Work Permits Update — October 5, 2026
Monday, October 5, 2026
The open work permit deadline for TR-to-PR pathway applicants (who applied in 2021) has been extended to December 31, 2026, allowing eligible applicants to continue working for any employer while their PR application is processed.
As of December 31, 2025, there were 1.46 million foreign nationals in Canada holding work permits, spanning both employer-specific and open permit categories under the TFWP and IMP.
Beginning July 10, 2026, low-wage LMIA applications can again be processed in 8 Canadian regions (including Halifax, Winnipeg, and Regina) based on updated regional unemployment rates, while restrictions remain in place for 26 Census Metropolitan Areas until at least October 9, 2026.
What You Should Do
- If you applied under the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway and are still awaiting a PR decision, confirm your eligibility for the open work permit extension and apply before December 31, 2026 at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/tr-pr-pathway/open-work-permit.html.
- Employers seeking to hire low-wage foreign workers: check whether your Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is among the 8 newly reopened regions or the 26 still restricted before submitting an LMIA application. Verify the current regional list at canada.ca or the ESDC website before proceeding — restrictions in 26 CMAs remain until at least October 9, 2026.
- Foreign workers on employer-specific work permits: review your permit category (TFWP vs. IMP) using the IRCC Deputy Minister Transition Binder overview at canada.ca to understand whether you qualify for an open work permit or other IMP pathways such as Post-Graduation Work Permits or spousal open work permits.
Sources
Topics Covered
TR-to-PR Open Work Permit Extension: The open work permit for 2021 TR-to-PR pathway applicants has been extended with a new deadline of December 31, 2026, allowing eligible applicants and their family members to keep status and work for any employer.
LMIA Low-Wage Advertising Reform: As of July 10, 2026, low-wage LMIA processing has reopened in 8 Canadian regions based on regional unemployment data, while 26 CMAs remain restricted until at least October 9, 2026.
More Work Permits Updates
Work Permits Update — October 1, 2026
Oct 1, 2026
Work Permits Update — September 24, 2026
Sep 24, 2026
Work Permits Update — September 17, 2026
Sep 17, 2026
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