In 2026, Canada has presented significant changes to the work permit exemptions of LMIA, which will affect both foreign workers and employers. The primary impact of these changes on the International Mobility Program (IMP) is the evident shift towards the pathways that are not LMIA-based and work permits based on LMIA.
These new rules and targets should be known in case you are intending to work in Canada without an LMIA.
Canada Increasing LMIA-Exempt Work Permit Targets
Among the most significant developments in 2026, there will be the rise in the amount of LMIA-exempt work permit.
Old Immigration Plan (2025–2027)
- International Mobility Program (IMP): 128,700 in 2026
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): 82,000
- Total workers: 210,700
New Immigration Plan (2026–2028)
- International Mobility Program (IMP): 170,000
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): 60,000
- Total workers: 230,000
The new 170,000 LMIA-exempt permits target is approximately 32 per cent more than the former and LMIA-based permits have been cut by approximately 27 per cent.
This is a clear indication that Canada is focusing on the LMIA-exempt work permits in 2026.
Canada Prioritizing LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
The International Mobility Program is the issuer of LMIA-exempt work permits; it permits foreign workers to perform their duties in Canada without undergoing testing in the labour market.
Canadian government is paying more attention to LMIA-exempt programs as they:
- Are faster to process
- Reduce employer paperwork
- Support economic growth
- Assist employers to get talented employees more quickly.
New Rules for Reciprocal Employment Work Permits
Canada has revised the LMIA-exempt work permit regulations in two-way employment.
Under the new rules:
- The officers should ensure that there are two-way employment opportunities.
- Reciprocity rules have extended to permanent residents.
- The workers shall be required to have the entry requirements.
- The employers should adhere to the program guidelines.
- These revisions streamline and open the LMIA-exempt work permits.
LMIA-Based Work Permits Are Being Reduced
In the process of granting LMIA-exempt permits, work permits on LMIA basis are on the decline.
The Temp Foreign Worker Program quota has been reduced to:
- 82,000 to 60,000 in 2026
This reduction means employers may need to rely more on LMIA-exempt pathways.
What LMIA-Exempt Work Permits Mean
The LMIA-exempt work permit enables foreign workers to operate in Canada without Labour Market Impact Assessment.
Under normal circumstances, employers should demonstrate that there is no Canadian worker who is available before they hire a foreign worker. LMIA-exempt permits do away with this.
- Popular LMIA-exempt groups consist of:
- International agreements
- Intra-company transfers
- Reciprocal employment
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What These Changes Mean for Foreign Workers
Foreign employees can enjoy:
- Additional opportunities (LMIA-exempt).
- Reduced time to complete work permit.
- Better chances of approval
- More employer options
Nevertheless, the applicants have to pass the eligibility and documentation tests.
What These Changes Mean for Employers
LMIA-exempt programs ought to be considered by employers in Canada due to the following reasons:
- LMIA approvals can become more difficult.
- Permits based on LMIA are being minimized.
- Permits exempt from LMIA are on the rise.
The faster employers who are aware of LMIA-exempt options can hire foreign workers.
Conclusion
The change in Canada LMIA-exempt work permit in 2026 is a significant alteration in the immigration policy. Canada is raising the LMIA-exempt work permit targets and cutting back on LMIA-based permits.
The employers and foreign workers who are aware of these changes early will stand higher chances of succeeding in the changing Canadian immigration system.