A new report by Statistics Canada π§Ύ, published on April 23, 2025, reveals a lesser-known but important aspect of the Canadian labor market: temporary workers from the U.S. ππ
Note: The data in the report covers the years 2010β2023!
π Cross-Border Migration
While public attention usually focuses on migration from Mexico or Asia, the flow of workers from the U.S. β especially temporary ones β is also quite significant. The Canadian labor market is closely tied to the American one, and changes on one side of the border often reflect on the other. π
π Decline in U.S. Citizen Workers
Since 2013, the number of U.S. citizens coming to Canada on temporary work visas has steadily declined β especially those arriving through international free trade agreements. π
Why? Some key reasons include:
π Changes in immigration policy,
π’ Centralization of operations in U.S. company headquarters,
βοΈ Stricter Canadian requirements under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
π Increase Among Non-U.S. Citizens
Meanwhile, non-U.S. citizens residing in the U.S. (e.g., on H-1B visas) are increasingly choosing Canada. Their numbers grew from 3,700 in 2010 to 17,400 in 2023. π
Why?
πͺ Limited or unstable prospects in the U.S.,
π¨π¦ A more open Canadian immigration system,
πΌ High demand for skilled workers.
π§ Who Are These Workers?
Among U.S. citizens, most temporary workers are specialists and managers (75%+), with many working in science, education, technology, and finance. π©π»ππ
Non-U.S. citizens also tend to hold skilled positions, but their pathway to Canada is more often through the International Mobility Program (IMP)β not through trade agreements, but via other categories. π
π° Income and Employment
U.S. citizens earn above-average incomes across all categories. π΅
Non-citizens of the U.S. earn less, but are more likely to secure paid employment β nearly 69% had income reported via T4 forms in 2022, compared to just 35% of U.S. citizens. ππ
π This data helps us understand:
How Canadaβs labor market is evolving;
How U.S. immigration policy affects talent outflows;
What opportunities Canada offers skilled professionals.
π¨π¦ Canada is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for those seeking stability, recognition, and career growth. For Canadians, this means ongoing renewal and strengthening of the economy through fresh expertise and knowledge. π‘π
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