Work Permits Update — July 30, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you are an employer seeking to hire a low-wage foreign worker, verify whether your city is currently eligible for low-wage LMIA processing by checking the updated CMA list at canada.ca (Employment and Social Development Canada). The current list is effective July 10 – October 9, 2026. The next quarterly update takes effect October 10, 2026.
• -If you applied under the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway and are still awaiting a PR decision, apply for an open work permit before December 31, 2026 via your IRCC secure account at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/tr-pr-pathway/open-work-permit.html to maintain your right to work for any employer.
• -If you are a foreign worker or employer planning to use the International Mobility Program (LMIA-exempt), review the updated 2026 admissions target (170,000) and confirm your category (e.g., intra-company transfer, PGWP, free trade agreement) is still eligible. Note that eligible fields of study for PGWPs are frozen for 2026 — check the current list at canada.ca before enrolling or advising students.
• -If you are in Saskatoon, Red Deer, Kamloops, or Chilliwack and were planning a low-wage LMIA application, note that these regions are now on the processing freeze until at least October 9, 2026. Do not submit a low-wage LMIA for these regions until the October 10 quarterly update. Monitor the ESDC processing times page at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/labour-market-impact-assessment-processing-times.html for updates.