🛠️ Immigration · Work permits
Work permits in Canada
In 2025, 166,405 people held a Temporary Foreign Worker Program permit and 577,935 held an International Mobility Program permit that became valid that year.
IRCC
Work permit holders each year, by program
*2026 covers January to August 2026 only, so it is not a full year. IRCC rounds every number to the nearest 5.
TFWP permits need an employer to show no Canadian was available (an LMIA). IMP permits skip that test: for example post-graduation, spousal, youth exchange and trade-deal permits. Someone with both kinds in one year is counted twice. In 2026 the IMP count jumps sharply in IRCC's file; treat it with care until IRCC explains it.
IRCC
Temporary foreign workers: top countries
TFWP permit holders by citizenship
Mostly farm and seasonal agricultural workers.
IRCC
International Mobility Program: top countries
IMP permit holders by citizenship
Includes post-graduation and spousal open work permits.
IRCC
Work permit holders by province in 2025
| Province | TFWP | IMP |
|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 1,860 | 4,625 |
| Prince Edward Island | 1,405 | 2,465 |
| Nova Scotia | 3,640 | 14,935 |
| New Brunswick | 3,670 | 9,505 |
| Quebec | 46,650 | 61,990 |
| Ontario | 49,960 | 238,855 |
| Manitoba | 3,260 | 24,090 |
| Saskatchewan | 2,775 | 12,735 |
| Alberta | 17,735 | 61,460 |
| British Columbia | 35,410 | 95,160 |
| Yukon | 135 | 690 |
| Northwest Territories | 100 | 415 |
| Nunavut | 60 | 85 |
Source: Temporary Foreign Worker Program work permit holders by province/territory of intended destination, program and year in which permit(s) became effective, International Mobility Program work permit holders by province/territory, program and year in which permit(s) became effective, Temporary Foreign Worker Program Work Permit Holders by Country of Citizenship and Year in which Permit(s) became effective, International Mobility Program Work Permit Holders by Country of Citizenship and Year in which Permit(s) became effective.
FAQ
Questions people ask
How many work permits did Canada issue in 2025?
166,405 people held Temporary Foreign Worker Program permits and 577,935 held International Mobility Program permits that became valid in 2025 (IRCC). Together that is up to 744,340, because someone holding both kinds is counted twice.
What is the difference between TFWP and IMP work permits?
A TFWP permit needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which shows that no Canadian worker was available. IMP permits are exempt from that test. They include post-graduation work permits, spousal open work permits, youth exchanges and trade-agreement permits.
Where do temporary foreign workers come from?
In 2025 the top countries for TFWP permit holders were Mexico (43,210), India (32,490), Guatemala (21,815).