London at a Crossroads: International Workforce Nearly Doubled as Immigration Policies Shift

As federal immigration targets tighten in 2025, London stands at a crossroads after experiencing unprecedented international workforce growth. What happened in 2023 could shape our city's future for decades.

**Source:** Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC): International Mobility Program (IMP) Work Permit Holders by Province and Census Metropolitan Area of Destination, Age Group, and Year in which Permit(s) became effective, 2015 – 2023

In 2023, London, Ontario, saw a striking transformation of its workforce. According to recent findings from the LMLIP Fact Sharing Work Group, the number of International Mobility Program (IMP) work permit holders in London nearly doubled in a year, jumping from 6,080 in 2022 to 11,035 in 2023. This dramatic growth represents a 700% increase since 2015 when London hosted just 1,535 IMP permit holders.

The timing of this workforce explosion makes it particularly significant. As Canada now implements stricter immigration targets for 2025, London must navigate the opportunities and challenges this rapid demographic shift creates.

Who is Coming to London?

The data reveals a clear picture of London's newest workers. Young professionals between 15 and 29 make up the largest group, growing from 755 in 2015 to 6,370 in 2023. Mid-career workers (30-44) also increased substantially, from 635 to 3,940 during the same period.

Most notably, 41% of these international workers come from India, creating essential connections between London and the world's most populous country. The Philippines (11%) and China (6%) round out the top three countries of origin, while the remaining workers represent a diverse global mix including Iran, Brazil, Nepal, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Colombia.

What This Means for London's Economy

These international workers fill critical roles across London's economy. The healthcare sector, which represents 10% of London's economy, saw employment growth of 7.9% in 2023, primarily supported by immigrant labour. Similarly, arts, entertainment, and food services rebounded strongly post-pandemic with 15.6% growth in 2023, sectors that rely heavily on international workers.

The data also points to potential vulnerabilities as federal policies change. With 40% of London's nurses and 30% of physicians being internationally trained, reducing immigration pathways could worsen existing healthcare shortages. The planned Volkswagen EV battery plant in St. Thomas, expected to create 3,000 jobs by 2027, may face delays without access to specialized international talent.

Housing and Infrastructure: Challenge and Opportunity

London's population surge contributed to a 22% increase in average rents between 2020 and 2023. However, recent federal restrictions on international student visas in 2024 have already led to a 4% drop in rents and increased vacancy rates to 2.9%.

This temporary relief may provide a crucial window for London to address infrastructure gaps. As demographer Don Kerr notes, "Population growth has outpaced infrastructure development," with healthcare, transportation, and utilities all struggling to keep pace with London's rapid expansion.

Why This Matters Now

The intersection of London's recent workforce growth and new federal restrictions creates both urgency and opportunity. For employers facing labour shortages, understanding the changing demographics of available workers is essential for recruitment planning. For city planners and policymakers, this moment offers a brief window to catch up on housing and infrastructure development before long-term growth resumes.

The data highlights the importance of building stronger connections with newer arrivals, particularly from India and the Philippines, for London's existing immigrant communities.

Looking Forward: Strategic Priorities

London's continued prosperity depends on thoughtfully managing this demographic transition. As LMLIP's data demonstrates, London has become a magnet for international talent seeking affordability and opportunity. How we respond to these changes will determine whether we can maintain economic momentum while building an inclusive community that works for everyone.

By understanding these workforce trends, London can position itself as a model mid-sized city that successfully balances growth with quality of life, leverages global connections for economic resilience, and creates pathways for newcomers to contribute their talents fully.

This article is based on research from the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership Fact Sharing Work Group's "Matter of Facts Series – Part 37."