Work Permits Update — July 23, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 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 awaiting a PR decision.
Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan increases LMIA-exempt work permit targets by ~32% (from 128,700 to 170,000 under the IMP), while cutting LMIA-based permits by ~27% (from 82,000 to 60,000 under the TFWP).
As of April 1, 2026, employers applying for a low-wage LMIA must advertise job positions for 8 consecutive weeks (up from 4 weeks) within the 3 months before submitting their application.
What You Should Do
- If you applied under the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway and are still awaiting a PR decision, verify your eligibility for the extended open work permit at canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/tr-pr-pathway/open-work-permit.html and submit your application before December 31, 2026.
- If you are an employer planning to hire a low-wage foreign worker under the TFWP, begin job advertising immediately — you must advertise for at least 8 consecutive weeks within the 3 months before submitting your LMIA application to ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada). Keep detailed records of all advertising activity.
- If you are a foreign worker or employer exploring work permit options, review LMIA-exempt pathways under the International Mobility Program (IMP) at canada.ca, as Canada has increased IMP targets to 170,000 for 2026 and processing is faster with less paperwork.
Sources
Topics Covered
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan targets 380,000 new permanent residents annually, with 230,000 temporary worker landings planned for 2026 under a rebalanced mix favouring LMIA-exempt permits.
LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Expansion: Canada's 2026-2028 plan increases LMIA-exempt IMP targets to 170,000 (up ~32%) while reducing LMIA-based TFWP targets to 60,000 (down ~27%), signaling a strategic shift away from employer-sponsored labour market testing.
LMIA Low-Wage Advertising Reform: Effective April 1, 2026, employers must advertise low-wage positions for 8 consecutive weeks (doubled from 4 weeks) before submitting a low-wage LMIA application to ESDC, aimed at prioritizing Canadian workers.
TR-to-PR Open Work Permit Extension: The open work permit for 2021 TR-to-PR pathway applicants has been extended to December 31, 2026, letting eligible applicants and family members maintain status and work for any employer.
More Work Permits Updates
Work Permits Update — July 20, 2026
Jul 20, 2026
Work Permits Update — July 16, 2026
Jul 16, 2026
Work Permits Update — July 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
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