Work Permits Update — August 31, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you applied under the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway and are still awaiting a PR decision, check your eligibility for the open work permit extension at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/tr-pr-pathway/open-work-permit.html — the deadline to apply is December 31, 2026.
• -If your current work permit expires within 4 months, apply now for the TR-to-PR open work permit extension before the December 31, 2026 deadline. Family members in Canada can also apply — submit through your IRCC online account.
• -If you are applying for an LMIA-exempt work permit under the C10 'significant benefit' exemption, prepare detailed written evidence showing measurable, large-scale employment or training opportunities for Canadians — vague or employer-benefit-only claims will be rejected under the February 24, 2026 updated officer instructions.
• -Employers planning to hire under the high-wage or permanent resident LMIA streams should submit applications at least 88–90 business days before the intended start date, based on July 2026 processing times published at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/labour-market-impact-assessment-processing-times.html.
• -Employers needing fast LMIA processing should check eligibility for the Global Talent Stream (currently 10 business days) or the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (8 business days) at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers.html.