Work Permits Update — August 24, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you are an employer hiring through the High-wage or Low-wage LMIA streams, plan for processing times of 88 and 73 business days respectively (as of July 2026). Submit your LMIA application via LMIA Online at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers as early as possible to avoid gaps in employment.
• -If you applied for PR under the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway and are still awaiting a 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. You can apply up to 4 months before your current work permit expires, and the deadline to apply is December 31, 2026.
• -If you are a spouse of a foreign worker or international student currently holding a spousal open work permit (SOWP), monitor IRCC's website at canada.ca for upcoming eligibility changes announced in the 2025-2026 Departmental Plan, as requirements are expected to change within the plan year.
• -If you are an employer in the Global Talent Stream, note the current average processing time is just 10 business days — consider this stream if you need faster hiring outcomes compared to other LMIA streams.