Surging Demand for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada: Key Industry Insights

For those seeking temporary work opportunities in Canada, recent data from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) highlights a significant upward trend in approving temporary foreign workers (TFWs).

Rising Numbers of Temporary Foreign Workers

The number of approved Temporary Foreign Workers has doubled over the past five years, with nearly 240,000 positions authorized in 2023, a substantial increase from the 108,988 approvals recorded in 2018.

This surge underscores Canada’s growing reliance on foreign labour to address workforce shortages across various industries.

The Trend Over the Years

Publicly available ESDC data reveals a consistent upward trend in TFW approvals since 2016, with a brief dip in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This data specifically pertains to TFWs on closed work permits requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

• 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 TFW Approvals by Industry

Certain industries have experienced substantial increases in TFW approvals between 2018 and 2023. Here are the top 10 industries with the highest percentage growth:

1. Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates

The demand for nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates has skyrocketed, with approvals increasing from 16 in 2018 to 2,514 in 2023. This represents a staggering 15,613% rise, reflecting the critical need for healthcare support workers in Canada. (NOC 2021 code: 33102)

2. Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Occupations

The food service industry has also seen a significant uptick in TFW approvals. In 2018, there were 170 approvals for food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, and related support occupations. By 2023, this number had surged to 8,333, marking a 4,802% increase. (NOC 2021 code: 65201)

3. Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers

Construction trades helpers and labourers have experienced a dramatic increase in approvals, from 132 in 2018 to 5,353 in 2023. This 3,955% rise highlights the growing demand for labour in the construction industry. (NOC 2021 code: 75110)

4. Light Duty Cleaners

Light-duty cleaners’ approval has grown substantially, from 201 in 2018 to 3,043 in 2023. This represents a 1,414% increase, indicating a higher demand for cleaning services across various sectors. (NOC 2021 code: 65310)

5. Administrative Assistants

The need for administrative assistants has more than doubled, with approvals rising from 287 in 2018 to 3,337 in 2023, a 1,063% increase. This surge underscores the expanding administrative requirements in many organizations. (NOC 2021 code: 13110)

6. Retail Sales Supervisors

Retail sales supervisors have seen a significant rise in TFW approvals, from 570 in 2018 to 2,999 in 2023, marking a 426% increase. This growth reflects the retail sector’s demand for skilled supervisory personnel. (NOC 2021 code: 62010)

7. Transport Truck Drivers

Transport truck drivers have experienced a notable increase in approvals, from 1,584 in 2018 to 7,297 in 2023. This 361% rise highlights the essential role of logistics and transportation in Canada’s economy. (NOC 2021 code: 73300)

8. Food Service Supervisors

The food service industry’s reliance on TFWs is evident, with approvals for food service supervisors increasing from 2,358 in 2018 to 10,409 in 2023, a 341% rise. This growth reflects the sector’s expanding needs. (NOC 2021 code: 62020)

9. Cooks

Approvals for cooks have risen significantly, from 3,162 in 2018 to 11,977 in 2023, a 279% increase. This surge underscores the growing demand for culinary professionals across Canada. (NOC 2021 code: 63200)

10. Fish and Seafood Plant Workers

Fish and seafood plant workers have also seen a considerable increase in TFW approvals, from 1,556 in 2018 to 4,529 in 2023. This represents a 191% rise, reflecting the seafood industry’s need for labour. (NOC 2021 code: 94142)

Reasons Behind the Rise

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada RCC data show temporary residents reached 6.2% of Canada’s population in 2023, up from 2.5% in 2021, a rise attributed to measures introduced to address labour shortages, particularly during the pandemic.

These measures included travel exemptions for TFWs, extended LMIA validity periods, and expedited processing for certain applications.

Upcoming Changes to the TFW Program

As Canada’s economic conditions evolve, Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault announced changes aimed at stabilizing the number of TFWs. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the goal of ensuring new residents have access to necessary services, with plans to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% over the next three years.

Visa Eligibility for Temporary Foreign Workers

To work in Canada as a TFW, individuals generally need a closed work permit, requiring an LMIA to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labour market.

Some exceptions exist for open work permits, which do not require an LMIA and allow for more flexibility in job selection.

Conclusion

Canada’s TFWP is a dynamic program responding to labour market needs. While the program is crucial for filling vacancies, the government aims for a sustainable immigration system with a focus on permanent residency pathways.

For more detailed information on the visa process and eligibility, prospective TFWs should consult the IRCC website or seek legal advice to ensure compliance with the latest regulations.