Work in Canada
Why Fewer U.S. Workers Are Coming to Canada – A Shift Quietly Unfolding
For over a decade, Canada has seen a steady decline in the number of U.S. citizens entering the country on temporary work permits. Once a dominant presence in the foreign workforce, Americans are no longer flocking to Canada at the same rate. At the same time, a curious rise has emerged—U.S. non-citizen residents, often on student or work visas in the U.S., are increasingly choosing Canada as their next stop. This shift reflects broader global workforce changes and could reshape how Canada approaches international labour strategy.
So, what’s causing this drop in American citizen workers? And why are non-citizens from the U.S. stepping up to fill the gap?
U.S. Citizens in Decline—By the Numbers
From 2010 to 2023, the number of U.S. citizen temporary foreign workers in Canada dropped from 61,698 to 38,867, a loss of nearly 23,000 individuals. The peak came in 2013 with 70,420 workers, after which a clear downward trend took hold.
| Year | U.S. Citizens |
| 2010 | 61,698 |
| 2013 | 70,420 (Peak) |
| 2021 | 36,586 (Lowest) |
| 2023 | 38,867 |
This drop isn’t due to fewer opportunities in Canada. In fact, the Canadian economy has opened up more temporary work permits over the past decade, particularly under programs like the International Mobility Program (IMP). Instead, the reasons seem tied to policy shifts in both countries, economic trends, and the evolving mobility of skilled workers.
Non-Citizen U.S. Residents on the Rise
In stark contrast, U.S. non-citizen residents—think H1-B visa holders, international graduates, and other temporary U.S. residents—have nearly quadrupled in number. In 2010, only 3,728 non-citizens from the U.S. had Canadian work permits. By 2023, that number rose to 17,353.
This group now makes up 31% of U.S. foreign workers in Canada, compared to just 6% in 2010. They’re filling roles across sectors, many entering through open work permits and other IMP streams.
| Year | U.S. Non-Citizens | % of Total U.S. Workers in Canada |
| 2010 | 3,728 | 6% |
| 2023 | 17,353 | 31% |
A Shift in Entry Programs
The way U.S. workers are coming to Canada has also shifted dramatically. For U.S. citizens, most permits were once issued through international agreements like NAFTA/USMCA. Now, more than 47% are entering through other categories under the International Mobility Program.
Meanwhile, non-citizens use open work permits even more aggressively. In 2022, nearly 89% of non-citizen permits came through the IMP (non-agreement categories), with just 8.3% using the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
| Program Use in 2022 | U.S. Citizens | U.S. Non-Citizens |
| TFWP | 5% | 8.3% |
| IMP (Intl. Agreements) | 47.3% | 2.8% |
| IMP (Other Categories) | 47.8% | 88.8% |
Why the Decline?
Here are a few key factors driving the fall in U.S. citizen work permit holders:
- Stricter U.S. domestic policies under recent administrations may have discouraged outbound mobility.
- Remote work options have reduced the incentive to relocate internationally.
- Changing Canadian immigration priorities have increased openness toward global talent from a wider range of countries.
- Attractive immigration streams for international graduates and non-citizens residing in the U.S. have made Canada an easier next step.
Global Workers Outpacing Americans
Perhaps the most striking data point is how much the share of American temporary foreign workers has fallen in Canada’s total pool—from 16.6% in 2010 to just 4% in 2023.
| Year | U.S. Share of Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers |
| 2010 | 16.6% |
| 2023 | 4% |
During the same period, the number of temporary foreign workers from other countries doubled, reaching over 848,100 in 2022. These individuals now dominate Canada’s foreign labour market, many entering through flexible, skill-driven pathways under the IMP.
A Look at Skills and Occupations
A majority of U.S. citizen workers in Canada still hold higher-skilled positions. In 2023, 76% of U.S. citizens on permits were in managerial, professional, or technical roles. For non-citizens, the figure was 67%, though many hold permits without designated occupational levels, particularly through open work permits.
Lower-skilled work permits remain rare among U.S. workers, especially non-citizens; only 1% held such permits in 2022.
A New Wave of Talent Reshaping the Canadian Economy
Canada’s labour market is evolving, and so is the profile of who comes to work here. U.S. citizens are no longer the main drivers of temporary labour migration north of the border. Instead, non-citizen U.S. residents and international workers from a broader range of countries are stepping in to fill the demand.
For professionals considering Canada, this trend is a sign of open doors, especially if you’re currently residing in the U.S. on a temporary status. The Canadian economy is increasingly leaning on globally mobile talent, not just traditional sources. If you fit that profile, there may be more opportunities waiting in Canada than ever before.
