Ottawa Plans The Canadian Citizenship for Undocumented Residents

Minister Miller Plans Broad Regularization Program

The Canadian government is preparing a major policy shift that could offer a path to permanent residency—and eventually citizenship—to hundreds of thousands of undocumented residents.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed that he is designing a “broad and comprehensive program” for people who have lived and worked in Canada without valid status for years.

Many of these individuals first arrived legally as temporary workers or international students but remained in the country after their visas expired.

Miller plans to present the proposal to cabinet in the spring. However, he acknowledged that the policy will likely face debate across the country.

Why the Policy Is Being Considered

Large Undocumented Population in Canada

Canada has an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 undocumented residents. Many have been contributing to the economy for decades and are raising children here.
However, they still face the constant risk of deportation because of their lack of legal status.

Miller argued that it “makes absolutely no sense” for people who have lived in Canada for so long to remain without any path to regularization.
Therefore, he wants to create a system that reflects the reality of people already rooted in Canadian communities.

Earlier Government Discussions on Regularization

Trudeau’s 2021 Mandate Letter

This idea isn’t new.
After the last federal election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau directed former immigration minister Sean Fraser to “explore ways of regularizing status for undocumented workers.”

Since then, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been examining long-term solutions.

First Step: Construction Worker Regularization

Pilot Will Help Address Labour Shortages

Miller said he may start the program with a group of undocumented construction workers.
Canada urgently needs workers to build housing, and many undocumented residents already work in the sector.

He described this pilot as a “good way to test the narrative” before rolling out a wider regularization program.

Balancing Fairness and Public Opinion

Mixed Reactions Expected

Miller understands that some immigrants who followed all rules may feel frustrated.
However, he emphasized that undocumented residents are already part of Canadian society and contribute to the workforce.

He warned that ignoring the issue only creates opportunities for people to politicize or weaponize immigration, especially during times of housing pressure or economic uncertainty.

Immigration Trends and Public Concerns

Canada’s Approach Must Stay Balanced

Although Canada raised immigration targets in recent years, the federal government has now chosen to freeze intake at 500,000 new permanent residents in 2026.
Public opinion has become more cautious because of affordability issues, especially housing shortages.

Miller said that even with these pressures, Canada continues to be viewed internationally as a country that “gets immigration right.”
He added that poor decisions or unclear policies can quickly fuel anti-immigrant narratives—something he wants to prevent.

Tackling Exploitation and Strengthening Integrity

Reforming International Student and Temporary Worker Programs

Miller also plans broader immigration reforms to reduce exploitation.
For example, he recently doubled the financial requirement for international students, which will significantly reduce the number of new applications.

He expressed concern about unethical agents who charge high fees and direct students to low-quality private colleges—institutions he compared to “puppy mills.”

Supporting Skilled Immigrants in Key Sectors

Canada Needs Workers in Construction and Health Care

Canada’s labour shortages remain severe in areas such as construction and health care.
Miller stressed that immigrants are essential for filling these gaps, but policies must reflect “the reality on the ground.”

He also noted active discussions within cabinet about adjusting immigration targets—whether to freeze, reduce, or increase them.
Ultimately, ministers agreed to stabilize the targets while monitoring economic pressures.

Summary

Canada is preparing one of its most significant immigration reforms: a path for undocumented residents to gain legal status.
The government aims to support long-time residents, strengthen the workforce, and reduce vulnerability to exploitation.
However, the plan will require careful communication and balancing public concerns.

Get in touch with SPS Canada

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1)905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).