Work Permits: Canada Crackdown Hits Migrants Hard

Canada Faces Surge in Migrants Losing Work Permits Due to Processing Delays

In a growing concern for migrants, including many from India, a significant number of workers in Canada are losing their work permits due to severe delays in the processing of crucial immigration documents. The delays, particularly in the issuance of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), have left many individuals unable to work legally or access necessary services.

Key Factors Driving the Issue

The time taken to process LMIAs has increased dramatically, from an average of 58 days to 165 business days between September 2023 and March 2025. This backlog has caused uncertainty for migrants who are unable to proceed with their work permit applications, leaving them in a precarious position with no clear timeline for resolution. This delay has forced many workers, particularly those on temporary permits, to lose their legal status and, consequently, their jobs.

Impact on Migrants

The delays are not only causing job insecurity but are also affecting workers’ ability to access healthcare and other critical services. For example, one migrant, Devi Acharya, lost her work permit during this extended waiting period, leading to the loss of healthcare benefits and, tragically, a miscarriage. Cases like hers highlight the broader humanitarian impact of Canada's immigration bottleneck.

Policy Challenges and Public Outcry

The growing backlog is compounded by Canada’s recent policy changes, which have included a reduction in the number of temporary work permits issued. The changes aim to streamline the immigration process but have instead left many workers in limbo, unable to meet the new eligibility criteria.

Advocacy groups are calling for urgent reforms to the immigration system to ensure that migrants are not unfairly penalized by bureaucratic delays. They are urging the Canadian government to introduce measures that will expedite the application process, prevent unnecessary status losses, and safeguard the rights of migrant workers.

Government’s Response

The Canadian government has acknowledged the issues but has yet to offer specific solutions to address the backlog. In the meantime, workers are left navigating a complicated and uncertain immigration landscape, with many uncertain about their future in Canada.

As the situation continues to unfold, the demand for policy changes that balance immigration efficiency with migrant welfare grows louder, underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent further disruption in the lives of those affected.