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Canada is preparing for significant updates to its LMIA-exempt work permit system in 2026, with changes affecting foreign workers, international students, and several temporary public policies.
According to the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government has increased the admissions target for LMIA-exempt work permits issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) to 170,000 in 2026, marking a 32% rise compared to last year’s target. At the same time, the admissions cap for LMIA-based work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has been reduced to 60,000.
Another major update is the freeze on eligible fields of study for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs). The government confirmed that no programs will be removed or added to the PGWP eligibility list in 2026. This means the 1,107 currently approved programs will remain valid throughout the year, including 178 programs previously expected to be removed in early 2026.
Provincial nominee candidates may also be impacted. A temporary public policy allowing provinces such as Manitoba and Yukon to support work permits for PNP candidates is set to expire on December 31, 2025, with no confirmation yet on whether it will be extended.
Several temporary public policies are also approaching expiry. Work permits issued to Ukrainians under the CUAET measures are set to expire on March 31, 2026, while a similar policy for Iranian nationals will end on February 28, 2026, unless renewed.
On the legislative front, Bill C-12 is moving closer to becoming law. If passed, it would grant the federal government broader powers to pause, cancel, or restrict work permit processing in cases involving public interest concerns such as fraud, public safety, or national security.
Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is developing a new sector-specific work permit for agriculture and fish processing, though details on eligibility and launch timelines have not yet been announced.
Together, these changes signal a shift toward tighter control, targeted admissions, and regional workforce planning in Canada’s temporary foreign worker system.
January 26, 2026
