Canada has recorded a sharp decline in the number of foreign workers entering the country under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), reaching the lowest monthly level seen in the past two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the latest government figures released in mid-December, only 3,215 new TFWP work permit holders arrived in Canada in October 2025<\/strong>, marking a significant slowdown in program intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The October 2025 figure represents the lowest number of TFWP arrivals since December 2023<\/strong>, when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began publishing monthly arrival data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This decline continues a downward trend that began after short-lived seasonal increases earlier in the year, particularly during periods of temporary demand in agriculture, hospitality, and food services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reduction in foreign worker arrivals is largely the result of deliberate policy shifts<\/strong> introduced by the federal government to scale back reliance on temporary labour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over the past two years, Ottawa has introduced a series of restrictive measures, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n These measures have collectively reduced employer access to the program and slowed new work permit approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Temporary Foreign Worker Program has faced growing criticism in recent years. Critics argue the program has contributed to wage suppression<\/strong>, strained housing availability<\/strong>, and increased pressure on social services<\/strong>, particularly during a period of economic uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In September 2025, the Conservative Party publicly called for the elimination of the TFWP altogether, citing concerns over youth unemployment and a weakening labour market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The federal government\u2019s most recent Immigration Levels Plan further confirms a long-term pullback from the program. Canada has set a target of 60,000 new TFWP arrivals in 2026<\/strong>, representing a 27 percent reduction<\/strong> compared to the previous target of 82,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This adjustment signals a broader shift toward prioritizing permanent immigration pathways and domestic labour force participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The downturn in TFWP arrivals aligns with similar declines across Canada\u2019s other major temporary resident programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrivals under the International Mobility Program (IMP)<\/strong> have also decreased, reflecting tighter eligibility rules and changing labour market needs. At the same time, international student arrivals dropped to a two-year low in October<\/strong>, reinforcing a broader trend of reduced temporary resident intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The continued decline in temporary foreign worker arrivals suggests Canada is moving toward a more selective and regulated approach to temporary labour. Employers may face greater challenges filling roles through the TFWP, while foreign nationals may increasingly need to explore permanent residence pathways<\/strong> or employer-supported options under higher-skilled categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a consultation<\/strong> about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION <\/strong>today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLowest Monthly Intake Since Data Tracking Began<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGovernment Policy Changes Drive the Decline<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nRising Scrutiny and Political Pressure<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nLower Targets Set for the Future<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDeclines Also Seen in Other Temporary Streams<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhat This Means Going Forward<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n