Canada provides undocumented individuals with a new route to permanent residency

Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a comprehensive program allowing undocumented people to apply for permanent residence. This aligns with Canada’s immigration targets, aiming to admit up to 500,000 immigrants by 2025. An estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals currently live in Canada without valid documents, facing potential deportation. The program will also cover those who overstayed their visas. However, not all will be eligible to apply. Undocumented migrants typically fall out of status due to failing eligibility criteria or overstaying their authorized period. A small portion unlawfully entered or was trafficked into Canada.