Canada is currently facing a critical immigration challenge as thousands of migrants—including a significant number of Indians—are losing their legal work status due to bureaucratic delays in processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), a prerequisite for renewing work permits. This administrative bottleneck is forcing many into a precarious legal limbo, stripping them of employment rights, healthcare access, and educational provisions for their children, despite their tax contributions and legal residence.
Trapped by Delays: Migrant Families in Canada Face Legal Limbo and Loss
One harrowing case is that of Devi Acharya, who migrated to Canada from India in October 2022 with her husband and son. Her work permit expired while she awaited an LMIA decision, rendering her ineligible for both employment and healthcare. Tragically, this led to a miscarriage in March 2025, as she could not afford to seek timely medical care. Devi, previously employed at a hotel in British Columbia, had been optimistic about building a life in Canada, even purchasing a home. But today, she and her family live in uncertainty—unable to work, with their five-year-old son barred from school due to their expired permits.
This is not an isolated incident. Several families interviewed by Reuters share similar predicaments. The LMIA processing timeline has surged dramatically, tripling from 58 to 165 business days between September 2023 and March 2025. As of April 1, 2025, Service Canada was still handling applications filed over a year ago. These unprecedented delays are attributed to an overwhelming influx of applications and shifting immigration policies.
Broken Promises and Rising Risks: Canada’s Immigration System Under Strain
The legal vacuum caused by lapsed work permits pushes some migrants into the underground labour market, exposing them to exploitation and manipulation by unethical consultants. Although the Canadian government initially pledged to regularize undocumented workers, it has since scaled back, offering relief only to select sectors. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney, poised for re-election, is campaigning on immigration caps—a move that signals tighter control rather than expanded support.
In essence, Canada’s immigration apparatus is under significant strain, and without urgent policy reform or expedited administrative processes, thousands more may find themselves disenfranchised within a system once seen as a beacon of opportunity.
Summary:
Canada faces a growing immigration crisis as work permit delays push thousands of migrants, including Indians, into legal limbo. Families lose jobs, healthcare, and education access. Tragic cases like Devi Acharya’s miscarriage highlight the human cost, while policy backtracking and tighter immigration controls deepen the uncertainty and vulnerability of affected migrants.
