Major Changes Coming to Canada LMIA-Exempt Work Permits 2026
Canada is preparing for several important changes to Canada LMIA-Exempt Work Permits 2026. These permits are issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Below is a clear breakdown of what foreign workers and international students should expect.
1. Canada LMIA-Exempt Work Permits 2026 Increasing Worker Targets
The Canadian government has raised the number of foreign workers it plans to admit through Canada LMIA-Exempt Work Permits 2026.
- New target (IMP): 170,000 workers
- This is a 32% increase from the previous plan.
- These numbers cover new permits only, not renewals or people already in Canada.
At the same time, Canada is reducing LMIA-based work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
- New TFWP target: 60,000 workers
- This shows a shift toward LMIA-exempt categories.
2. No Changes to PGWP Fields of Study in 2026
Good news for many international students:
Canada has frozen changes to the list of programs eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What this means:
- The list of approved study programs will not change in 2026.
- The 178 programs that were supposed to be removed will stay eligible for the whole year.
- Currently, over 1,100 programs are eligible.
Who must follow field-of-study rules?
Students who applied for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024 must graduate from a program linked to labour shortages — unless they are in:
- Bachelor’s programs
- Master’s programs
- PhD programs
These degrees are exempt from the field-of-study requirement.
3. Special Work Permits for Provincial Nominees (Uncertain Future)
A temporary policy allows some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to get work permits with provincial support.
This policy:
- Was set to end on December 31, 2025
- Allowed work permits for up to two years
So far, the government has not confirmed whether this policy will continue. Applicants should prepare for possible changes.
4. Work Permits for Ukrainians May End
A special policy for Ukrainians under the CUAET program is set to expire on March 31, 2026.
If not extended:
- Ukrainians with these work permits cannot renew under the same policy
- They must apply through other immigration programs to stay legally
No extension has been announced yet.
5. Work Permits for Iranians Also Near Expiry
A temporary policy that helps Iranian nationals in Canada is set to end on February 28, 2026.
If the policy is not renewed:
- Iranians may lose access to simplified work and study permit options.
6. New Immigration Law (Bill C-12)
Canada is working on a new immigration bill that could give the government more control over temporary residents, including work permit holders.
If passed, the government could:
- Pause or stop processing work permit applications
- Cancel or change immigration documents
- Add conditions to temporary residents
These powers would be used in cases involving:
- Fraud
- Public health
- Public safety
- National security
The bill has already passed in the House of Commons and is now being reviewed by the Senate.
7. New Work Permit for Agriculture & Fish Processing
Canada is developing a new sector-specific work permit for:
- Agriculture
- Fish processing
Details about eligibility and launch date have not yet been shared.
What This Means for Applicants
2026 will bring:
- More Canada LMIA-Exempt Work Permits 2026 permit opportunities
- Stability for many PGWP students
- Uncertainty for Ukrainians, Iranians, and some PNP candidates
- Possible stronger government powers over temporary residents
Foreign workers and students should plan early and stay updated, as several policies may change quickly For more information and latest information regarding Canada please feel free to contact us at 0333-8888-470 or you can also email us info@asifconsulting.pk .
