Canada Offers Citizenship Path for Undocumented Immigrants, Expired Visa Holders

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Canadian government is establishing an opportunity for unauthorized immigrants to acquire the status of citizens.
• Canada intends to boost immigration by 500,000 people a year until 2026.
• According to Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller, between 300,000 and 600,000 individuals in the nation lack the correct paperwork and could be facing deportation while they are actively participating in the labor market.

An unauthorized immigrant’s route to citizenship will soon begin in Canada. Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, announced that the country plans to implement a wide-ranging initiative to make it easier for many unauthorized people to apply for permanent status. This new pathway to citizenship comes when more people are searching for flight tickets from Canada to India, either to reunite with family or start a new chapter in their lives. As to Miller’s statement to The Global and Mail, the program aligns with Canada’s ambitious immigration objectives, which include a target of 500,000 new arrivals a year by 2025. This population growth has significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth.

Canadian Citizenship Program, 2024

With this Canadian citizenship program, Canada expects 600,000 immigrants by 2025. The scheme includes individuals in Canada after their visas have expired and those who continue to live there without adequate proof of identity. The priority list for Canadian citizenship includes immigrants who are temporary employees or international students.

The country plans to implement a scheme to welcome 600,000 immigrants by 2025, according to Canadian Minister Marc Miller. Those who have recently arrived in Canada are not eligible for the proposed scheme.

Scope of the Proposed Program

The report states that between 300,000 and 600,000 people are living in Canada who do not have proper documentation, which puts them at risk of deportation because they do not have official status. In addition to individuals who invaded the nation illegally, the updated system will additionally encompass people who came originally as foreign students or temporary workers and chose to stay in the country after their visas expired.

Minister Miller made it clear that not all undocumented people, especially those who had just entered the nation, would be eligible for the program. It is expected that the cabinet will be presented with a proposal in the coming spring that will outline the procedure for undocumented immigrants to obtain legal status.

Mr. Miller proposed that anyone who does not possess appropriate documentation, even those who have recently arrived in Canada, would not be eligible to seek permanent status.

He did, however, mention that he planned to introduce a program shortly that would allow construction workers who are already living in the nation illegally to apply for residence, to alleviate Canada’s shortage of skilled laborers competent to build homes.

According to Mr. Miller, opening up a pathway for undocumented construction workers to settle in Canada would be a “good way to test the narrative” of the larger program he intends to submit to the cabinet.

He claimed that the inability of those who have been here for decades and had children to gain legal status “makes absolutely no sense.” He went on to say that Canada needs to “tailor to the reality on the ground” and improve its immigration laws.

Immigration Targets for Canada

This data contrasts with the effects of rising inflation rates and housing difficulties. The Canadian government decided to keep the present immigration targets in place for the next two years despite these economic worries. A halt will be placed on the progressive increase in immigration starting in 2026. Canada plans to admit 465,000 new residents in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 600,000 in 2025. If you are looking to grab affordable Canada to India business class flight deals, make sure to check out Flyopedia for the best flight options.