CIMM – Explore Ways of Regularizing Undocumented Workers – February 7, 2024

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.
• Over the past several years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has 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. Between the implementation of the public policy in December 2020 and December 31, 2023, over 9,100 individuals obtained permanent residence through this pathway, including family members of principal applicants.
• 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 December 31, 2023, over 1,000 individuals have been admitted since the start of the public policy, including family members of principal applicants.

Key Messages

• 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 accounted for.

Supplementary Information

• A new Out of Status Construction Worker public policy is in place from January 2, 2024 to July 2, 2024 in order to allow eligible beneficiaries more time to apply.