Despite its large population, Canada is one of the countries that is dealing with labor shortages in different sectors.
To help its economy, Canada has several programs that are aimed at attracting foreign workers to the country, with the main ones being the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Through these two work permit programs, a large number of foreign workers reach Canada each year, filling a high number of jobs and meeting specific shortages, VisaGuide.World reports.
As Immigration.ca reveals, the top ten nationalities with work permits under the IMP in 2024 are from:
- India
- Ukraine
- Iran
- Philippines
- France
- China
- US
- Nigeria
- South Korea
- UK
On the other hand, the top ten nationalities with work permits under TFWP in Canada in 2024 are from:
- Mexico
- India
- Guatemala
- Philippines
- Jamaica
- China
- Tunisia
- France
- Morocco
- Vietnam
Both of these programs facilitate the entry of foreign workers into the country. The difference between them is that IMP is more flexible and does not require a labor market assessment, while TFWP is more regulated. In general, TFWP is focused on meeting more specific needs and, an the same time, protecting the domestic workers.
Indians Hold Most Work Permits Under a Combination of Programs in 2024
As data provided by Immigration.ca shows, under a combination of the two programs, Indians represent the group of foreigners holding the largest number of work permits this year.
A total of 89,040 Indians hold work permits in 2024 under the IMP. The majority of Indians holding work permits under this program are mainly IT, engineering, and healthcare professionals.
Under the TFWP program, 13,145 Indians hold work permits in 2024, with the majority working in agriculture and caregiving.
Ukrainians, which are covered by special agreements and programs hold a high number of work permits in Canada. In 2024, nationals of Ukraine hold 81,395 permits under the IMP program.
The third nationality group with the most permits under a combination of the two programs are Mexicans. Workers from Mexico are involved in the TFWP program, with thousands of them reaching Canada annually.
Iranians also hold a high number of permits. This year, nationals of Iran hold 20,910 work permits under the IMP.
As for Filipinos, they dominate the TFWP and mainly take up employment in the caregiving, healthcare, and services industries, with a total of 8,975 work permits. Filipinos also hold 15,090 work permits under the IMP.
Nationals of France, China, Guatemala, the US, and Jamaica also hold a high number of work permits this year under a combination of the two programs.