Work Permits Update — July 6, 2026
Monday, July 6, 2026
Canada's 2026 Immigration Levels Plan increased the admissions target for LMIA-exempt work permits (via the International Mobility Program) to 170,000 — a 32% jump from the previous notional target of 128,700.
Simultaneously, the admissions target for LMIA-based Temporary Foreign Worker Program permits was cut to 60,000, down from a notional 82,000, signaling a clear policy shift toward LMIA-exempt pathways.
No changes will be made to PGWP-eligible fields of study in 2026 — the current list of qualifying programs linked to labour market shortages remains frozen for the year.
What You Should Do
- If you hold or are applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), verify your program is on the current eligible fields of study list before enrolling or applying — no new fields are being added in 2026. Check the list at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html.
- If your employer previously relied on LMIA-based hiring (TFWP), ask them to explore LMIA-exempt pathways (e.g., intra-company transfers, CUSMA/CETA free trade agreements) given the TFWP target has been cut from 82,000 to 60,000 for 2026. Review IMP categories at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/permit/temporary/work-permit-international-mobility-program.html.
- If you are applying for an LMIA-exempt work permit in 2026, prepare for enhanced scrutiny: ensure your job offer is verified, your employer's background is documented, and your previous work experience is supported with official records before submitting your application through IRCC's online portal at ircc.canada.ca.
Sources
Topics Covered
Graduate Student PAL Exemption: The federal government confirmed no new fields of study will be added to the PGWP-eligible list in 2026, keeping the freeze on qualifying programs in place for the full year.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Expansion: Canada raised the 2026 IMP admissions target to 170,000 (up 32%) while cutting TFWP LMIA-based targets to 60,000, formally shifting hiring policy toward LMIA-exempt pathways.
More Work Permits Updates
Work Permits Update — July 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
Work Permits Update — July 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
Work Permits Update — July 9, 2026
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