Canada’s immigration system faces unprecedented challenges in 2025 as thousands of migrants lose their legal work status due to extensive delays in processing work permit renewals. The crisis has led to processing times tripling, with Labour Market Impact Assessments now taking 165 business days compared to 58 in 2023. Affected families are struggling without access to healthcare, education, and legal employment opportunities, while the government grapples with balancing public service capacity and immigration needs. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s administration has proposed immigration caps ahead of the April election, sparking debate about Canada’s future as a migrant-friendly nation.
Canada’s migrant crisis deepens as work permit backlogs create legal limbo
