Recent data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on December 16, 2025, reveals a significant drop in the number of new arrivals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). In October 2025, only 3,215 new TFWP work permit holders arrived in Canada, marking the lowest monthly figure in the last two years. This trend suggests a potential tightening in the landscape for foreign workers and Canadian employers alike.
What Does This Update Mean?
This decline is more than just a statistic; it signals a potential shift in Canada’s approach to temporary foreign labour. A drop in TFWP arrivals often indicates that fewer Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) are being issued or that application processing is becoming more stringent. For prospective Canadian work permit applicants and employers, this means the pathway to securing a work permit through the TFWP may be getting more competitive. It could reflect a stronger focus from the government on filling jobs with the domestic labour force before turning to international talent.
Who Is Affected by This Trend?
- Foreign Workers: Individuals hoping to apply for a Canadian work permit under the TFWP may face increased scrutiny and a more challenging application process. Success will depend on having a strong job offer backed by a positive LMIA.
- Canadian Employers: Businesses in sectors that heavily rely on the TFWP to fill labour shortages—such as agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare—may find it more difficult and time-consuming to hire from abroad. They will need to provide even more robust evidence of their efforts to hire Canadians first.
- Permanent Residence Applicants: Many temporary foreign workers use their Canadian work experience to become eligible for permanent residence programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A smaller pool of TFWs could eventually impact the number of candidates qualifying for these PR streams.
Understanding the TFWP vs. the International Mobility Program (IMP)
It’s crucial to distinguish between the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The TFWP is designed for situations where employers need to fill a position and cannot find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to do the job. This almost always requires an LMIA. The current slowdown is specific to this LMIA-based program.
The IMP, on the other hand, includes work permits that are exempt from the LMIA process, such as Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) for international students and permits available through international trade agreements. This recent data does not necessarily reflect a change in these IMP streams.
What Can You Do About It?
If you are an aspiring immigrant or a Canadian employer, this news should prompt a review of your strategy. Here are some actionable steps:
- For Applicants:
- Ensure Application Perfection: With potentially higher competition, your work permit application must be complete, accurate, and meticulously prepared.
- Explore All Avenues: Don’t limit your search to the TFWP. Investigate LMIA-exempt work permit streams under the IMP to see if you qualify through other pathways, such as intra-company transfers or agreements like CUSMA.
- Target Provincial Programs: Keep a close eye on Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Provinces often target workers in specific in-demand occupations to meet their unique economic needs.
- For Employers:
- Start the LMIA Process Early: Anticipate longer processing times and begin the application process well in advance of your hiring needs.
- Strengthen Your Recruitment Proof: Meticulously document your efforts to recruit from the Canadian domestic market. This is the cornerstone of a successful LMIA application.
- Seek Professional Advice: The rules for the TFWP are complex and subject to change. Consulting with an immigration lawyer or registered consultant can help ensure your application meets all current requirements.