Recent discussion has raised concerns that Canada may have already issued more Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permits than planned for 2025. But the government’s own data shows that this is not the case.
The figure of 105,000 permits issued in the first half of 2025 includes renewals and extensions for workers already in Canada. The government’s official target of 82,000 refers only to new arrivals under the TFWP, not total permits.
As of June, only 33,722 permits had been issued to new workers entering Canada, less than half of the annual target.
In fact, the overall number of temporary resident arrivals is falling. Between January and June 2025, Canada welcomed 125,903 fewer new foreign workers compared to the same period in 2024. This decline reflects policy changes introduced last year, including stricter LMIA rules, lower workforce caps for employers, and higher wage thresholds.
Ottawa’s long-term goal is to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the national population by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney has said the program remains under review, but defended its continued importance, noting that many industries, especially construction, healthcare, and agriculture, still rely on temporary foreign workers to fill labour shortages.
