Rising Demand for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canadian Industries

July 22, 2024

SPS Canada

Growing Need for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada

Canadian government data indicates a significant increase in the number of approved temporary foreign workers. Moreover, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reports that employer approvals for TFWs have doubled over the past five years. In 2023, ESDC data shows employers received approval to hire nearly 240,000 (239,646) TFWsThis figure is more than double the number approved in 2018, which stood at 108,988.

More Employers Seek TFWs

• TFW approvals steadily rose since 2016 (except for a pandemic dip in 2020). ESDC data shows a near tripling from 2016’s 90,000 approvals. (19 words)
• Caution: approvals don’t guarantee more TFWs. Some employers might not hire after approval. (18 words)
• Data suggests a growing trend of employers seeking TFWs to fill job vacancies.

The Increase in Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada

The data suggests the number of positions to be filled by the TFW

2016: 90,314

2017: 98,146

2018: 108,988

2019: 130,457

2020: 125,279

2021: 133,196

2022: 222,847

2023: 239,646

Growth in Temporary Foreign Worker Approvals by Industry

Additionally, new data highlights that these 10 industries have experienced the highest percentage increases in TFW approvals between 2018 and 2023.

• Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers
  • NOC 2021 Code: 75110
  • Approvals in 2018: 132
  • Approvals in 2023: 5,353
  • Percentage Increase: 3,955%
• Light Duty Cleaners
  • NOC 2021 Code: 65310
  • Approvals in 2018: 201
  • Approvals in 2023: 3,043
  • Percentage Increase: 1,414%
• Administrative Assistance
  • NOC 2021 Code: 13110
  • Approvals in 2018: 287
  • Approvals in 2023: 3,337
  • Percentage Increase: 1,063%
• Retail Sales Supervisors
  • NOC 2021 Code: 62010
  • Approvals in 2018: 570
  • Approvals in 2023: 2,999
  • Percentage Increase: 426%
• Transport Truck Drivers
  • NOC 2021 Code: 73300
  • Approvals in 2018: 1,584
  • Approvals in 2023: 7,297
  • Percentage Increase: 361%
• Food Service Supervisors
  • NOC 2021 Code: 62020
  • Approvals in 2018: 2,358
  • Approvals in 2023: 10,409
  • Percentage Increase: 341%
• Cooks
  • NOC 2021 Code: 63200
  • Approvals in 2018: 3,162
  • Approvals in 2023: 11,977
  • Percentage Increase: 279%

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data suggests that temporary residents made up 6.2% of Canada’s population – up to 2.5 million people – in 2023.

As a point of comparison, Statistics Canada data released last year said that just “924,850 non-permanent residents (NPRs) were [included] in the [2021] Census, making up 2.5% of Canada’s total enumerated population.”

In other words, many Canadian employers, especially those hiring for the low-wage positions that dominate the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), needed help filling vacant positions and the government responded by increasing the number of TFWs given a permit to work in Canada.

Canadian government data indicates a significant increase in the number of approved temporary foreign workers. moreover, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reports that employer approvals for TFWs have doubled over the past five years. In 2023, ESDC data shows employers received approval to hire nearly 240,000 (239,646) TFWs.

furthermore, this rise underscores the growing reliance on temporary foreign labor to address workforce shortages. Consequently, as policies evolve, understanding these trends becomes crucial for both employers and prospective TFWs. For expert guidance on navigating the complex immigration landscape, consider reaching out to SPS Canada Immigration. Their experienced team can help you stay informed and effectively manage your immigration needs.

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