Canada has reported a record number of people removed from the country in 2025.
Enforcement Hits New Highs
In 2025, the CBSA removed nearly 19,000 foreign nationals who violated Canada’s immigration laws. Of these, almost 9,000 were formal deportations.
These numbers represent a clear increase from previous years, continuing a steady rise in enforced removals. In 2024, removals totalled over 17,300, while 2023 saw around 15,200.
The CBSA divides removals into deportations, exclusions, and departures. Deportations are forcible removals, while exclusions bar entry, and departures involve people leaving voluntarily within a set period.
Quarterly data for 2025 showed enforcement activity throughout the year, with thousands removed each quarter.
Officials say the rise reflects tighter compliance and greater use of removal powers under Canadian law. Many removals stem from non‑compliance with visa rules or refugee claim procedures.
However, critics argue the system struggles with fairness, especially for asylum seekers and international students. Debates continue about transparency and whether enforcement targets vulnerable groups disproportionately.
The economic context also matters. A recent drop in population partly stems from fewer international students after policy changes reduced study permit numbers. These shifts have influenced public debates on immigration and border controls.
Regional Enforcement Patterns
Enforcement varied by region, with Quebec seeing the highest number of removals in 2025, followed by the Greater Toronto Area. Smaller totals were recorded in Atlantic Canada, Northern Ontario, and Prairie regions.
Experts note this pattern reflects where international arrivals and asylum claims are concentrated, particularly in major urban and francophone communities.
Challenges and Backlogs
Despite record removals, the CBSA reports a large inventory of cases still in progress. Tens of thousands of removal orders remain active, with some warrants unresolved for years.
More than 10,000 warrants have been active for over a year, highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges.
The backlog has prompted legislative proposals aimed at streamlining appeals and improving processing times to reduce delays in enforcement.
Looking Ahead
As Canada enters 2026, immigration policy and enforcement are likely to remain high priorities. With tightened immigration targets and ongoing enforcement changes, removals will continue to shape public debate.
Whether record deportations will ease pressures on housing and public services remains uncertain, but for now they mark a significant shift in Canada’s immigration enforcement landscape.
