Maple News reports that Canada has already surpassed its 2025 targets for temporary work permits, just halfway through the year, prompting concerns over the future direction of immigration policy. According to newly released mid-year data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), both the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are significantly ahead of projected numbers.
As of June 2025, the IMP has issued 302,280 work permits—already exceeding the government’s full-year target of 285,750. This sharp growth comes despite efforts to rein in the program from a high of over 410,000 permits in 2024. The surge reaffirms continued demand from Canadian employers and highlights ongoing reliance on temporary foreign labour, particularly in sectors covered by exemptions to Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA).
Similarly, the TFWP—which does require an LMIA to prove the need for foreign hires—has already approved 105,195 permits. This exceeds its annual cap of 82,000 by over 20%, and nearly matches its full 2024 tally of 109,310. The rapid acceleration raises pressing questions for policymakers about balancing labour market needs with sustainable immigration planning.
In contrast, study permit approvals are significantly behind government expectations. Just 149,860 were issued in the first half of the year, against a full-year goal of 305,900. This downturn aligns with the federal government’s cap on new international students, a policy introduced to alleviate mounting pressures on Canada’s housing and infrastructure.
On the permanent residency front, 207,650 newcomers were admitted from January to June, keeping the country on pace to meet its 2025 target of 395,000. However, this represents a more measured intake compared to recent years, as the government shifts its focus toward stabilizing growth and addressing service capacity challenges.
These mid-year figures are expected to intensify discussion around Canada’s broader immigration strategy. With temporary worker streams both outpacing targets and straining regulatory mechanisms, Ottawa may be forced to review existing quotas or impose tighter eligibility criteria in the months ahead.
Experts suggest that over-reliance on temporary labour could complicate Canada’s long-term economic and demographic goals. As Maple News has previously reported, balancing pathways to permanent residency with temporary work programs remains a key challenge for the federal government.
If current trends continue, 2025 could mark a turning point in how Canada manages its temporary foreign workforce—underscoring the need for clearer policies that address employer needs while considering infrastructure and service demands on Canadian communities.