Maple News reports that the number of new arrivals under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has dropped to its lowest point in nearly two years, reflecting recent policy shifts and more cautious federal oversight. According to newly released government data, just 2,615 individuals entered Canada through the TFWP in November 2025 — the most recent month with available data.
This marks the smallest number of monthly TFWP admissions recorded since December 2023, based on figures published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The decline comes at a time when the government has made clear moves to reduce overall temporary resident numbers, including through cuts announced in the latest Immigration Levels Plan.
The 2026 target for TFWP admissions has been set at 60,000, a 27% reduction from the previously envisioned target of 82,000. This scaling back appears to be in line with broader goals to balance economic needs with domestic employment challenges and affordability pressures.
A major driver behind the reduced numbers is the ongoing moratorium on the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the low-wage stream of the program. LMIA approval is a key prerequisite for most TFWP work permits, serving as proof that hiring a foreign worker will not displace Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The moratorium, in place since September 2024, affects economic regions where unemployment exceeds 6%. These regions — updated quarterly — are temporarily barred from processing low-wage LMIA applications. As of January 8, 2026, 24 regions are on the restricted list, including large urban centres such as Toronto, Calgary, and Ottawa.
These conditions reflect a strategic refocus by Canadian policymakers to address labour market imbalances while continuing to prioritize the attraction of highly skilled global talent. While the TFWP remains essential for filling specific labour shortages, particularly in sectors like agriculture and caregiving, the recent dip suggests a recalibration of how temporary labour solutions are used.
Employers and foreign nationals affected by these changes are advised to monitor upcoming policy updates closely, as shifts in regional economic indicators may affect LMIA processing availability.
As the government evaluates ongoing labour market needs and employment figures across the country, it is likely that TFWP processing volumes will continue to fluctuate in response to these trends. Maple News will continue to provide updates on Canada’s immigration and labour mobility landscape.