Temporary foreign worker arrivals fall to lowest level in two years

Canada recorded a sharp fall in new foreign workers arriving through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Government figures show only 2,615 people entered the country under this program in November 2025. That marked the lowest monthly total in almost two years.

Officials released the figures in January 2026, updating records that track monthly entries since late 2023. The latest count stands out as the smallest increase seen during that entire period.

Fewer Spots Under New Immigration Plan

The drop closely follows changes in the federal government’s latest Immigration Levels Plan. The plan lowered the annual intake target for the program to 60,000 workers in 2026. That figure represents a cut of more than a quarter from the earlier target of 82,000.

These reductions form part of a broader effort to slow the growth of temporary residents across the country. The government aims to bring that number below five percent of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

LMIA Pause Plays Key Role

Officials link much of the decline to a pause on processing job approvals under the low-wage stream of the program. Employers must secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment before hiring most foreign workers.

Employment and Social Development Canada issues these approvals to confirm that hiring from abroad will not harm job opportunities for Canadians or permanent residents.

Since September 2024, the federal government has stopped reviewing these applications in regions where unemployment sits at six percent or higher. Authorities update the list of affected regions every three months.

Big Cities Affected, Others See Relief

The most recent update, released on January 8, 2026, placed 24 regions under the pause. The list included major centers such as Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa.

At the same time, seven large cities came off the list. Vancouver, Halifax, and Winnipeg now fall below the unemployment threshold, allowing employers there to resume applications under the low-wage stream.

How the Program Fits the Bigger Picture

Although Canada issues more permits through the International Mobility Program, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program remains the main option for employers seeking workers from any country and for nearly any job. Employers only need an approved assessment, and workers must meet basic entry rules.

The alternative program limits eligibility to specific cases, such as recent graduates or executives transferring within global companies.

Political Pressure and Future Changes

The program has faced growing criticism recently. The Conservative Party of Canada called for its removal last September.

That same month, Mark Carney said the government planned further adjustments. He promised “a focused approach that targets specific, strategic sectors and needs in specific regions.” Officials have not shared further details since that announcement.

Student Numbers Also Reduced

The latest immigration plan also lowered targets for international students. Canada now expects 155,000 new students in 2026, far fewer than the earlier projection of more than 300,000.