Ontario Premier Doug Ford has reversed his promise to let the province issue work permits to asylum seekers, stepping back from a plan announced just weeks ago. Ford’s decision comes after he said delays in federal processing were hurting both asylum seekers and Ontario’s social services.
Ford first made the pledge in July 2025, saying asylum seekers in Ontario were waiting over two years for work permits. He argued that this long wait forced many to rely on welfare, healthcare, and education support, costing the province more than a billion dollars each year. Ford believed that if healthy asylum seekers could work sooner, it would help them settle and reduce pressure on Ontario’s budget.
However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) quickly pushed back. The federal agency said the average wait for work permits is about 45 days, not two years. Since 2022, asylum seekers can apply for work permits online as part of their claim, and most receive permits within two weeks after being found eligible. IRCC also reported that 73,000 work permits for asylum seekers have been processed recently.
At a meeting of Canadian premiers in Huntsville, Ford and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith discussed finding a way for provinces to issue work permits themselves. They believed there might be a constitutional path, even though immigration is mainly a federal responsibility in Canada 🇨🇦. But on July 28, 2025, Ford changed course, saying, “I do not want Ontario to take over immigration responsibilities from the federal government.” He stressed that Ontario would support Ottawa but would not act alone.
Ford explained his decision by pointing to the lack of clear data and the high costs Ontario already faces. He said the province spends over $1 billion each year to support about 90,000 asylum seekers. If Ontario took on more responsibility, costs could rise by another $500 million. Ford said, “We’re open to working together, but we won’t go it alone.”
As a result, asylum seekers in Ontario must still apply for work permits through the federal system. They can submit their applications online when making their asylum claim, and most receive a decision within 45 days. There is no change to the process at this time.
Advocacy groups say quick access to work permits is important for asylum seekers, helping them support themselves and settle into their new communities. Some provincial leaders argue that federal backlogs create hardship and want more say in immigration, but federal officials and experts warn that letting provinces issue work permits could cause confusion and legal problems.
Looking ahead, the federal government will keep working with provinces on immigration planning for 2026-2028. No immediate changes are expected for how work permits are issued. However, Ford’s government may revisit the issue if federal processing slows or if new legal options appear.
For more information on asylum claims and work permits, visit the official IRCC website. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the debate over who should issue work permits to asylum seekers remains a key issue for both governments and newcomers.
Learn Today
Asylum Seekers → Individuals who request protection in a country due to fear of persecution in their homeland.
Work Permit → Official document allowing asylum seekers or immigrants to legally work in Canada.
IRCC → Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the federal agency managing immigration applications and work permits.
Federal Jurisdiction → Authority of the national government over immigration, limiting provinces from independently issuing work permits.
Constitutional Path → A legal route that allows provinces to gain partial authority over immigration-related matters.
This Article in a Nutshell
Ontario Premier Doug Ford abandoned his promise to issue work permits to asylum seekers due to cost and lack of clear data. Federal authorities confirm a 45-day average processing time. The province will not take over immigration duties but remains open to cooperating with federal government on immigration policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
