Big Shifts Ahead for LMIA-Exempt Work Permits in 2026: What Workers and Students Should Watch Closely

By Vikrant Singh, January 27, 2026

Canada’s immigration landscape is gearing up for a pivotal year. In 2026, LMIA-exempt work permits are set to undergo significant changes, affecting foreign workers, international graduates, provincial nominee candidates, and special public-policy groups. From higher admissions targets to frozen study fields and expiring emergency measures, the year ahead could reshape who can work in Canada—and how.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s coming and why it matters.

Admissions Target Boost for LMIA-Exempt Workers

The federal government has significantly increased the number of foreign workers it plans to admit through LMIA-exempt pathways.

Under the latest Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has set a 2026 admissions target of 170,000 for work permits issued through the International Mobility Program (IMP). This represents a 32% increase from last year’s notional target of 128,700.

All LMIA-exempt work permits—including post-graduation and open work permits—are issued through the IMP.

It is important to note that this figure reflects net new temporary resident admissions only. It does not include work permit renewals or permits issued to foreign nationals already inside Canada.

At the same time, the government has reduced reliance on employer-driven permits. Admissions under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) have been lowered to 60,000 for 2026, down from a previously planned 82,000.

PGWP-Eligible Fields of Study Frozen for 2026

International students can expect stability—but no expansion—when it comes to post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) this year.

The federal government confirmed that no changes will be made to PGWP-eligible fields of study in 2026.

Under current rules, graduates from non-exempt programs must complete a course of study linked to a recognized labour market shortage to qualify for a PGWP. These requirements apply to students who submitted their initial study permit application on or after November 1, 2024.

Graduates of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs remain exempt from field-of-study restrictions.

There are currently 1,107 eligible programs on the PGWP list. In June 2025, the government added 119 programs and removed 178—only to reverse course weeks later and delay removals until early 2026. Under a new freeze announced on January 15, 2026, those 178 programs will now remain eligible for the entire year.

The freeze comes as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) works toward a major overhaul of the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) system. The current CIP 2021 framework will eventually be replaced by CIP Canada 2027, expected to be released in late 2027 or early 2028.

Uncertainty for Provincial Nominee Work Permits

A temporary public policy allowing provincial nominee candidates to obtain special work permits was set to expire on December 31, 2025.

Under this policy, provinces such as Manitoba and Yukon established pathways allowing nominee candidates to receive work permits valid for up to two years, provided they had valid status, a supporting employer, and a letter of support from the province or territory.

As of its last update in June 2026, IRCC still lists the policy as expiring at the end of 2025, with no confirmation of an extension. The lack of clarity leaves many provincial nominees uncertain about their ability to remain and work in Canada while awaiting permanent residence.

Special Measures for Ukrainians Near Expiry

Thousands of Ukrainians and their family members currently working in Canada under emergency measures face an uncertain future.

The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) extension policy is scheduled to expire on March 31, 2026. It allows eligible Ukrainians who arrived by March 31, 2024, to access open work permits and study permits.

IRCC has not announced whether this policy will be renewed. If it expires, affected individuals with expiring permits will need to seek alternative immigration or temporary resident pathways to stay in Canada.

Iranian Nationals’ Work Permit Policy Ending Soon

Another time-limited public policy is approaching its deadline.

The temporary public policy for Iranian nationals in Canada is set to expire on February 28, 2026. Under the policy, Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025 can access work and study permits.

As with other emergency measures, the government has not yet confirmed whether an extension will be granted.

Sweeping Legislative Changes on the Horizon

Beyond policy tweaks, a major legislative shift may be coming.

Bill C-12, a wide-ranging immigration and border security bill, is currently before the Senate. If enacted, it would grant the federal cabinet—acting through the Governor in Council—broad powers over temporary resident applications.

These proposed powers include the authority to:

• Pause or stop processing work permit applications

• Cancel, suspend, or impose conditions on immigration documents

• Terminate applications in the public interest

The bill defines the public interest to include concerns such as fraud, public health, public safety, administrative errors, and national security.

C-12 passed its third reading in the House of Commons in December 2025 and is widely expected to become law once Senate review resumes in February 2026.

New Sector-Specific Work Permit in Development

Looking ahead, IRCC is also working with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on a new sector-specific work permit for agriculture and fish processing.

While no launch date or eligibility criteria have been announced, the initiative signals a move toward more targeted labour solutions in critical industries.

The Bottom Line

For LMIA-exempt work permit holders and hopeful applicants, 2026 will be a year of opportunity mixed with uncertainty. Higher admissions targets signal continued demand for global talent, but expiring public policies, frozen PGWP rules, and powerful legislative reforms could significantly alter the playing field.

Foreign workers, students, and employers alike will need to stay alert as Canada’s temporary immigration system enters a defining year.

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