Maple News reports a notable shift in cross-border labor mobility patterns, as a new Statistics Canada report reveals a long-term decline in the number of U.S. citizens coming to Canada on temporary work permits between 2010 and 2023. In contrast, the number of U.S. residents who are not citizens (such as green card holders and other residents with valid U.S. status) obtaining Canadian work permits has steadily grown during the same period.
According to the data, the number of U.S. citizen temporary foreign workers peaked in Canada in 2013 with 70,420 individuals. However, this figure steadily dropped thereafter, reaching just 36,586 by 2021. Although there has been a modest rebound in recent years—climbing to 38,867 in 2023—the overall trend remains downward, with 22,831 fewer U.S. citizen temporary workers in Canada compared to 2010.
Meanwhile, the opposite trend is observed for U.S. non-citizen residents. In 2010, only 3,728 held Canadian work permits. That number has increased more than fourfold, reaching 17,353 by 2023. This consistent upward trend suggests that Canada is growing in appeal for non-citizen U.S. residents, especially those seeking alternative career and immigration pathways.
The data likely reflects a combination of factors including evolving Canadian immigration policies, changing U.S. labor market conditions, and growing global demand for accessible and skilled international workforces. Regulatory frameworks like Canada’s International Mobility Program and Global Talent Stream may offer more streamlined options for non-U.S. citizens already living or working in the United States.
Additionally, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 are visible in the sharp drop in work permit holders that year. However, U.S. non-citizen residents proved more resilient during and after the pandemic, as their numbers continued to steadily increase.
This shift in temporary labor trends has potential implications for cross-border collaboration, talent pipelines, and international mobility strategies. Canadian employers, particularly those in technology, finance, and healthcare, may be increasingly sourcing talent from U.S. residents who are not citizens.
As work visa and cross-border opportunities evolve, both Canadian policymakers and employers may consider these trends in future planning and recruitment strategies. Maple News will continue to monitor how these developments shape labor mobility and immigration between the U.S. and Canada.