TFWP arrivals fall to the lowest level in two years, based on the latest data released by the federal government.
On December 16, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated monthly arrival figures. The data shows that only 3,215 new TFWP work permit holders arrived in Canada in October 2025.
This is the lowest number of monthly arrivals recorded under the TFWP in the IRCC dataset, which tracks data starting from December 2023.
The sharp decline in new arrivals is mainly the result of ongoing federal policy changes. These include a pause on processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications, higher wage requirements for employers, and an overall reduction in the size of the TFWP.
Reasons Behind The Fall In TFWP Arrivals
Over the past two years, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program has faced growing criticism. Some groups say the program has helped keep wages low at a time when the labour market is tight. Others argue it has added pressure to Canada’s housing system and public services.
In September 2025, Canada’s Conservative Party called for the complete removal of the TFWP. The party blamed the program for problems such as high youth unemployment and weak job conditions.
Several federal policy changes, introduced as early as July 2024, have strongly reduced the number of workers entering Canada under the TFWP:
- Blocking both applications and renewals of low-wage TFWP work permits in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher
- Boosting the wage threshold for the high-wage stream of the TFWP
- Lowering the employer workforce cap
- Limiting the availability of spousal open work permits (SOWPs) to spouses of TFWP work permit holders working in highly skilled or select in-demand skilled occupations.
Looking ahead, the federal government has also reduced its future targets. Under the latest Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome 60,000 new TFWP workers in 2026. This is a 27% reduction compared to the previous target of 82,000.
Declines Also Seen In Other Programs
The fall in TFWP arrivals matches similar trends in other temporary resident programs. Canada has also seen fewer arrivals under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and a drop in the number of international students coming to the country.
Moreover, October 2025 also marked the lowest number of new international student arrivals in two years, showing a broader slowdown across temporary entry programs.
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