How many asylum applications are in Canada, how many deportation orders have been issued, how many people have been deported, and why? – A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE MOST PRESSING ISSUE TODAY. And the most important question – WHAT TO DO?

1. High Volume of Asylum Applications:

From January to September 2023, 84,645 asylum applications were filed by foreign nationals already in Canada. Of these, 15,160 applications came from study permit holders, predominantly from countries such as India, Nigeria, Ghana, and Guinea. 

Currently, there are 250,000 pending asylum applications in the system, creating immense pressure on the tribunal. 

2. Immediate Deportation Orders for Violators:

Many legal experts propose automatic deportation orders immediately after the expiration of permits to prevent migrants in Canada from filing asylum claims. 

Without deportation orders, individuals retain the right to file asylum claims even if they violated visa conditions. 

3. Enhanced Enforcement:

In Alberta, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Service Canada have intensified checks on foreign workers violating work permit conditions. Violators are issued immediate deportation orders, and their passports are confiscated. 

These checks include raids where deportation orders are issued, prohibiting violators from filing asylum claims. 

4. Oversight Issues:

Canada does not actively track individuals who remain in the country after their visas expire—for example, tourists whose six-month stay has ended. Their detection relies solely on random checks.

5. Specifics of Asylum Applications:

Unlike the United States, where asylum applications must be filed within a year of arrival, Canada allows more flexibility. Asylum claims can be filed at any time during an individual’s stay in the country. 

6. Deportation Order Statistics:

In 2022, 3,912 deportation orders were issued. In 2023, 3,650 orders have already been issued. 

Since 2022, 103,131 people have been physically deported, of which more than 93,000 were deported for non-compliance with immigration rules. 

7. Active Arrest Warrants:

Currently, there are 38,030 active arrest warrants in Canada for immigration-related matters, highlighting significant challenges in enforcement. 

8. Agreements with Provinces to Maintain Status:

To mitigate the risk of losing status, Ottawa has entered agreements with Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon to extend work permits for migrants selected by provinces for permanent residency. However, the capacity of these programs is limited. 

Oleksandra Melnykova, Immigration and Refugee Consultant in Canada.

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