full List Of Top 10 Cities In Canada With Highest Number of Illegal Immigrants
Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 CMAs, ordered by estimated likelihood of hosting the highest undocumented immigrant populations, based on immigrant population proportions and policy indicators.
Each section includes an overview, estimated undocumented presence, local policies, challenges, and economic contributions.
1. Toronto
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a major immigrant hub, with nearly 50% of its population (approximately 2.89 million).
It is estimated to host nearly 50% of Canada’s undocumented immigrants, with figures suggesting over 600,000 nationally, and Toronto alone possibly up to 250,000-300,000.
Undocumented Immigrants: The city’s large immigrant community, including temporary workers and failed refugee claimants, contributes to a high undocumented presence.
Reports highlight 20,000 in construction alone in the GTA, with family estimates raising totals.
Local Policies: Toronto’s “Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians” policy, adopted in 2013, ensures access to services like healthcare and education without fear, supported by organizations like FCJ Refugee Centre.
Challenges: Undocumented immigrants face limited healthcare access, employment in the underground economy, and fear of deportation, as noted in personal stories like Luisa Ortiz-Garza’s 13-year undocumented experience.
Economic Contributions: They work in construction, cleaning, and food services, contributing to economic activity, with estimates suggesting significant tax contributions despite ineligibility for benefits.
2. Vancouver
Vancouver, with a 41.8% immigrant population among its 2.6 million residents, is a coastal city known for its scenic beauty and multicultural vibrancy.
Its economic opportunities in hospitality, construction, and domestic work attract undocumented immigrants, likely numbering in the tens of thousands.
Undocumented Immigrants: While exact figures are elusive, Vancouver’s large immigrant communities and supportive policies suggest a significant undocumented presence.
Many arrive as temporary workers or students, becoming undocumented when permits expire.
Stories like that of Maria, a caregiver who overstayed her visa to support her family, illustrate the personal stakes involved.
Local Policies: Vancouver’s “Access Without Fear” policy, adopted in 2016, allows undocumented residents to access city services without risk of deportation.
Police guidelines reinforce this, ensuring officers do not report immigration status, fostering trust.
Immigrant-serving organizations provide additional support, from job training to legal advice.
Challenges: Undocumented immigrants face barriers to healthcare and education, often relying on community clinics.
Employment in informal sectors, like domestic work, exposes them to exploitation.
Maria’s fear of reporting workplace abuse due to her status highlights a common plight.
Economic Contributions: Undocumented workers contribute to Vancouver’s hospitality, construction, and caregiving sectors, supporting the city’s tourism-driven economy.
Their labour helps keep costs low for businesses, though their lack of protections raises ethical questions.
Vancouver’s progressive policies and scenic allure make it a focal point for discussions on undocumented immigration, encouraging readers to share insights into its inclusive yet challenging environment.
3. Montreal
Montreal, Quebec’s cultural heart, has a 24.3% immigrant population among its 4.3 million residents.
Its French-speaking environment and sanctuary city status make it a unique destination for undocumented immigrants, likely numbering in the tens of thousands.
Undocumented Immigrants: Montreal’s diverse communities, including Haitians and the Latin American diaspora, attract undocumented individuals.
Many work in manufacturing or services, with personal stories like Jean, a Haitian factory worker, highlighting the struggle for stability without status.
Local Policies: Declared a sanctuary city in 2017, Montreal offers a municipal ID card program, enabling access to libraries, recreation, and other services.
Organizations like Doctors of the World support healthcare access, addressing gaps for undocumented residents.
Challenges: Language barriers, particularly the need for French proficiency, complicate integration.
Employment in low-wage sectors and limited healthcare access pose ongoing issues, with protests advocating for regularization reflecting community tensions.
Economic Contributions: Undocumented immigrants bolster Montreal’s manufacturing, service, and agricultural sectors, filling essential roles.
Their contributions to the city’s economy are significant, though often unrecognized, fueling debates about their rights.
Montreal’s unique linguistic and cultural context, combined with its sanctuary status, makes it a compelling case study, likely to resonate with readers interested in Quebec’s role in Canada’s immigration narrative.
4. Calgary
Calgary, with a 31.5% immigrant population among its 1.5 million residents, is Alberta’s economic powerhouse, driven by oil and gas.
Its opportunities in construction and hospitality likely attract undocumented immigrants, though exact numbers are unclear.
Undocumented Immigrants: The city’s labour market, particularly in construction, suggests a notable undocumented presence.
Workers like Ahmed, who moved from temporary status to undocumented after losing his job, reflect the challenges of economic volatility.
Local Policies: Immigrant-serving agencies provide support, potentially extending to undocumented individuals through community programs.
Calgary’s welcoming reputation aids integration, though specific policies for undocumented residents are less defined.
Challenges: Economic fluctuations in the oil sector affect job stability, with undocumented workers facing exploitation risks.
Access to healthcare and education remains limited, compounding vulnerabilities.
Economic Contributions: Undocumented immigrants contribute to construction, hospitality, and service industries, supporting Calgary’s growth.
Their labor helps sustain the city’s economic dynamism, even as their status remains precarious.
Calgary’s economic appeal and challenges highlight the broader tensions of undocumented immigration in resource-driven cities, making it a shareable topic for readers interested in Alberta’s story.
5. Edmonton
Edmonton, with a 26.0% immigrant population among its 1.4 million residents, is Alberta’s capital, offering diverse opportunities in construction and services.
It likely hosts a notable undocumented community.
Undocumented Immigrants: Community services suggest a significant presence, particularly in labour-intensive sectors.
Stories of workers like Sofia, who supports her family through informal jobs, underscore the human element.
Local Policies: Organizations like the Mennonite Centre for Newcomers provide support, potentially aiding undocumented residents with job training and advocacy. Edmonton’s community-driven approach fosters inclusion.
Challenges: Similar to Calgary, undocumented immigrants face healthcare and education barriers, with employment instability a key concern.
Sofia’s reliance on cash jobs highlights the precariousness of her situation.
Economic Contributions: Contributions to construction, manufacturing, and services support Edmonton’s economy, filling critical labour gaps in a growing city.
Edmonton’s community support and economic opportunities make it a lesser-known but significant hub.
6. Ottawa–Gatineau
The Ottawa–Gatineau region, with an estimated 25.0% immigrant population among its 1.5 million residents, is Canada’s capital, attracting immigrants through government and tech sectors.
It likely hosts undocumented immigrants, though in smaller numbers.
Undocumented Immigrants: The region’s service-oriented economy suggests a presence, with community organizations indicating support for undocumented individuals seeking stability.
Local Policies: Community groups offer settlement services, potentially benefiting undocumented residents.
The region’s inclusive reputation aids integration, though specific policies are less prominent.
Challenges: High living costs and a competitive job market pose barriers, with undocumented immigrants often relegated to low-wage roles.
Access to services remains a challenge.
Economic Contributions: Contributions to public sector support, technology, and retail bolster the capital’s economy, with undocumented workers filling essential roles.
Ottawa’s role as the capital adds a unique lens to the undocumented immigrant story, appealing to readers interested in national policy implications.
7. Winnipeg
Winnipeg, with a 25.4% immigrant population among its 0.8 million residents, is known for its welcoming communities and diverse economy.
It likely hosts undocumented immigrants, supported by local initiatives.
Undocumented Immigrants: Community support suggests a presence, particularly in manufacturing and services, with stories of resilience driving local narratives.
Local Policies: Manitoba’s immigration programs and organizations like the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization support newcomers, potentially aiding undocumented individuals.
Challenges: Integration and employment access are key issues, with undocumented immigrants facing barriers to stable work and services.
Economic Contributions: Contributions to manufacturing, agriculture, and services support Winnipeg’s economy, highlighting the role of undocumented workers.
Winnipeg’s smaller size and strong community focus make it a compelling case, likely to resonate with readers seeking stories of inclusion.
8. Hamilton
Hamilton, with a 25.6% immigrant population among its 0.8 million residents, is transitioning from industrial roots to a diversified economy.
It likely hosts undocumented immigrants in manufacturing and construction.
Undocumented Immigrants: Community services suggest a presence, particularly in labour-intensive sectors, with personal stories reflecting economic contributions.
Local Policies: Similar to Toronto, local initiatives provide support, though less formalized, aiding undocumented residents with community resources.
Challenges: Economic transitions and employment instability pose risks, with undocumented workers facing exploitation in informal sectors.
Economic Contributions: Contributions to manufacturing, construction, and healthcare support Hamilton’s evolving economy, filling labour gaps.
Hamilton’s industrial legacy and modern challenges offer a unique perspective, engaging readers interested in Ontario’s smaller cities.
9. Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo
This region, with a 25.8% immigrant population among its 0.6 million residents, is a tech hub attracting immigrants.
It likely hosts undocumented workers in technology and manufacturing.
Undocumented Immigrants: Job opportunities suggest a presence, with community services supporting undocumented residents seeking stability.
Local Policies: Regional organizations provide settlement support, potentially benefiting undocumented individuals through job training and advocacy.
Challenges: Housing affordability and integration into the tech economy are barriers, with undocumented workers often in lower-wage roles.
Economic Contributions: Contributions to technology, manufacturing, and services support the region’s growth, highlighting their economic role.
The region’s tech-driven narrative adds a modern twist, appealing to readers interested in innovation and immigration.
10. London
London, with an estimated 20.0% immigrant population among its 0.5 million residents, is known for education and healthcare.
It likely hosts a smaller but significant undocumented community.
Undocumented Immigrants: Community services suggest a presence, particularly in service sectors, with stories of resilience driving local support.
Local Policies: Local organizations provide support, potentially aiding undocumented residents with access to services.
Challenges: Access to stable employment and services is limited, with undocumented immigrants facing integration barriers.
Economic Contributions: Contributions to education, healthcare, and services support London’s economy, filling essential roles.
London’s smaller scale and community focus offer a relatable narrative, encouraging shares among readers in smaller cities.
The Broader Context: Policy, Controversy, and Human Stories
The presence of undocumented immigrants in Canada sparks intense debate. Advocates push for regularization, citing contributions to essential sectors and human rights, while critics highlight pressures on public resources and legal concerns.
Recent discussions, including a proposed regularization program for construction workers in Toronto, reflect efforts to address the issue, though public opinion remains divided, with some polls showing support for stricter enforcement.
Human stories, like those of Luisa, Maria, and Jean, bring the issue to life.
These individuals work tirelessly, often in dangerous or underpaid conditions, to support families and build new lives.
Their resilience, coupled with the challenges of living without status, underscores the need for compassionate, practical solutions.
The top 10 cities highlighted—Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa–Gatineau, Winnipeg, Hamilton, Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, and London—reflect Canada’s complex immigration landscape.
These urban centres, with their diverse economies and inclusive policies, are likely hubs for undocumented immigrants, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.
The stories of these communities, from construction workers in Toronto to caregivers in Vancouver, resonate with universal themes of hope, struggle, and resilience.
By shedding light on the lives of undocumented immigrants, this article reflects on Canada’s identity as a welcoming nation, the economic realities of immigration, and the human cost of policy gaps.
Share this story to spark conversations about inclusion, policy reform, and the untold contributions of those living in the shadows.
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