Work Permits Update — September 3, 2026

What You Should Do

• -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 at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/tr-pr-pathway/open-work-permit.html. You can apply up to 4 months before your current work permit expires.
• -If your current work permit is expiring soon and you qualify for the TR-to-PR open work permit extension, confirm you meet all 5 eligibility requirements (residency in Canada, PR pathway application submitted, work authorization at time of PR application, valid language test results, and valid immigration status) before submitting your application.
• -Family members of eligible TR-to-PR applicants can apply for their own open work permit at any time after the principal applicant submits their PR application — visit canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/tr-pr-pathway/open-work-permit.html to begin.
• -If you are an employer or foreign worker exploring LMIA-exempt pathways (e.g., intra-company transfers, free trade agreements such as CUSMA/CETA, or post-graduation work permits), review the updated 2026–2028 IMP targets and confirm your category eligibility before applying, as targets have increased to 170,000 slots.
• -If applying under the reciprocal employment LMIA exemption, be prepared to demonstrate that your job offer creates or maintains reciprocal work opportunities for Canadians, as IRCC is applying increased scrutiny to this requirement in 2026.
• -Never pay an employer or recruitment agent for an LMIA or a job offer — this is a scam. Report suspected fraud to the Government of Canada at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/fraud.html.