Illegal immigration to Canada

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Illegal immigration in Canada is the illegal activity of an individual staying within Canada without the legal approval of the Canadian government.

Canadian law


The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, established in 2003 outlines the ruling, laws, and procedures associated for immigrants within Canada. It provides officers of the Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) with the authority to detain permanent residents and foreign nationals if any of the individuals have violated the rulings of the Act. Roughly 12,600 individuals who were living in Canada including 1,900 criminals who violated this Act and either posed a high risk to Canada or were illegal immigrants who were deported in the year of 2006-07.[1]


Canada has an immigration program which is established for every migrant wishing to immigrate to Canada. This program seeks individuals who will have the highest chances of providing positive input into the Canadian economy. By example, the New Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) measures the capabilities of individuals who are required to meet a passing mark, in order to have their application accepted. The passing mark currently is 67 out of a 100 in six categories: education, work experience, language, age, arranged employment, and adaptability (such as any previous work or education acquired within Canada).[2] The FSWP program in 2011 admitted more than 57, 000 immigrants alongside their spouses and any other dependent individuals.[2] This program is effective and most successful method of skilled labour immigrating to Canada legally.


The last audit of the Canadian population was performed in 2003 that indicated approximately 36, 000 more individuals over a span of 6 years became illegal residents within Canada.[3] These statistics are considered inaccurate because, Canada does not record the information of illegal individuals leaving the country, but it is the last authentic value provided. Estimates made by the federal government account for 100,000 illegal immigrants who are still residing across Canada.[4] In the 1980s large numbers of Brazilians were arriving in Canada claiming refugee statuses. They would then reside until the end of their refugee process which allowed them to study, work, and collect social benefits. Canada noticed the large trend and imposed a requirement in 1987 of Brazilians needing to attain a visa in order to arrive in Canada, making it a little more difficult for many to immigrate.[5] During their stay, the Brazilians would develop the skills to pass the Canadian immigration tests, and become Canadian legal citizens. The ones that would not pass the citizenship tests would either leave back to Brazil, or continue to live as illegal citizens. Auditor General Sheila Fraser who worked for a 10-year period in the office of the Auditor General of Canada stated in 2008 that Canada’s border agency has lost track of 41, 000 individuals who have been ordered to be deported.[6] Canada’s border agency is removing illegal immigrants in Canada regularly in a respective, safe, and effective manner. Although in some cases individuals can be removed immediately, or allowed a temporary access into Canada with a Temporary Resident Permit as long as they do not pose a threat to Canadians. The Temporary Resident Permit can be issued by the Canadian border agency or a border service officer for a cost of $200 per permit; the Canadian border agency issued 13,412 permits in 2006.[3] Permits are issued based on technical, criminal history, or medical reasons that allow legal residency for a period ranging from one day to three years. During this time period, the legal documents are gathered for individuals to be deported back to the country they emigrated from. This procedure at times could create challenges such as retrieving the legal documentation for deporting, hence the Temporary Resident Permits are provided enough time for such obstacles to be overcome efficient and effectively.

Public opinions

Canadian citizens have voiced strong opinions regarding illegal immigrants within Canada. A poll conducted of 1,200 telephone interviews of adult Canadians gathered feedback on positive and negative opinions regarding illegal immigrants settled in Canada.[7] Being a developed country, residents believe strongly that only individuals who migrate legally should be allowed to mix with society. A national poll revealed that two thirds of Canadians believe that any resident of Canada who is illegal should be deported. Considering factors such as: individuals who are positively contributing to the economy and who have studied in Canada that have the potential to contribute to the Canadian economy should also all be deported. Quebec was the only province that reached a level of 70% where individuals stated that “reasonable accommodations” should be made for illegal immigrants rather than simply deporting them.[7]


  1. "Chapter 7—Detention and Removal of Individuals—Canada Border Services Agency". 2008 May Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Retrieved 2 April 2013. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Fact Sheet — Federal Skilled Worker Program". Government of Canada. Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Retrieved 1 April 2013. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Chapter 7—Detention and Removal of Individuals—Canada Border Services Agency". 2008 May Report of the Auditor General of Canada. Office of the Auditor General of Canada. Retrieved 2 April 2013.  Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Chapter_7" defined multiple times with different content
  4. "Ottawa considers amnesty plan for illegal workers". Daily Commercial News and Construction Record. CMD Group. Retrieved 2 April 2013. 
  5. Barbosa, Rosana (2 April 2013). "Brazilian Immigration to Canada". Project Muse. 41: 215–225. Retrieved 1 April 2013.  Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  6. "Canada has lost track of 41,000 illegals: Fraser". CTV News. 6 May 2008. Retrieved 2 April 2013. 
  7. 7.0 7.1 Aubry, Jack (21 Oct 2007). "Canadians want illegal immigrants deported: [Final Edition]". Infomart, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. Retrieved 2 April 2013.  Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Canadian_Opinions" defined multiple times with different content