The demand for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada has been on a sharp rise, as highlighted by recent government data. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reveals a doubling in employer approvals for TFWs over the past five years, with approvals reaching nearly 240,000 in 2023 alone—more than double the number in 2018.
This trend indicates a significant shift in how Canadian industries are addressing workforce shortages, particularly in sectors reliant on low-wage positions covered by the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The increase in TFW approvals underscores the need for employers to fill vacant roles that local labor markets may struggle to meet.
Key industries experiencing substantial growth in TFW approvals from 2018 to 2023 include:
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
- Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Occupations
- Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers
- Light Duty Cleaners
- Administrative Assistance
- Retail Sales Supervisors
- Transport Truck Drivers
- Food Service Supervisors
- Cooks
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.
- Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
- NOC 2021 Code: 33102
- Approvals in 2018: 16
- Approvals in 2023: 2,514
- Percentage Increase: 15,613%
- Food Counter Attendants, Kitchen Helpers, and Related Support Occupations
- NOC 2021 Code: 65201
- Approvals in 2018: 170
- Approvals in 2023: 8,333
- Percentage Increase: 4,802%
- 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%
These industries have seen remarkable percentage increases in TFW approvals, reflecting their reliance on foreign labor to meet staffing needs.
The rise in TFW approvals aligns with broader demographic trends, where temporary residents, including TFWs, constituted 6.2% of Canada’s population in 2023. This demographic shift underscores the role of TFWs in filling crucial labor gaps across various sectors of the economy.
As Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve in response to economic needs, understanding these trends is vital for both employers and prospective TFWs. For expert guidance on navigating Canada’s immigration landscape and managing TFW needs effectively, consider consulting with specialists like SPS Canada Immigration. Their experienced team can provide tailored advice to ensure compliance and maximize opportunities in hiring temporary foreign workers.
