Canada deported 3,323 Indian nationals during the first half of 2026, making Indians the largest nationality removed from the country during the period, according to data released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The figure is already equivalent to nearly 88% of the total 3,779 Indian nationals deported in all of 2025, highlighting a sharp increase in immigration enforcement. The data also shows that 7,669 Indian nationals are currently on Canada’s “removal in progress” list, the highest among all nationalities, indicating that deportations could continue to rise in the coming months.
The surge comes as Canada tightens immigration enforcement amid broader reforms to its immigration system. Authorities have emphasized that individuals without a legal right to remain in the country must be removed to maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration framework. While the CBSA does not disclose the specific reasons for removals by nationality, recent enforcement has coincided with increased scrutiny of immigration compliance, temporary visa holders, and certain criminal investigations involving foreign nationals.
Indians Top Canada’s Deportation List
According to CBSA data for January–June 2026:
- 3,323 Indian nationals were deported.
- Indians accounted for the highest number of deportations among all nationalities.
- The figure is about 88% of the total deportations of Indians in all of 2025 (3,779).
- Deportations of Indian nationals from Canada during the period were more than 2.5 times the number deported from the United States during a comparable timeframe.
Deportation Trends
| Year | Indian Nationals Deported |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 603 |
| 2022 | 786 |
| 2023 | 1,132 |
| 2024 | 2,004 |
| 2025 | 3,779 |
| H1 2026 | 3,323 |
The data points to a steady rise in deportations over the past five years, with 2026 already approaching last year’s total midway through the year.
India Overtakes Mexico
For years, Mexican nationals accounted for the largest number of deportations from Canada. However, in the first six months of 2026:
- India: 3,323 removals.
- Mexico: 1,573 removals.
- Haiti: 431 removals.
This marks a notable shift in Canada’s immigration enforcement statistics.
Top Nationalities Deported (H1 2026)
| Rank | Nationality | Deportations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 3,323 |
| 2 | Mexico | 1,573 |
| 3 | Haiti | 431 |
Thousands More Indians Face Removal
CBSA data also indicates that 7,669 Indian nationals are currently listed under “removal in progress”, meaning their deportation process has begun but has not yet been completed.
Other countries with large numbers of pending removals include:
- Mexico – 6,561
- United States – 2,179
- China – 1,892
- Nigeria – 1,647
- Pakistan – 1,139
- Bangladesh – 968
The figures suggest India currently has the largest number of unresolved removal cases in Canada.
Why Canada Deports Foreign Nationals
The CBSA says removals are an essential part of maintaining Canada’s immigration system.
Under Canadian immigration law, removal orders generally fall into three categories:
- Departure orders – Individuals must voluntarily leave Canada within a specified period.
- Exclusion orders – Individuals are barred from returning for a defined period unless permission is granted.
- Deportation orders – Individuals are permanently removed and require special authorization to return.
If someone fails to comply with a departure order within the required timeframe, it can automatically become a deportation order.
Why Are Deportations Increasing?
The CBSA has not released nationality-specific reasons for removals. However, immigration experts say deportations typically occur due to:
- Expired or invalid visas.
- Rejected asylum or refugee claims.
- Violations of immigration conditions.
- Criminal convictions or public safety concerns.
- Misrepresentation during immigration applications.
Canadian authorities have also increased scrutiny of compliance among temporary residents, including some study and work permit holders, as part of broader immigration reforms.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s deportation of 3,323 Indian nationals in the first half of 2026 reflects a significant tightening of immigration enforcement as the country recalibrates its immigration policies. With Indians accounting for the largest number of removals and 7,669 more cases currently under the “removal in progress” category, enforcement activity is likely to remain elevated through the rest of the year.
Looking ahead, the figures are expected to draw close attention from both Indian and Canadian authorities, particularly given the large Indian student and temporary worker population in Canada. Immigration experts advise foreign nationals to ensure full compliance with visa conditions, maintain valid documentation, and respond promptly to any notices from immigration authorities to avoid potential removal proceedings.
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