Canada Doubles Low-Wage TFWP Work Permit Duration in 2026
Introduction: Canada Announces Major Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program Canada has announced an important change to its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), providing greater flexibility for employers hiring foreign workers under the Low-Wage Stream. Effective November 6, 2026, the Canadian government has increased the maximum duration of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) under the Low-Wage Stream from one year to up to two years. This development is significant for Canadian employers experiencing labour shortages and temporary foreign workers seeking greater employment stability. The previous one-year maximum, introduced in September 2024, required employers to arrange renewals more frequently. The new two-year maximum is intended to improve predictability and reduce administrative requirements for businesses. The announcement was made by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on November 6, 2026, as part of broader efforts to make the Temporary ...