Definitions

Non-status immigrants
Non-status immigrants are people who do not have the legal documents to allow them to remain permanently in Canada. They could be documented or undocumented.

Documented

Documented non-status immigrants are people who are known to Immigration Canada. They could be "legal" or "illegal":

• "Legal" documented non-status immigrants
  Refugee claimants awaiting a decision from Immigration Canada.
  Rejected refugee claimants who have not been asked to leave yet.
  Approved Convention refugees who did not apply for status within 120 days.

• "Illegal" documented non-status immigrants
  People who were refused to stay in Canada and went underground:
  Rejected refugee claimants.
  Rejected humanitarian and compassionate grounds applicants.
  Others who came and stayed after their visa has expiredsuch as students and workers.

Undocumented

Undocumented non-status immigrants are people who do not have any record with Immigration Canada. They could be:

• People who do not possess any identification documents.
• People who came in through the US and were not asked to show identification.