Canada’s Temporary Worker Numbers Have Already Exceeded 2025 Targets
Canada’s temporary worker numbers have surpassed the federal government’s 2025 targets just halfway through the year, sparking concerns about the management of the country’s temporary immigration policies. Both major streams for temporary work permits—the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)—are significantly ahead of their respective quotas for the year.
International Mobility Program (IMP) Surpasses Targets
In the first six months of 2025, the IMP issued 302,280 work permits, exceeding the government’s annual target of 285,750. This comes despite a reduction in the IMP’s annual allotment from over 410,000 permits in 2024 to the current, lower level for 2025. If the current pace continues, the year-end total is expected to far exceed the government’s revised target.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Also Outpaces Projections
By mid-2025, the TFWP had issued 105,195 permits, surpassing its full-year goal of 82,000 by over 20%. This figure is just shy of the 109,310 permits issued for all of 2024, indicating an acceleration in growth rather than the intended slowdown.
Temporary Resident Population Continues to Grow
Canada’s temporary resident population, which includes both temporary workers and international students, has reached nearly three million by mid-2025. This represents an increase from 2.73 million in early 2024. The government aims to reduce the share of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2026, down from a high of about 7.35% in late 2024 and 7.12% as of April 2025.
Government Measures to Curb Temporary Resident Numbers
To address the growing numbers, the government has introduced stricter limits on study permits, new cost-of-living requirements for students, and more restrictive rules for Post-Graduation Work Permits. Additional conditions have also been implemented for work permits granted to international students’ spouses and under both the IMP and TFWP.
Government Targets and Criticisms
For 2025, the government set targets for new temporary resident arrivals at 673,650, with the majority accounted for by international students and the rest by temporary workers. However, current trends suggest that both absolute numbers and population share of temporary residents will remain above these goals until at least 2029 unless stricter measures are implemented.
The overshoot has sparked political controversy, with opposition critics arguing that the government’s failure to control temporary immigration is worsening challenges in the Canadian labor market. This is particularly concerning as youth employment has fallen to levels not seen since the late 1990s.
Rapid Population Growth Adds Pressure
Canada’s population has grown rapidly, from 38 million in 2021 to 41.7 million in 2025, an average increase of 900,000 per year. This growth, largely driven by temporary migration, is the fastest among G7 nations, further highlighting the need for sustainable population management.
Implications for Immigration Policy
The continued rise in temporary workers, despite policy efforts, signals potential difficulties for the government in aligning immigration inflows with both labor market needs and public concerns about sustainable population growth. Challenges remain in coordinating policies across the labor, education, and immigration systems, as well as improving the infrastructure needed to monitor and manage temporary resident entries effectively.
Without more comprehensive and integrated strategies, the government’s targets for reducing temporary resident numbers are unlikely to be met in the near future. As Canada navigates this critical juncture, the balance between addressing labor market demands and managing population growth will remain a central focus of immigration policy debates.
Government Introduces Stricter Policies to Manage Temporary Immigration
Stricter Limits on Study Permits
In an effort to curb the rising numbers of temporary residents, the Canadian government has introduced stricter limits on study permits. These new measures include more stringent eligibility criteria for international students, focusing on their academic qualifications and the reputation of the educational institutions they plan to attend. The government aims to ensure that only students who are likely to contribute positively to the economy and integrate into Canadian society are granted study permits.
Cost-of-Living Requirements for Students
Additionally, the government has implemented new cost-of-living requirements for international students. Students are now required to demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to cover their living expenses in Canada without relying on public assistance. This measure is intended to reduce the strain on public services and ensure that students can support themselves during their stay in the country.
More Restrictive Post-Graduation Work Permit Rules
The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP), which allows international students to work in Canada after completing their studies, has also undergone changes. The government has introduced more restrictive rules for this program, including shorter permit durations and stricter eligibility criteria. These changes aim to align the program more closely with Canada’s labor market needs and reduce the reliance on temporary foreign workers in certain sectors.
Additional Conditions for Work Permits
Furthermore, the government has implemented additional conditions for work permits granted to international students’ spouses. These conditions are designed to ensure that the primary purpose of the spouse’s stay in Canada is to accompany the student and not to seek employment. This measure is part of a broader effort to manage the number of temporary workers entering the country and to prevent abuse of the immigration system.
Impact of New Policies on Temporary Residents
These new policies are expected to have a significant impact on temporary residents in Canada. While they may help the government achieve its goal of reducing the number of temporary residents, they also create challenges for international students and workers who are trying to build a future in Canada. The stricter requirements and additional conditions may make it more difficult for some individuals to qualify for study or work permits, potentially discouraging others from choosing Canada as their destination for education or employment.
As the government continues to grapple with the complexities of managing temporary immigration, these new policies will likely be closely monitored to assess their effectiveness in balancing Canada’s economic needs with the social and demographic challenges associated with rapid population growth.
Conclusion
Canada’s temporary worker numbers exceeding the 2025 targets highlights significant challenges in managing immigration policies. Despite government efforts to reduce temporary resident numbers, the rapid growth continues, driven by both the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The current trajectory suggests that meeting future targets will require more stringent measures and integrated policy strategies. Balancing economic needs with sustainable population growth remains a critical focus for policymakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Canada’s temporary worker numbers exceeded 2025 targets?
Canada’s temporary worker numbers have surpassed 2025 targets due to high demand across both the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The IMP issued 302,280 permits, while the TFWP issued 105,195, both exceeding their respective quotas.
What is the impact of exceeding temporary worker targets on Canada’s labor market?
Exceeding temporary worker targets has raised concerns about labor market challenges, including increased competition for jobs and declining youth employment rates. Critics argue that this oversupply may worsen existing labor market issues.
How is the Canadian government responding to the surge in temporary residents?
The government has introduced stricter policies, including limits on study permits, cost-of-living requirements for students, and more restrictive rules for work permits. These measures aim to reduce the number of temporary residents and align immigration with labor market needs.
How do these changes affect international students and temporary workers?
International students and temporary workers face stricter eligibility criteria, shorter permit durations, and additional financial requirements. These changes may make it harder for some individuals to qualify for permits, potentially discouraging others from choosing Canada.
Will Canada meet its target of reducing temporary residents to 5% of the population by 2026?
Current trends suggest it will be challenging for Canada to meet the 5% target by 2026 without implementing stricter measures. The temporary resident population remains above this goal, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policy changes.
