Canada has already exceeded its 2025 targets for temporary worker admissions, sparking urgent debate about the sustainability of current immigration programs. Mid-year figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that both the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are running well above projections.
The latest numbers raise a difficult policy question: Can Canada continue to admit temporary workers at this pace without adjusting its targets or placing stricter controls?
International Mobility Program Overtakes Targets Early
The International Mobility Program has become the largest driver of temporary worker growth in 2025. IRCC reported that 302,280 permits were issued during the first six months of the year. This already surpasses the government’s full-year target of 285,750 permits.
Even though the program was reduced from 410,000 permits in 2024, the current pace indicates it will finish far higher than intended.
The IMP allows employers to hire foreign nationals without a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Categories include intra-company transfers, reciprocal agreements, and trade-related employment. While this flexibility benefits employers, it also means the program is less tightly controlled than the TFWP.
Employers favor the IMP because of its faster processing times and fewer regulatory hurdles. However, critics warn that this loophole has created an open-door policy that undermines Ottawa’s broader immigration planning.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program Numbers Surge
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program, which requires employers to secure an LMIA before hiring, has also surpassed expectations. By mid-2025, 105,195 permits had been issued. For comparison, the full-year total in 2024 was 109,310.
The 2025 target for the TFWP was set at 82,000 permits. This means the program has already exceeded its quota by more than 20 percent with six months still remaining.
The TFWP was designed to fill short-term labor shortages, particularly in agriculture, food processing, and hospitality. However, growing reliance on the program suggests that many industries are using temporary workers to fill long-term labor gaps.
This reliance poses challenges for Canadian workers who face increased competition and for policymakers seeking to balance economic needs with domestic job protections.
Study Permits Fall Below Expectations
While temporary worker numbers are soaring, study permits tell a different story. Canada issued only 149,860 study permits during the first half of 2025. The full-year target is 305,900, meaning approvals are far behind schedule.
The decline reflects Ottawa’s decision earlier this year to cap international student numbers due to housing shortages and strained public services. By reducing student inflows, the government aims to relieve pressure on rental markets and education institutions.
This shift marks a major change in Canada’s immigration priorities. For years, international students were viewed as a reliable source of talent for permanent residency pathways. Now, with fewer permits issued, the emphasis appears to be shifting toward meeting immediate labor demands through temporary worker programs.
Mid-Year Immigration Snapshot: Temporary vs Permanent Streams
The following table summarizes Canada’s mid-2025 immigration numbers compared to full-year targets:
| Category | 2025 Mid-Year Numbers | 2025 Full-Year Targets |
|---|---|---|
| International Mobility Program | 302,280 | 285,750 |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | 105,195 | 82,000 |
| Study Permits | 149,860 | 305,900 |
In addition to temporary categories, Canada admitted 207,650 new permanent residents in the first six months of 2025. The full-year target is 395,000. While the country remains on track to meet this goal, the pace is slower compared to past years.
Why Temporary Worker Numbers Are Rising
There are several reasons behind the sharp rise in temporary worker numbers:
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Employer Demand: Labor shortages in agriculture, construction, healthcare, and service sectors continue to push employers toward temporary hiring.
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Policy Flexibility: The IMP, with its LMIA exemptions, has become an attractive route for employers seeking fast solutions.
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Economic Recovery: Post-pandemic growth has accelerated demand for both skilled and low-skilled labor, stretching Canada’s workforce.
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Student Cap Impact: As study permits decline, many sectors turn to temporary worker programs to compensate for reduced student labor availability.
Long-Term Concerns About Overreliance on Temporary Workers
While temporary worker programs provide short-term relief, overreliance can create long-term challenges:
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Job Market Displacement: Canadian citizens and permanent residents may find fewer opportunities in sectors dominated by temporary hires.
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Worker Exploitation: Temporary workers often face weaker protections, making them vulnerable to poor working conditions and wage issues.
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Settlement Pressure: Large numbers of temporary residents place added strain on housing, healthcare, and social services.
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Immigration System Balance: A system designed to prioritize permanent immigration risks becoming unbalanced if temporary numbers remain unchecked.
These issues highlight the need for Ottawa to clarify whether it will revise targets or enforce tighter controls for the remainder of 2025.
Comparing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and IMP
Although both programs contribute to Canada’s labor supply, their differences are important for applicants and employers:
| Program | Requires LMIA? | Main Purpose | Typical Sectors | 2025 Mid-Year Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Yes | Fill short-term labor shortages | Agriculture, food processing, hospitality | 105,195 |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | No | Provide flexibility under trade and company transfer rules | Tech, finance, corporate roles | 302,280 |
Employers seeking fast hires often choose the IMP. However, the TFWP is more strictly regulated and tied to verified labor shortages. Both streams together explain why Canada’s temporary worker numbers are far beyond their planned levels.
Policy Choices Ahead
Canada now faces a crucial policy moment. With more than 400,000 temporary worker permits issued by mid-year, Ottawa must decide whether to:
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Raise the Targets: Adjust the annual goals to reflect employer demand and labor market realities.
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Tighten Controls: Place stricter conditions on new work permits to slow the pace of growth.
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Shift to Permanent Immigration: Encourage employers to support permanent pathways instead of recurring reliance on temporary programs.
Failure to act could deepen public concerns about housing shortages, job competition, and pressure on public services.
What Applicants Should Know
For individuals considering Canada as a work destination, the situation presents both opportunities and risks:
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The Temporary Foreign Worker Program remains accessible but competitive due to rising applications.
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The International Mobility Program offers faster processing but is limited to certain categories like intra-company transfers.
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Reduced study permit approvals mean fewer international students may transition into permanent residency pathways.
Applicants should carefully assess which stream aligns with their long-term goals.
What’s Next?
If you are planning to work in Canada under the Temporary Worker category, it is important to get the right guidance. Navigating the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Mobility Program requires careful preparation of documents, compliance with regulations, and a clear understanding of employer requirements.
Maple Crest Immigration Law provides professional support to help workers, students, and families succeed in their Canadian immigration journey. Contact Maple Crest Immigration Law today to receive expert consultation and ensure your application stands out in a competitive environment.
