Canada is widely recognized for welcoming immigration, with 8.3 million immigrants—23.0% of the population—recorded in the latest national census, and projections indicating this share could reach up to 34.0% by 2041. Alongside legal immigration, a significant number of undocumented immigrants reside in the country, often entering legally and becoming out of status due to visa overstays or program ineligibility; national estimates commonly range between 300,000 and 600,000. Actual figures are difficult to verify and may be higher, given the inherent challenges in counting a population that avoids official detection
This expert analysis identifies the top 10 Canadian cities most likely to host the largest numbers of undocumented immigrants, using a methodology grounded in immigrant population proportions, local policy environments, and corroborating public reporting.
How These Cities Were Ranked
- Limited direct measurement: Undocumented residents are not captured by census data, so city-level counts are not officially published.
- Proxy indicators: Rankings rely on 2021 Census immigrant proportions by metropolitan area, local “access without fear” or sanctuary-style policies, and credible reporting on regularization debates and sectoral labour demand.
- Cross-validated assumptions: Cities with higher total immigrant populations and supportive municipal environments are more likely to host larger undocumented communities, consistent with public statements and policy discussions in recent years.
Note: National estimates of the undocumented population span 300,000–600,000, with the lower and upper bounds acknowledged publicly during policy debates on potential regularization pathways.
Top 10 Cities In Canada With The Highest Estimated Numbers of Undocumented Immigrants
1. Toronto
- Overview: Canada’s largest immigrant hub, with a long-established newcomer ecosystem and an “Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians” framework adopted to enable service access regardless of immigration status.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Frequently cited as hosting a substantial share of the national total due to scale, job opportunities, and support networks.
- Local policy environment: City policy limits status-related barriers to municipal services, reinforcing trust and access across communities.
- Economic footprint: Documented reports have highlighted concentrations in construction and services consistent with broader labour-market needs.
2. Vancouver
- Overview: A large immigrant gateway with strong demand in hospitality, construction, and caregiving, supported by community service networks.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Likely sizable relative to population, driven by international student and temporary worker pathways that may lead to loss of status.
- Local policy environment: “Access without fear”-style approaches at the municipal and community level foster service access and outreach.
- Economic footprint: Presence in service and construction sectors aligns with regional labour needs and cost-of-living dynamics.
3. Montreal
- Overview: Major metropolitan centre with diverse immigrant communities and sanctuary-style municipal commitments facilitating access to services.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Likely in the tens of thousands given population size and policy environment.
- Local policy environment: Municipal initiatives and community health providers support residents regardless of status, improving service navigation.
- Economic footprint: Participation in manufacturing, services, and caregiving aligns with local labour-market patterns.
4. Calgary
- Overview: An economic hub with significant immigrant growth tied to energy, construction, and services.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Meaningful but smaller than Toronto/Montreal/Vancouver; influenced by cyclical employment in construction and hospitality.
- Local policy environment: Broad settlement infrastructure with community organizations supporting vulnerable newcomers and out-of-status residents.
- Economic footprint: Concentrations in construction and services reflect local demand and volatility across sectors.
5. Edmonton
- Overview: Alberta’s capital with a diverse economy and growing immigrant population.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Notable, particularly in labour-intensive roles across construction, manufacturing, and services.
- Local policy environment: Community organizations and service providers support access to information, health, and employment services.
- Economic footprint: Participation in sectors facing labour gaps underscores contributions despite precarious status.
6. Ottawa
- Overview: National capital region with government, technology, and retail sectors and a substantial immigrant community.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Moderate relative to population, supported by community organizations and urban labour markets.
- Local policy environment: Nonprofit and settlement networks facilitate access to basic services and guidance.
- Economic footprint: Roles in services and support sectors reflect local demand patterns.
7. Winnipeg
- Overview: Mid-sized centre known for newcomer supports and sector diversity across manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Present at smaller scale, consistent with population and labour-market characteristics.
- Local policy environment: Community-led organizations provide settlement and advocacy support that can extend to those without status.
- Economic footprint: Contributions in manufacturing and services align with regional needs.
8. Hamilton
- Overview: Evolving from industrial roots to a diversified economy with meaningful immigrant growth and spillover from the GTA.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Present in labour-intensive sectors, shaped by proximity to Toronto and local industry.
- Local policy environment: Community networks and local initiatives support access to services and legal guidance.
- Economic footprint: Roles in construction, manufacturing, and healthcare reflect ongoing regional shifts.
9. Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo
- Overview: A tech-forward region with strong manufacturing and startup ecosystems attracting international talent.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Smaller but notable; driven by status changes among temporary residents and students.
- Local policy environment: Regional organizations offer settlement support and skills pathways that can assist those out of status.
- Economic footprint: Presence in manufacturing, logistics, and services complements the region’s tech-driven growth.
10. London
- Overview: Education and healthcare hub with a growing immigrant population and mid-sized urban economy.
- Estimated undocumented presence: Smaller relative to major metros but persistent within service and care sectors.
- Local policy environment: Community organizations provide outreach and basic support services.
- Economic footprint: Roles in healthcare support, education services, and retail mirror local labour-market needs.
Policy, Debate, and Human Impact
Public debate over regularization has intensified, with discussions acknowledging a national undocumented estimate of 300,000–600,000 and exploring targeted or broader pathways while weighing housing and affordability concerns. Many undocumented individuals entered Canada legally—often as students, visitors, or temporary workers—before losing status, and remain active in sectors like construction, caregiving, hospitality, and services. Municipal “access without fear” approaches—first formally adopted in Toronto—aim to reduce barriers to essential services regardless of status, reflecting a local response to federal immigration complexities.
Key Takeaways
- Canada’s immigrant population is at a historic high and could reach up to one-third of the population by 2041, intensifying settlement dynamics in major urban centres.
- The undocumented population remains difficult to enumerate; credible public estimates place it in the 300,000–600,000 range, with concentrations in large CMAs that combine opportunity, networks, and supportive local policies.
- City-level environments—especially access policies and strong community organizations—shape where undocumented residents live, work, and seek services.
FAQs
How many undocumented immigrants live in Canada?
Public estimates commonly range between 300,000 and 600,000, reflecting uncertainty and the difficulty of measurement.
Which Canadian cities likely have the most undocumented immigrants?
Large CMAs with high immigrant populations and supportive policy environments—such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal—are most likely to host the largest numbers.
Why do people become undocumented in Canada?
Many initially enter legally (students, temporary workers, visitors) but fall out of status due to visa expiry or program ineligibility.
Do any Canadian cities have “access without fear” policies?
Toronto formally adopted an “Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians” policy to reduce barriers to municipal services regardless of status.
Will Canada implement regularization for undocumented residents?
Regularization has been publicly discussed with estimates informing debate, but national policy remains under consideration with no broad consensus announced.