Work Permits Update — April 27, 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026
Canada's 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan increased the LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program (IMP) target to 170,000 admissions — a 32% increase over the previous plan — while cutting the LMIA-based Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) target to 60,000, a 27% reduction.
Effective April 1, 2026, IRCC introduced stricter LMIA recruitment requirements for employers, including extended recruitment efforts and targeted outreach to youth groups before a foreign worker can be hired through the TFWP.
A new temporary public policy effective April 21, 2026 facilitates work permits for prospective permanent residence candidates in Quebec.
What You Should Do
- If you are a foreign worker or employer exploring work permit options, review the full list of LMIA-exempt categories under the International Mobility Program at canada.ca/international-mobility-program to determine if you qualify — this route is now significantly faster and cheaper than the LMIA-based TFWP.
- If you are a Canadian employer planning to hire through the TFWP, be aware that as of April 1, 2026, you must demonstrate extended recruitment efforts and targeted outreach to youth groups before submitting an LMIA application. Update your recruitment documentation practices now to meet these new requirements.
- If you are a prospective PR candidate in Quebec, review the April 21, 2026 temporary public policy on open work permits for Quebec PR candidates at canada.ca/public-policies to check if you are eligible to apply for a work permit under this measure.
Sources
Topics Covered
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan raised the IMP target to 170,000 (up 32%) while cutting TFWP to 60,000 (down 27%), creating a clear policy preference for LMIA-exempt pathways over traditional LMIA-based hiring.
More Work Permits Updates
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Jun 11, 2026
Work Permits Update — June 8, 2026
Jun 8, 2026
Work Permits Update — June 4, 2026
Jun 4, 2026
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