Significant Changes Affecting International Students and Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada

The Canadian government has announced upcoming changes that will have a significant impact on international students and temporary foreign workers in the country. With the unveiling of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan and Budget 2025, a clearer picture of the future emerges. Here’s a glimpse of some of the key immigration updates expected in the coming months.

Updates for Temporary Foreign Workers

Accelerated Pathway to Permanent Residency

The government plans to expedite the transition of around 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027 as part of the Immigration Levels Plan. This initiative aims to support workers who have integrated into their communities, contribute to the economy, and work in high-demand sectors. While the specifics of the transition process are yet to be revealed, the focus remains on fostering a robust economy.

IRCC introduced a temporary resident to permanent resident pathway in 2021, which quickly reached its capacity. The department has increasingly emphasized inviting candidates with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. Notably, 64% of candidates invited in 2024 had prior Canadian work experience.

Tightened Eligibility for the TFWP

In September 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney hinted at forthcoming changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), emphasizing a targeted approach towards specific sectors and regions. The government had previously paused the processing of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in regions with certain characteristics, affecting TFWP work permits.