Maple News reports that Canada is set to implement key changes to its LMIA-exempt work permit policies by 2026, reflecting a strategic shift in the country’s immigration priorities. The most notable adjustments include a significant increase in the admissions target for LMIA-exempt temporary foreign workers and a freeze on eligible study programs for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs).
According to the federal government’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, the number of work permits to be issued under the International Mobility Program (IMP) will rise to 170,000 in 2026. This represents a 32% increase from the previously projected target of 128,700. All LMIA-exempt permits fall under this program. These figures refer specifically to new temporary resident admissions and do not include permit renewals or in-country applications.
LMIA-exempt work permits allow foreign nationals to work in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment, typically because their work benefits Canadian interests or is tied to international agreements such as NAFTA or intra-company transfers.
In contrast to the expansion of the IMP, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires employers to obtain an LMIA, will see its admissions target reduced. The government has lowered the 2026 target for LMIA-based work permits to 60,000, down from an earlier projection of 82,000. This appears to signal a move toward more employer-independent and talent-focused immigration pathways.
Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that there will be no changes to the list of eligible fields of study for the PGWP in 2026. Under new criteria, foreign graduates from non-exempt programs must have studied in a field linked to a recognized labour market shortage in order to qualify for a PGWP. This policy applies to international students who submit an initial study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.
The decision to freeze the list of eligible fields reflects efforts to align post-graduate work permits with Canada’s evolving labor force demands and economic priorities. It may also impact which programs and institutions international students choose when planning their education in Canada.
Together, these developments mark a clear effort to fine-tune Canada’s immigration system in favor of targeted immigration streams, ensuring that incoming talent addresses real economic needs.
As policy adjustments continue to unfold, Maple News will provide ongoing updates to help international workers and students navigate the Canadian immigration landscape.