🍁 Canada’s LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Changes 2026
📊 2026 Key Data Overview
2026 International Mobility Program (IMP) admissions target – A 32% increase from last year’s planned 128,700
2026 Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) admissions target – Reduced from earlier planned 82,000
Current PGWP-eligible study programs – Includes 178 programs originally slated for removal but now frozen until year-end
🔄 Key Policy Changes Explained
📈 International Mobility Program (IMP) Quota Increase
2026 IMP work permit admissions target set at 170,000, a 32% increase from last year’s planned 128,700.
Meanwhile, Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) quota reduced to 60,000, indicating a policy shift toward LMIA-exempt work permits.
🎓 PGWP-Eligible Program List Freeze
IRCC announced on January 15, 2026 that no changes will be made to the PGWP-eligible program list throughout 2026.
This means 178 programs originally scheduled for removal in early 2026 will remain eligible, providing certainty for international students.
🏛️ Provincial Nominee Work Permit Policy Status
The public policy allowing provincial nominee candidates to receive special work permits expired on December 31, 2025.
Manitoba and Yukon had established programs under this policy, but IRCC has not announced any extension.
🌍 Special Public Policy Status
🇺🇦 Ukraine CUAET Policy
Policy Name: “Temporary public policy to facilitate continued access to open work permits and study permits for foreign nationals in Canada who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel measures – Extension”
Expiry Date: March 31, 2026
Coverage: Ukrainians and their family members who arrived in Canada on or before March 31, 2024 and were granted temporary resident status through CUAET
Current Status: Expiring Soon IRCC has not announced an extension
🇮🇷 Iran Temporary Resident Policy
Policy Name: “Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents”
Expiry Date: February 28, 2026
Coverage: Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025
Current Status: Expiring Soon Federal government has not announced an extension
⚖️ Legislative Reform: Bill C-12
Bill C-12 Progress
Full Name: “An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of Canada’s borders and the integrity of the Canadian immigration system and respecting other related security measures”
📅 Legislative Timeline
Passed Third Reading in House of Commons
Bill completed third reading procedures in the House of Commons and passed
Senate Resumes Consideration
Senate will continue consideration of C-12 after resuming sitting on February 3
🔧 Proposed Executive Powers
If C-12 becomes law, the federal government (through the Governor in Council) would gain broad executive powers:
- Cease accepting, pause, or terminate processing of work permit applications
- Vary, cancel, or suspend immigration documents
- Impose conditions on temporary residents
These powers can only be exercised in situations involving “administrative errors, fraud, public health, public safety, or national security.”
Legislative Outlook: Since it’s quite rare in Canadian politics for bills passed by the House of Commons to be voted down by the Senate, Bill C-12 is likely to become law. The bill needs to pass three readings in the Senate and receive royal assent to become official law.
🐟 New Sector-Specific Work Permit Development
Agriculture and Fish Processing Work Permit
According to IRCC’s 2025–2026 Departmental Plan, the immigration department is working with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to develop a new work permit category specifically for agriculture and fish processing sectors.
Current Status: Under development
Launch Date: Not yet announced
Eligibility Criteria: Not yet announced
This reflects targeted measures by the Canadian government to address specific sectoral labor needs, expected to provide more convenient recruitment and work pathways for employers and workers in these industries.
📅 Key Dates & Deadlines
| Policy/Program | Key Date | Status | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGWP Program List Freeze | Announced Jan 15, 2026, effective all year | Implemented | Provides certainty for international students; 178 programs remain eligible |
| Provincial Nominee Work Permits | Expired Dec 31, 2025 | Expired | Affects Manitoba and Yukon nominee program work permit pathways |
| Iran Temporary Policy | Expires Feb 28, 2026 | Expiring Soon | Affects work and study permit applications for Iranian nationals |
| Ukraine CUAET Policy | Expires Mar 31, 2026 | Expiring Soon | Affects work permit extensions for Ukrainians and family members |
| C-12 Bill Senate Consideration | Resumes Feb 3, 2026 | In Progress | Could grant government broad executive powers over temporary residents |
| CIP System Update | Expected late 2027/early 2028 | Under Development | Will affect future PGWP program classification and eligibility assessment |
✅ Action Steps & Recommendations
Recommendations for Different Groups
International Students
- Verify if your study program is on the PGWP-eligible list (1,107 programs)
- Note that bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates are exempt from field of study requirements
- Plan PGWP application timing for 2026 and beyond
Work Permit Holders
- Ukraine & Iran policy beneficiaries: Prepare alternative pathways
- Monitor C-12 bill progress and understand potential new powers
- Consider permanent residence pathways like provincial nomination
Employers
- Utilize increased IMP quota to recruit international talent
- Agriculture & fish processing: Watch for upcoming sector-specific work permits
- Prepare for reduced TFWP quota by exploring IMP pathways
📞 Official Resources & Contact Information
IRCC Official Website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html
PGWP-Eligible Program List Check: Consult IRCC website for the 1,107 eligible programs
Policy Update Tracking: Regularly check IRCC website announcements, especially around 2026 key dates
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