The two main work permit programs in Canada are the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), both with their distinct features and crucial roles in addressing labour market needs and contributing to Canadian society.
While the IMP and TFWP facilitate the entry of foreign workers into Canada, their distinct frameworks reflect different policy priorities.
The IMP is more flexible and often targets high-skilled workers, whereas the TFWP is more regulated, focusing on meeting specific labour shortages and protecting the domestic workforce.
According to the data, the top 10 nationalities with work permits in 2024 under the IMP are from India, Ukraine, Iran, the Philippines, France, China, the US, Nigeria, South Korea, and the UK.
The top 10 under the TFWP are Mexico, India, Guatemala, Philippines, Jamaica, China, Tunisia, France, Morocco, and Vietnam.
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The IMP facilitates hiring foreign workers without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Jobs under this program are seen to provide Canada with significant cultural, economic, or social benefits.
The IRCC offers guidance on IMP for employers looking to hire through the program.
Unlike the IMP, an LMIA is required for a TFW permit to show the necessity of hiring a foreign worker.
Under the TFW program, Mexico leads the top 10, followed by India, Guatemala, Philippines, Jamaica, China, Tunisia, France, Morocco, and Vietnam.
According to the data, the ten countries among the top under a combination of the two programs are:
1. India
Indian nationals feature strongly in the IMP because of the many skilled IT, engineering, and healthcare professionals benefiting from Canada’s technology and healthcare needs, with a total 2024 of 89,040 permit holders.
The TFWP also sees substantial participation from Indian workers in various sectors, including agriculture and caregiving. India is only second to Mexico among the top 10, with 13,145 under the TFWP.
2. Ukraine
Canada has committed to welcoming Ukrainians and their families and providing a haven while the war continues in their home country.
Ukrainian nationals are covered by specialized agreements and programs aimed at skilled trades and agricultural sectors. Under the IMP, Ukrainian permit holders numbered 81,395.
3. Mexico
Mexican workers are primarily involved in the TFWP, through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP), which brings thousands of seasonal agricultural workers to Canada annually.
The IMP also benefits from Mexican professionals under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), formerly the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Mexico tops the 10 TFWP totals with 27,620.
4. Iran
Iranian applicants, particularly in academic and research roles, contribute to Canada’s innovation landscape, bolstered by the country’s policies encouraging educational exchanges and collaborations
Iran, with its focus on higher education, is a significant contributor to the IMP Program, with 20,910 in 2024.
5. Philippines
Filipino workers dominate the TFWP, especially in caregiving, healthcare, and service industries, with 8,975.
Their strong English language skills and work ethic make them highly sought after in Canada. The IMP also attracted 15,090 Filipino professionals in 2024, some through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
6. France
French nationals benefit from bilateral agreements like the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which enables more effortless mobility for professionals and entrepreneurs
France’s strong emphasis on research and innovation is reflected in its participation in the IMP Program, which has 11,835 permit holders.
French nationals are attracted to Canada’s bilingual nature and cultural similarities. The TFWP also attracts French workers in specialized fields, recording 1,555 permits.
7. China
Chinese nationals are significant participants in the IMP, through the PGWP and Intra-Company Transfers. The TFWP also brings Chinese workers to various sectors, including agriculture.
Chinese workers participate in various sectors, including technology, academia, and business, facilitated by Canada’s focus on attracting global talent for its growing tech industry and educational institutions
8. Guatemala
The Canada/Guatemala Temporary Guest Worker Program (TGWP) was created in 2003 to bring Guatemalan agricultural workers to Canada.
It was initially regulated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) rather than by a bilateral agreement between the two countries.
Since 2010, the program has fallen under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), recording 10,360 permits. Canadian provincial governments and the Guatemalan organization Amigo Laboral have facilitated the recruitment of Guatemalans.
Like Mexico, many Guatemalan workers engage in agriculture, providing essential labour for planting, tending, and harvesting crops.
9. United States
Americans have a notable presence in the IMP, primarily through the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement CUSMA, formerly the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA), facilitating the entry of professionals, investors, and intra-company transferees.
CUSMA simplifies the mobility of American professionals, particularly in business, finance, and technology sectors, enhancing cross-border economic ties
The US remains a global research and innovation leader, contributing significantly to the IMP Program, with 8,405 permits.
10. Jamaica
Jamaicans are among the thousands of workers entering Canada yearly to support crop planting and harvesting.
Key source countries are from the Caribbean. Canada has bilateral agreements with specific countries, such as Jamaica, that allow employers to hire agricultural workers to work in Canada for up to eight months during peak farming periods.
If an employer meets the requirements for the SAWP, they can apply for an LMIA and easily hire qualified workers with experience who can meet the additional requirements of working in Canada.
Global competitiveness
Both programs address labour market needs, supporting sectors that rely heavily on foreign labour, such as agriculture, technology, and healthcare.
However, IMP goes beyond jobs, helping to promote cultural exchange and diversity while enriching Canadian society.
High-skilled workers brought in under the IMP contribute to innovation and the global competitiveness of Canadian businesses.
Canada’s economic vitality and cultural diversity owe much to the robust immigration frameworks of these programs.
