Canada has significantly accelerated the forced deportation of foreigners: according to data presented by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to a parliamentary committee, the country is deporting an average of about 400 people per week.
The media calls this the highest rate in more than ten years, against the backdrop of the federal government's policy to “reset” the immigration system and reduce excessive workload.
How many people are being deported: what the official statistics show
The official CBSA statistics page states that in 2025 (as of October 31, 2025), there were 18,785 “enforced removals” — that is, forced deportations.
This number for 10 months really does correspond to “hundreds per week” (approximately 400+ on average). It was this estimate — “about 400 people each week, on average” — that the CBSA repeated during hearings in the House of Commons committee.
Separately, in its Departmental Results Report for 2024–2025, the CBSA reports that in the 2024–2025 fiscal year, it carried out 18,084 removals (approximately 10% more than in the previous year) and emphasizes the prioritization of cases of “serious inadmissibility” and failed refugee claimants in certain categories.
Who is most often affected
According to official comments and explanations in the media, a significant portion of removal decisions are related to two groups:
- applicants who have been denied refugee status (after completion of procedures/appeals, when the decision takes effect);
- persons whose cases do not meet current immigration requirements (violation of conditions of stay, loss/expiration of status, etc.).
An important nuance: in practice, “deportation” is not a one-time decision, but a chain of procedures (status, grounds, deadlines, possibility of appeals/reviews). That is why lawyers emphasize that the risks are increasing for people with temporary status who delay document verification or miss deadlines.
Why the government is tightening its approach: a policy of “containment” and system relief
In parallel with tightening control over status compliance, Canada is officially announcing a course to reduce excessive temporary population and achieve a “balance” between arrivals and departures. Government publications explicitly state the intention to:
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balance new arrivals with the “planned departure” of temporary workers and students in 2025-2026;
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reduce the proportion of temporary residents to less than 5% of the population (target by the end of 2027).
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adjust immigration levels to relieve pressure on housing, infrastructure, and services; the IRCC release also mentions a forecast of a slight population decline in 2025 and 2026 under the new levels plan.
Against this backdrop, more active deportations appear to be part of a broader policy: if the government plans for less “net growth,” then control over status compliance and enforcement of deportation decisions will become stricter.
Bill C-12: why lawyers are warning of possible further tightening in 2026
A separate cause for concern is Bill C-12 (Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act). The text of the bill is published on the Parliament's website, where the summary describes changes affecting, in particular, immigration and border mechanisms.
The government review also reports that Bill C-12 passed the House of Commons on December 11, 2025, and was to proceed to further consideration.
Human rights activists and some experts warn that the legislative changes could make the approach tougher on certain categories of applicants (in particular, due to the “ineligibility” rules for some refugee applications).
That is why public discussions often predict that if the law is finally passed and comes into force in 2026, enforcement measures may be strengthened.
If you are in Canada with temporary status: what you should do now
This is not legal advice, but the “safe minimum” is as follows:
- Check the deadlines: visa/permit expiry date, conditions (employer, education, hours, address, etc.).
- Check your status against reality: have you submitted/renewed applications, have you received official letters/notifications, are there any missed deadlines?
- If you have been denied or are in the process of appealing, don't delay: deadlines and the correct procedure are often decisive.
- Contact a licensed professional (Canadian immigration lawyer or licensed RCIC consultant) if the situation is even slightly “on the edge.”