Canada is accelerating work permit processing for individuals employed in crucial sectors such as healthcare and agriculture, Maple News reports. This measure, implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), targets roles designated as vital to Canada’s economy and ongoing labour shortages.
Under this initiative, applicants applying for employer-specific work permits—including Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-based permits, Francophone Mobility work permits, and International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits—may be eligible for priority processing. However, faster processing is not a separate program; it is automatically triggered for eligible applicants based on how they complete their application.
Two main categories of occupations are currently eligible: healthcare and agri-food. Canada’s healthcare sector is struggling with workforce shortages, which has prompted the government to prioritize applications for professionals such as registered nurses, doctors, pharmacists, medical technologists, and nurse aides. These occupations fall under National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes including 31300, 31301, 31100, 31120, and others.
Similarly, several roles in the agriculture and food processing industries are also prioritized. This includes butchers, farm labourers, greenhouse workers, meat processors, and fishery plant workers. These occupations correspond with NOC codes such as 63201, 84120, 85101, and 95106, among others.
Applicants must apply for an employer-specific permit in one of the eligible occupations listed under IRCC’s current NOC-based priority scheme. When such an occupation appears in the application, IRCC flags it for faster processing without requiring an extra form or a dedicated stream.
This priority processing also aligns with Canada’s broader immigration strategy, including category-based selection draws under the Express Entry system. Many of the NOC codes being prioritized for work permits are also featured in category-based Express Entry draws, particularly in healthcare and trades, providing a potential pathway to permanent residency.
By fast-tracking work permits in high-demand areas, Canada is addressing persistent labour shortages while making it easier for skilled workers to contribute quickly to the economy. For eligible foreign workers, this initiative offers a valuable opportunity to enter the Canadian labour market more efficiently.
For the most up-to-date information on this policy and how it interacts with Canada’s other immigration pathways, workers and employers should consult official IRCC resources—or stay tuned to Maple News for ongoing coverage.