- Approvals for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada nearly doubled from 2018 to 2023.
- In 2023, 239,646 TFWs were approved, compared to 108,988 in 2018.
- The trend reflects an increasing reliance on foreign labor to fill job vacancies.
The number of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) approved to work in Canada has seen a substantial increase over the past five years. According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), employers were cleared to hire 239,646 TFWs in 2023, nearly double the 108,988 approved in 2018.
Despite a slight dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the upward trend has been consistent since at least 2016. This rise in approvals indicates a growing reliance on international labor across various Canadian industries to address workforce shortages.
Canadian Employers Increasingly Turn to Temporary Foreign Workers
Canada has experienced a significant rise in the approval of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) over recent years, reflecting a growing dependence on international labor to meet the needs of various industries. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reports that in 2023, the number of TFWs approved was nearly 240,000, up from around 109,000 in 2018. This trend, disrupted only briefly by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, highlights the increasing demand for foreign workers.
The data from ESDC specifically tracks TFWs working on closed work permits, which require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This requirement ensures that hiring foreign workers does not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. While the approval numbers have been rising, they do not necessarily reflect the actual number of TFWs in Canada, as some employers may decide not to hire even after receiving approval.
This growing trend can be attributed to several factors, including demographic changes, an aging population, and labor shortages in key industries such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality. Canadian employers are turning to foreign workers to fill these gaps, ensuring their operations remain efficient and competitive. The consistent rise in approvals since 2016 underscores the vital role that TFWs play in the Canadian economy.
Furthermore, the reliance on TFWs is indicative of broader economic trends, where globalization and labor mobility are increasingly essential for economic stability and growth. As Canada continues to navigate these trends, the role of TFWs is likely to become even more critical, necessitating ongoing policy adjustments to balance the needs of the labor market with the protection of domestic workers.
The significant increase in temporary foreign worker approvals in Canada underscores the country’s growing reliance on international labor to meet workforce demands. This trend is expected to continue, highlighting the importance of adaptable labor policies to support economic growth.
“An increasing number of employers are pursuing the hiring of TFWs to fill vacant jobs in their organizations.”
