Major Updates That Will Impact Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada 2026–2028

Canada's immigration system is entering a period of significant transition. If you're a temporary foreign worker (TFW) in Canada right now or planning to come through an employer, these changes are essential to understand. They could shape your pathway to permanent residency (PR), your job opportunities, and your long-term future in the country.

1. A New Accelerated TR-to-PR Pathway 2026 for Up to 33,000 Workers

One of the most anticipated developments in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan is a special initiative to transition up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027.

Although IRCC has not yet released full program details, what we do know is promising:

• It will target workers already in Canada with valid work permits (closed or open).
• Candidates with deep community ties, Canadian work experience, and consistent tax contributions will be prioritized.
• Occupations in critical, in-demand sectors (TEER 0, 1, 2, 3) will receive special focus.

This aligns with Canada's growing emphasis on retaining workers who contribute to the economy today. In fact, the latest Express Entry Year-End Report confirms that 64% of 2024 invitations went to candidates with one year or more of Canadian work experience.

2. Expansion of Sector-Specific PR Pathways and Work Permits 2026–2028

Canada is now intentionally aligning immigration with sector-based labour shortages. This means more targeted permanent residency pathways and specialized work permit streams for priority industries.

PR Pathway for H1-B Visa Holders (Tech Talent Stream 2026)

A fast-track PR route for tech and STEM professionals from the U.S., especially those in healthcare, research, AI, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.

PR Pathway for Undocumented Construction Workers (Up to 6,000 Spots)

IRCC will regularize and grant permanent residency to out-of-status construction workers who are already contributing to Canada's housing and infrastructure crisis.

New Agriculture & Fish Processing PR Pathway + Dedicated Work Permits

A brand-new permanent residency stream and seasonal work permit options for farm workers, greenhouse workers, and fish plant employees.

Home Care Worker Pilot Reopening in 2026 (Caregivers PR Pathway)

The extremely popular Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots will reopen with improved rules and faster processing.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws Continue

IRCC continues to prioritize Healthcare, STEM, Skilled Trades, Transport, Agriculture, and French-language proficiency through ongoing category-based draws, giving TFWs with Canadian experience a considerable advantage.

Workers with existing Canadian work experience naturally become top candidates for all these streams due to their established roots and proven contributions.

3. Tightened LMIA Rules & TFWP Restrictions Starting 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) must become more targeted and controlled, focusing only on regions and sectors with genuine labour shortages.

Key restrictions coming:

• Pause on new LMIA applications in regions with unemployment above 6%
• Stricter LMIA requirements and higher refusal rates for employers
• TFWP admissions dropping from 82,000 to just 60,000 in 2026 (low-wage and high-wage streams both affected)

This means getting a new closed work permit through LMIA will be much harder starting in 2026, especially in provinces like Ontario, BC, and Alberta, where unemployment is rising.

What This Means for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada Right Now?

The immigration landscape is evolving, but for many TFWs, 2026–2028 is shaping up to be the best window in years to get PR.

If you are a temporary foreign worker in Canada in 2025–2026, these updates may become your fastest and easiest bridge from work permit to permanent residency.

Stay updated as new program details are expected to be released by early 2026.