What type of immigrants does the temporary foreign worker program primarily attract?

The temporary foreign worker program is primarily designed to address specific labor shortages in various sectors of the economy, particularly those that require seasonal labor. Seasonal agricultural workers are often sought after because they can fill critical gaps during peak agricultural seasons when there is a significant demand for manual labor that local labor forces may not be able to meet. This program allows employers to bring in foreign workers to perform essential tasks related to the harvesting and processing of crops for a limited time, often aligned with the agricultural calendar.

Highly skilled workers and professionals seeking permanent residency play key roles in different immigration pathways and programs that target long-term residency in Canada rather than temporary worker status. While they may be eligible for other immigration programs, the temporary foreign worker program specifically caters to the short-term needs of employers, which is often seen in seasonal agricultural work. Individuals on study permits are also not applicable in this context, as their primary purpose is to pursue education in Canada rather than to fill temporary labor shortages. Therefore, the focus of the program on seasonal agricultural workers makes it the correct choice in this scenario.