CIMM – Explore Ways of Regularizing Undocumented Workers – October 24, 2023

Key Facts and Figures

There are no accurate figures representing the number or composition of undocumented immigrants residing in Canada. Estimates from academic sources range between 20,000 and 500,000 persons.
An undocumented migrant is an individual who has no authorization to reside and/or work in Canada. Some may have overstayed their temporary status, while others may have remained in Canada following a rejected asylum claim.
IRCC has previously implemented regularization initiatives, such as the Guardian Angels temporary public policy. This permanent residence pathway was put in place during the pandemic for pending and failed refugee claimants who worked in direct patient care, and their family members. Over 8,500 individuals benefited from this pathway.
Currently in effect is the temporary Public Policy for Out-of-Status Construction Workers in the Greater Toronto Area, which recognizes the economic contributions of workers in the construction industry while addressing vulnerabilities associated with their lack of status. As of August 31, 2023, 1,029 individuals have been admitted (441 principal applicants and 588 dependents).

IRCC continues to explore options to regularize certain individuals without immigration status who have been contributing socially and economically to Canadian communities.
We value our ongoing dialogue with stakeholder organizations, such as the Canadian Council for Refugees and the Migrant Rights Network to ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are taken into account.

The Out of Status Construction Worker public policy was renewed on January 3, 2023, and doubled the number of eligible beneficiaries to 1,000 out-of-status construction workers in the GTA, and extending the initiative until January 2, 2024.