Canada to Track Temporary Resident Exits 1.9M Visas Expiring
Canada plans to track the exits of temporary residents as 1.9 million visas expire in 2026. Learn what this means for workers, students, and visitors.
Liberal Immigration Minister Lena Diab Wants Exit Tracking for Temporary Residents as 1.9 Million Visas Expire in 2026
Canada is preparing for a major shift in how it manages temporary residents. The federal government has confirmed that 1.9 million temporary visas—including work permits, study permits, and visitor visas—are set to expire in 2026.
In response, Immigration Minister Lena Diab has announced her intention for the department to begin tracking the exits of temporary residents, a capability Canada does not currently have in a centralized, reliable form.
This marks one of the most significant administrative changes in Canada’s immigration system in years—and it will affect workers, students, visitors, employers, and institutions across the country.
Why Canada Wants to Track Temporary Resident Departures
Canada currently lacks a unified system that shows how many temporary residents actually leave the country when their status expires. Existing data is fragmented across agencies and transportation carriers, making it difficult to determine who has departed and who may be overstaying.
Minister Diab has stated that Canada needs modern digital tools to track departures more accurately and align with practices already used in other countries.
A reliable exit‑tracking system would help:
• Improve immigration program integrity
• Provide accurate data for future immigration planning
• Identify overstays earlier
• Support employers who rely on compliant temporary workers
• Strengthen public confidence in the immigration system
What the 1.9 Million Expiring Visas Mean for 2026
The scale of expiring temporary visas is unprecedented. With 1.9 million visas set to lapse in 2026, Canada faces a critical moment in managing temporary residents.
This includes:
• International students
• Temporary foreign workers
• Visitors
• Seasonal workers
• Post‑graduation work permit holders
The government’s goal is to ensure that individuals whose status expires either transition legally to another status or depart the country as required.
How Exit Tracking Could Affect Temporary Residents
1. More Accountability and Compliance
A digital exit‑tracking system would allow the government to verify departures more efficiently and reduce manual case‑by‑case checks.
2. Faster Processing and Better Data
Accurate departure data could help IRCC refine processing times, reduce backlogs, and plan future immigration levels more effectively.
3. Potential Impact on Future Applications
If exit records become part of an applicant’s immigration history, compliance will matter more than ever. Overstays could affect future visa or PR applications.
What This Means for Employers and Institutions
Employers, schools, and organizations that rely on temporary residents may see:
• Stricter compliance requirements
• More frequent status verification
• Increased responsibility to ensure workers and students maintain valid status
A more transparent system could also reduce uncertainty for employers who need accurate information about their workforce.
What Temporary Residents Should Do Now
If you are a worker, student, or visitor in Canada, this is the time to:
• Review your status expiry date
• Explore extension or transition options early
• Keep documentation organized
• Seek professional guidance if unsure about your next steps
With millions of visas expiring in the same year, proactive planning is essential.
Need Help Understanding Your Status or Next Steps?
JM Immigration Consultancy can help you navigate these changes with clarity and confidence.
Website: www.onecanadavisa.com
Phone: 904‑820‑3924
WhatsApp: 416‑904‑3815
Email: info@onecanadavisa.com
Whether you’re a worker, student, employer, or visitor, we provide expert guidance on:
• Temporary resident extensions
• Work permits
• Study permits
• Express Entry
• PR pathways
• Status restoration
• Compliance and documentation
Your future in Canada deserves expert support. We’re here to help.
