Effective August 14, 2026, the Ontario government has amended regulations governing Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to exclude international students, temporary workers, and individuals living in Canada illegally from receiving provincial social assistance.
Case Prompting Regulatory Change
The regulatory change follows a case where a person who entered Canada in 1997 on a work permit lost legal status but remained in Ontario illegally for over 20 years while receiving Ontario Works benefits. The Ontario Social Benefits Tribunal had previously allowed this under an interpretation of legislation that did not explicitly exclude people without valid immigration status.
Details of Regulatory Amendments
The amendments to the
Ontario Works Act, 1997, and the Ontario Disability Support Program Act, 1997, now explicitly deny social assistance to people living in Canada without legal authorization, including those with temporary visas such as student visas, work permits, visitor visas, and tourist status. The regulatory update took effect immediately and does not cancel any visas or work permits.
Government Statements on Eligibility Rules
Ontario Minister of Children, Community and Social Services Michael Parsa said, “Our government will always be there for those that need it most, but taxpayer-funded social assistance should not go to people living in Canada illegally.” Premier Doug Ford stated, “Our government will always
be there to support people on hard times, but that doesn’t include people living in Canada illegally.” He also said, “If provincial regulations need to be changed to make that crystal clear, we’ll change them.” These remarks reinforce the government’s commitment to support eligible residents while excluding unauthorized individuals.
Impact on Temporary Visa Holders and Unauthorized Residents
The change specifically affects temporary visa holders in Ontario including international students and temporary workers by removing their eligibility for Ontario social assistance. Social assistance is now reserved solely for people legally authorized to live in Canada who meet the eligibility requirements, excluding those living illegally in Ontario.
