Significant Ahead for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in 2026 Changes

Canada plans to welcome more foreign workers through LMIA-exempt work permits in 2026. The federal government raised the admissions target for these permits, which fall under the International Mobility Program. The new target stands at 170,000 workers, up from 128,700 set in the previous plan.

This target counts only new arrivals. It does not include permit renewals or workers already living in Canada. At the same time, the government lowered the target for LMIA-based permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to 60,000, down from 82,000.

No Changes to Study Fields for Graduates

International students will see stability in post-graduation work permit rules this year. The government confirmed it will not change the list of eligible fields of study for 2026.

Graduates from non-exempt programs must still complete studies tied to labor shortages to qualify. This rule applies to students who applied for study permits on or after November 1, 2024. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates remain exempt.

The department uses the list in place when students first apply for their study permits. At present, the list includes 1,107 programs. Earlier plans to remove 178 programs will no longer move forward this year.

The freeze allows time to update the system that classifies study programs. Statistics Canada plans to release the new classification version in 2027 or 2028.

Uncertainty for Provincial Nominee Workers

A temporary policy that allows provincial nominee candidates to receive special work permits reached its planned end on December 31, 2025. Manitoba and Yukon created pathways under this policy, offering permits valid for up to two years.

Applicants must hold valid work status and provide employer and provincial support letters. As of June 17, 2026, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada still lists the policy as expired. Officials have not shared plans for an extension.

Special Policies Near Expiry

Thousands of Ukrainians and their family members still rely on the CUAET policy. The “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” ends on March 31, 2026. Without renewal, permit holders must seek other ways to stay in Canada.

A similar policy for Iranian nationals will expire on February 28, 2026. The government has not announced next steps for either group.

New Law Could Reshape Work Permits

Parliament continues to review Bill C-12, which could give the federal cabinet broader powers over temporary residents. The bill allows officials to pause, stop, or cancel work permit processing in cases involving fraud, health risks, or national security.

The House of Commons passed the bill in December 2025. The Senate will review it after returning in February 2026. Lawmakers rarely reject bills at this stage.

New Permit for Farm and Fish Workers

The immigration department has begun work on a new permit for agriculture and fish processing workers. Officials have not shared launch dates or eligibility details.