Canada sets criteria for permit-free academic examiners On July 31, 2026, the federal government released updated operational instructions outlining, for the first time, detailed eligibility requirements for foreign academic examiners allowed to work in Canada without a permit. The changes clarify who qualifies under this exemption and establish consistent conditions for entry and participation. The … Read more
IRCC reverses work permit instruction error Canada’s immigration department confirmed on August 6, 2026, that a recently published instruction affecting reciprocal employment work permits had been issued in error. The clarification follows guidance dated July 29, 2026, which temporarily suggested a restriction tied to workers already employed outside Canada. Officials stated that the incorrect version … Read more
Canada limits C20 work permits to current employees On July 29, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced revised instructions affecting how certain LMIA-exempt work permits are issued under the C20 exemption category. The update establishes that foreign nationals must already be employed by an overseas company to qualify for a reciprocal employment work … Read more
Canada raises low-wage TFWP thresholds across provinces New wage thresholds for Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) low-wage stream came into force on July 17, 2026, raising minimum hourly pay levels in every province and territory. The updated floors determine whether employers can apply for or renew certain work permits under federal rules. The change … Read more
Low-wage LMIA rules updated for several Canadian cities Canada began processing low-wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications in eight urban regions on July 10, 2026, following updated unemployment data. The change affects census metropolitan areas (CMAs) including Winnipeg, Halifax, and Regina. The adjustment reflects the federal government’s quarterly review of labour market conditions. Eligibility … Read more
TFWP violations rise as employer penalties double Federal inspection results released on July 9, 2026 show that 12% of employers reviewed under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) were found non-compliant during the 2025–2026 fiscal year. The findings reflect an increase from 10% recorded a year earlier. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) reported that … Read more
LMIA wait times rise for key TFWP streams Processing times for Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) increased in June 2026 for two major streams under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), according to new figures released on July 9 by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The high-wage stream rose to 79 days and the … Read more
IEC Program Allows Repeat Work Permits for 28 Countries Canada’s International Experience Canada (IEC) program permits eligible young adults from 28 partner countries to obtain work permits more than once, with each participation typically lasting between 12 and 24 months. The policy provides temporary work opportunities primarily for individuals aged 18 to 35, depending on … Read more
IRCC clarifies IEC police certificate rules Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) published updated instructions on June 17, 2026, outlining how police certificates are assessed for International Experience Canada (IEC) work permit applications. The changes define timelines and issuance requirements that were previously not explicitly detailed. The update specifies how recent a police certificate must … Read more
Canada Proposes Permanent Early Work Permits Draft regulatory amendments published on June 19, 2026, would allow asylum seekers in Canada to access work permits earlier in the claims process, before referral to the Refugee Protection Division (RPD). The proposal, released in the Canada Gazette, aims to formalize a measure that has been temporarily in place … Read more