Top 10 Cities In Canada With Highest Number Of Illegal Immigrants

Canada, known for its welcoming immigration policies, is home to a significant population of undocumented immigrants. While exact numbers are difficult to pin down, estimates suggest between 300,000 and 700,000 individuals live in Canada without legal status. These numbers are concentrated in major urban centers, where economic opportunities and social services draw migrants seeking a better life.

Among these cities, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton stand out as the top destinations for undocumented immigrants. Each city’s unique policies, economic demands, and cultural landscapes shape the experiences of these residents, who often work in low-wage jobs and face challenges like limited healthcare and fear of deportation.

Toronto: The Largest Hub

Toronto alone is estimated to host between 250,000 and 300,000 undocumented immigrants, nearly half of Canada’s total. Many are failed refugee claimants or individuals who overstayed temporary visas. They often work in construction, with an estimated 20,000 in the Greater Toronto Area alone, contributing to the city’s booming economy.

In 2013, Toronto implemented a groundbreaking policy: “Access to City Services for Undocumented Torontonians.” This allows residents, regardless of immigration status, to access public services like education and limited healthcare. Organizations like the FCJ Refugee Centre further support these efforts, providing vital resources to the community.

Despite their contributions, undocumented immigrants in Toronto face significant challenges. They are ineligible for government benefits, yet they pay taxes and fill critical labor gaps in sectors like construction and services. Their presence is a testament to the city’s role as a magnet for migrants seeking opportunity.

Vancouver: A Multicultural Magnet

Vancouver ranks second, attracting undocumented immigrants with its diverse population and strong demand for service-sector labor. The city’s policies focus on ensuring access to basic services while reducing the fear of deportation. However, challenges like housing shortages and precarious job conditions persist.

Like Toronto, Vancouver’s undocumented population contributes significantly to the local economy. They work in restaurants, hotels, and other service industries, filling gaps in the workforce. Yet, their lack of legal status leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and limited access to healthcare.

Montreal: A City of Diversity

Montreal, Canada’s third-largest hub for undocumented immigrants, is known for its diverse migrant population. Many work in hospitality, construction, and cleaning services, mirroring the patterns seen in Toronto and Vancouver.

The city has embraced policies similar to Toronto’s, collaborating with advocacy groups to ensure access to essential services. However, the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants in Montreal remain significant, including limited healthcare and job insecurity.

Calgary and Edmonton: Alberta’s Growing Hubs

Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta’s two largest cities, are also among the top destinations for undocumented immigrants. Their growing populations are linked to labor shortages in construction and oil-related industries.

While both cities report increasing numbers of migrants seeking work and family reunification, they face more restrictive provincial policies compared to Ontario and British Columbia. This creates a challenging environment for undocumented residents attempting to build stable lives.

Other Key Cities

Beyond the top five, cities like Winnipeg, Ottawa, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Halifax round out the list of Canada’s top 10 cities for undocumented immigrants. While their numbers are smaller, these urban centers still host significant populations, often concentrated in low-wage jobs.

As Canada grapples with the complexities of undocumented immigration, these cities remain at the forefront of the debate. Their policies, economic needs, and social challenges shape the lives of thousands of migrants seeking a better future in Canada.

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National and Policy Context

According to recent reports from 2024–2025, the estimated number of undocumented immigrants in Canada ranges from 300,000 to 700,000, with a significant concentration in the top five cities. The federal government has introduced measures to address this issue, including efforts to reduce the number of temporary residents and international students. By 2027, the government aims to lower these populations to below 5% of the total, primarily to alleviate pressure on housing and social services.

Canada’s immigration laws stipulate that entering the country outside an official port of entry is not a criminal offense. However, individuals who cross the border unofficially are required to report to authorities immediately to file asylum claims or face removal proceedings. As of now, there are tens of thousands of outstanding warrants for rejected asylum claimants, largely due to limited enforcement resources.

Challenges and Economic Contributions

Undocumented immigrants in Canada face numerous challenges, including limited access to full healthcare, vulnerability to exploitation in wages and working conditions, and the constant fear of deportation, family separation, and uncertain futures. Despite these hurdles, they play a vital role in the economy, working in critical sectors such as construction, hospitality, cleaning, and food services.

Their economic contributions extend to paying taxes, primarily indirect taxes, which support urban economies and fill essential labor shortages. These contributions highlight the complex relationship between undocumented immigration and Canada’s economic and social fabric.

National Summary

In summary, Canada’s largest cities, particularly Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, host the majority of undocumented immigrants. Their presence is driven by economic opportunities, restrictive immigration pathways, and evolving local policies. While these individuals face significant uncertainty and barriers, they also contribute significantly to urban economic and social life.

Conclusion

Canada’s undocumented immigrant population, estimated between 300,000 and 700,000, plays a crucial role in shaping the economic and social fabric of its major cities. Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton emerge as the top destinations, driven by economic opportunities and diverse policies. While these individuals face significant challenges, including limited access to healthcare and fear of deportation, their contributions to sectors like construction, hospitality, and services are undeniable. As Canada navigates the complexities of immigration, these cities will remain central to the national conversation on undocumented immigration, balancing economic needs with humanitarian considerations.

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