Work Permits Update — August 27, 2026

What You Should Do

• -If you are a low-wage employer hiring temporary foreign workers, review the two new LMIA rule changes that took effect in August 2026 by visiting the ESDC Temporary Foreign Worker Program page at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers to ensure your practices are compliant.
• -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. If your current work permit is still valid, you can apply up to 4 months before it expires.
• -If you are an employer planning to submit a high-wage or low-wage LMIA, factor in average processing times of 88 and 73 business days respectively (as of July 2026) when planning your hiring timeline. Check updated monthly processing times at canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/labour-market-impact-assessment-processing-times.html.
• -If you are submitting an LMIA application for 6 or more positions, watch for an invitation email from Service Canada to participate in the online banking pilot for LMIA fee payments — do not send payment until you receive the second email with payment instructions.