Federal statistics released on 20 January show that only 2,615 new work-permit holders entered Canada under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in November 2025 — the smallest monthly intake in almost two years. CIC News attributes the decline to the government’s 2026 immigration plan, which cuts the annual TFWP admissions target by 27 per cent to 60,000.
The reduced numbers signal a policy pivot toward permanent economic immigration and away from short-term labour solutions. Sectors such as agriculture, food processing and hospitality, which rely heavily on seasonal and low-wage streams, may face staffing shortages unless they boost domestic recruitment or leverage provincial nominee pathways.
For both employers and prospective workers seeking clarity amid these shifts, VisaHQ offers step-by-step assistance with Canadian visa and work-permit applications. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) provides up-to-date guidance on eligibility, document checklists and processing times, making it easier to identify the most suitable stream—whether TFWP, International Mobility Program or a provincial nomination—and avoid costly delays.
![Temporary Foreign Worker Program arrivals fall to lowest level since 2023]()
Employers with active Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) should move quickly to finalise hires before validity windows close and should expect longer queues for new LMIAs as Service Canada reallocates resources. Companies may also explore the International Mobility Program, including the Global Talent Stream and intra-company transfers, where LMIA exemptions apply.
For mobility planners, the data underscore the importance of mapping workforce needs against stricter quotas and processing timelines. Where business requirements are medium-to-long-term, transitioning eligible TFWP workers to permanent residence via provincial programs or Express Entry can mitigate renewal risks.
The sharp drop also adds to the debate over Canada’s reliance on temporary labour. Critics argue that improved wages and automation could offset some demand, while employers counter that domestic labour shortages persist, especially in rural communities.
The reduced numbers signal a policy pivot toward permanent economic immigration and away from short-term labour solutions. Sectors such as agriculture, food processing and hospitality, which rely heavily on seasonal and low-wage streams, may face staffing shortages unless they boost domestic recruitment or leverage provincial nominee pathways.
For both employers and prospective workers seeking clarity amid these shifts, VisaHQ offers step-by-step assistance with Canadian visa and work-permit applications. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/canada/) provides up-to-date guidance on eligibility, document checklists and processing times, making it easier to identify the most suitable stream—whether TFWP, International Mobility Program or a provincial nomination—and avoid costly delays.
Employers with active Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) should move quickly to finalise hires before validity windows close and should expect longer queues for new LMIAs as Service Canada reallocates resources. Companies may also explore the International Mobility Program, including the Global Talent Stream and intra-company transfers, where LMIA exemptions apply.
For mobility planners, the data underscore the importance of mapping workforce needs against stricter quotas and processing timelines. Where business requirements are medium-to-long-term, transitioning eligible TFWP workers to permanent residence via provincial programs or Express Entry can mitigate renewal risks.
The sharp drop also adds to the debate over Canada’s reliance on temporary labour. Critics argue that improved wages and automation could offset some demand, while employers counter that domestic labour shortages persist, especially in rural communities.
