1 Million Indians in Canada Face Risk of Losing Legal Status By Mid 2026

Toronto: Canada is heading into a major immigration challenge. New figures show that around 1 million Indians living in Canada could lose their legal status by mid-2026 as tens of thousands of temporary work permits expire. Experts warn this could create a large population living without proper documentation if steps aren't taken soon.

What's Driving the Expiry of Legal Status?

Canada's immigration department, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), reported that more than 1 million work permits expired by the end of 2025, and another nearly 927,000 are set to expire in 2026.

These permits mostly cover international workers and students who came to Canada on temporary visas. Once a permit expires, holders are considered out of status, effectively living and working in the country without legal permission, unless they switch to another visa category or secure permanent residency. 

Experts say the number of people going out of status is unprecedented. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, about 315,000 work permits will expire, a record high that could overwhelm the immigration system. 

Why Are So Many Indians Affected?

Indians form a significant portion of Canada's temporary resident community. An immigration consultant estimates that nearly half of those losing status could be Indian nationals. Canada has never before seen such a large number of temporary residents fall out of status at once. 

What Could Happen Next?

Activist groups in Greater Toronto Area cities like Brampton and Caledon have documented encampments and informal living conditions among people who've lost legal status. These groups plan to organise demonstrations in early 2026 to press for broader legal pathways for those affected.