Union-Backed Movements Push for Permanent Status for Temporary Migrants
With a record two million temporary migrants facing the expiration of their visas in the coming months, a significant movement championed by labor unions is gaining momentum across Canada. This campaign is demanding that all temporary migrants be granted permanent residency status, creating a heated debate about immigration policy and worker rights.
Growing Protests and Organized Efforts
Recent weeks have seen organized demonstrations emerge in multiple provinces. In downtown Montreal, dozens rallied on February 7, 2026, calling on the federal government to grant permanent status to individuals with precarious or no immigration standing. This follows similar protests in Quebec where activists have been vocal about keeping migrants on expiring visas within the country.
A newly formed group called the United Immigrant Workers Front announced plans for its inaugural rally in Brampton, Ontario. In a video posted to Instagram, organizers highlighted the impending expiration of two million visas and advocated for permit extensions alongside a clear "path to permanent residency." The accompanying caption urged building "a political workers movement that fights for the interest of all workers regardless of citizenship status."
Policy Changes Driving Uncertainty
The Quebec government's decision to phase out its Programme de l'expérience Québécoise has created particular concern. This program previously provided international students and foreign workers with accelerated pathways to permanent residency. Its replacement with a more selective skills-based nominee program leaves thousands of temporary workers facing potential loss of legal status.
In response, the Union of Quebec Municipalities, alongside various businesses and labor unions, has launched a pressure campaign advocating for these migrants to "continue their lives here." This reflects broader concerns about the human impact of shifting immigration policies.
Labor Organizations Take a Stand
Canada's largest unions and labor organizations have been increasingly vocal on this issue. In late 2024, shortly after Ottawa signaled intentions to reduce temporary migration rates, the Canadian Labour Congress issued a communique titled "migrant workers in Canada deserve access to permanent residency and citizenship." This position has been echoed by numerous other labor groups publishing similar literature demanding permanent status for temporary migrants.
Historical Context and Current Numbers
Canada currently hosts more temporary migrants than at almost any point in its history. Statistics Canada tracked 1.4 million foreign nationals living as "non-permanent residents" at the beginning of 2022. This number surged dramatically to an October 2024 high of 3.2 million, with temporary residents representing 7.5 percent of Canada's total population.
This unprecedented increase was enabled by federal policies that relaxed quotas and restrictions on various visa categories, including foreign student visas and Temporary Foreign Worker admissions. The government of Prime Minister Mark Carney has since made clear its goal to reduce these figures, setting the stage for the current controversy.
The convergence of expiring visas, policy changes, and organized labor advocacy has created a pivotal moment in Canada's immigration landscape. As two million individuals face uncertain futures, the debate over their right to remain permanently continues to intensify across the country.
