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2024 Canadian Immigration Policy Review — Changes to LMIA-Exempt Work Permits

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is an official document that Canadian employers usually need to obtain before hiring foreign workers. This document is issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and is used to assess whether hiring foreign workers will have a positive or neutral impact on Canada’s labor market. Once a Canadian employer obtains an LMIA, the recruited worker who has not yet started their employment can apply for a work permit. After receiving the work permit, the worker can begin their job in Canada.

In certain special circumstances, foreign workers can obtain a work permit in Canada without an LMIA.

Overview of Policy Changes

PolicySummary of changeEffective date for the change(s)
Removal of eligibility for SOWPs for spouses of some studentsSpouses of students in college programs and university bachelor’s programs no longer eligible for SOWPs.March 19, 2024
New work permit for PNP nominee candidates  (Temporary Public Policy)Some PNP candidates can apply for open work permitsAugust 11, 2024
Updated instructions regarding ICTs under the IMPStricter criteria for multinational qualifications and expertiseOctober 3, 2024
Extension of TR to PR Pathway (Temporary Public Policy)Open work permits for TR to PR applicants extendedDecember 17, 2024
Ban on FlagpolingTemporary residents within Canada can no longer obtain same-day service for immigration applications at ports of entry.December 23, 2024

Restrictions on Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)

Effective March 19, 2024, spouses of college and undergraduate students are no longer eligible for SOWPs. Only spouses of master’s and Ph.D. students retain eligibility. Additionally, undergraduate students in certain professional programs, such as medicine, engineering, and education, may still apply for SOWPs. This policy tightening poses challenges for the employment and financial support of international student families.

Eligible undergraduate programs for SOWP applications include:

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
  • Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
  • Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng., BE, BASc)

On September 18, 2024, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans to further restrict SOWP eligibility. Miller stated that spouses of master’s students would only qualify for SOWPs if the master’s program lasts at least 16 months. Additionally, he noted that spouses of work permit holders would only be eligible if the primary applicant’s job is in a skilled or labor-shortage profession, providing examples such as:

  • Executives
  • Scientists
  • Engineers
  • Lawyers
  • Professors
  • Technicians
  • Healthcare practitioners
  • Construction workers

Miller emphasized that these changes are expected to take effect in 2024, though they have not yet been implemented.

Relaxation of PNP Nominee Work Permits (Temporary Public Policy)

On August 11, 2024, Canada allowed certain Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for open work permits, enabling them to work legally while waiting for their immigration application results. To qualify, foreign nationals must meet the following conditions:

  1. Provide a support letter from their province or territory indicating they are PNP nominees;
  2. Present a current employment offer letter;
  3. Fulfill one of the following three scenarios:
    • Hold a valid work permit and have applied for a new work permit.
    • Held a valid work permit on May 7, 2024, that has since expired and have applied for both a new work permit and an extension of their temporary resident status or restoration of status.
    • Were authorized to work in Canada on May 7, 2024, with a pending or approved extension application, and have since applied for a new work permit and temporary resident status extension.

This temporary public policy, implemented to allow PNP candidates to continue working legally in Canada, has been adopted by provinces such as Alberta, Manitoba, and Yukon. However, it expired on December 31, 2024.

Updates to Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Policies

On October 3, 2024, IRCC updated its guidelines for obtaining work permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for Intra-Company Transferees (ICT).

The changes strengthen the criteria for foreign nationals to qualify for ICT work permits, including:

  1. Guidance for visa officers to ensure foreign businesses meet the qualifications of a multinational company (MNC).
  2. Clarification of the definition of “specialized knowledge” and criteria for assessing whether applicants possess such expertise or if the role requires it.

The updated guidelines stress that the ICT program is not meant to be used “as a means to transfer an enterprise’s general work force to affiliated entities in Canada.”

Extension of TR to PR Pathway (Temporary Public Policy)

On December 17, 2024, IRCC extended a temporary public policy allowing applicants under the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway (TR to PR Pathway) to obtain open work permits.

This extension applies to foreign nationals with applications still being processed under the TR to PR Pathway. Eligible individuals whose current work permits are set to expire within four months may apply for an open work permit, subject to additional requirements. Family members may also be eligible for open work permits.

The temporary public policy has been extended until December 31, 2026, but IRCC reserves the right to revoke it at any time.

Ban on Flagpoling

Flagpoling refers to the practice where temporary residents leave Canada and immediately re-enter at the border to expedite the processing of immigration applications, such as work permits or renewals.

On December 17, 2024, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a ban on this practice, effective December 23, 2024. Before the ban, flagpoling was a legitimate and commonly used method by foreign nationals in Canada.

Exceptions to the ban include:

  1. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents;
  2. Professionals and technicians covered under free trade agreements with the U.S., Mexico, Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea;
  3. Spouses of such professionals and technicians under agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea;
  4. International truck drivers holding work permits who leave Canada for work purposes and have applied for renewals prior to departure while maintaining their status;
  5. Individuals with appointments scheduled with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Foreign nationals not covered by these exceptions must apply within Canada and wait for processing.

Additionally, as of June 21, 2024, IRCC had already banned flagpoling for post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applicants.

曼尼托巴省向超过900名技术工人发出省提名邀请
Manitoba Issues Provincial Nomination Invitations to Over 900 Skilled Workers
Manitoba's immigration department issued application invitations to 911 skilled worker candidates this week through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). This draw covered both the Skilled Worker in Manitoba stream and the Skilled Worker Overseas stream, with candidates primarily qualifying through strategic recruitment initiatives and temporary work permit facilitation policies. Notably, over 90% of the invitations were issued to applicants who benefited from the federal temporary work permit policy.
09/23/2025
美国H1-B签证费用大幅上涨,加拿大工作许可成热门替代选择
H1-B Visa Fees Surge Dramatically in the US, Canada Work Permits Emerge as Popular Alternative
With US H1-B visa application fees skyrocketing to $100,000, an increasing number of international tech professionals are turning their attention to Canada. This article provides a detailed analysis of Canada's main work permit and immigration pathways, offering comprehensive guidance for professionals seeking to develop their careers in North America.
09/22/2025
阿尔伯塔省九月上旬密集抽选,发放逾1300份省提名邀请
Alberta Issues Over 1,300 Provincial Nomination Invitations in Early September Draws
In early September 2025, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a series of seven immigration draws, issuing a total of 1,376 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates. These draws primarily targeted applicants in the Alberta Express Entry stream and the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway, focusing on inviting candidates with Alberta job offers who can help fill labor gaps in high-demand sectors. The number of invitations issued in the first half of September alone has already surpassed that of any other single month in 2025, indicating that the province is accelerating its efforts to meet its economic development needs.
09/20/2025
加拿大快速通道2025年首次技工类抽签,邀请分数线大幅上涨
Canada Holds First Express Entry Draw of 2025 for Trade Occupations, CRS Score Rises Sharply
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the year for trade occupations on September 18, 2025. A total of 1,250 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). However, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score soared to 505, significantly higher than the previous draw for this category. The primary reason for the score increase is the long interval between draws, which led to an accumulation of high-scoring candidates. Additionally, internal documents suggest IRCC plans to issue more invitations to trade candidates in the second half of the year.
09/19/2025
加拿大快速通道进行教育类专项邀请,最低分数线降至462分
Canada Conducts Express Entry Draw for Education Professionals, CRS Cut-off Score Drops to 462
On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second-ever Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the "education" category. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462. Compared to the inaugural draw for this category, this round featured a significantly lower cut-off score and a larger number of invitations, reflecting the flexibility and strategic focus of Canada's immigration policy on attracting professionals from specific fields.
09/18/2025
艾伯塔省省提名配额上调 2025年可提名人数增至6,403人
Alberta's Provincial Nomination Allocation for 2025 Raised to 6,403
The Canadian federal government has recently approved an increase to the 2025 allocation for the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). The province's nomination spots have been raised from the previously set 4,875 to 6,403, a net increase of 1,528. This adjustment comes after the federal government had drastically reduced overall PNP immigration targets in response to pressures such as housing shortages. The increased allocation is viewed as a positive response to lobbying by provinces to meet local labour demands, and it is anticipated that the new spots will be prioritized to support key industries and regional economic development. In addition to Alberta, several other Canadian provinces and territories have also received increased allocations.
09/17/2025
加拿大快速通道进行新一轮抽签,重点邀请省提名项目候选人
Canada Holds New Express Entry Draw, Prioritizing Provincial Nominee Program Candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its latest Express Entry draw on September 15, 2025. This draw specifically targeted candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issuing 228 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 746. Data shows that the PNP continues to be the dominant category for Express Entry draws in 2025.
09/16/2025
纽芬兰和拉布拉多省最新移民抽签:通过省提名及大西洋计划邀请逾350名候选人
Newfoundland and Labrador's Latest Immigration Draw Invites Over 350 Candidates Through PNP and AIP
On September 12, 2025, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its ninth provincial immigration draw of the year. A total of 353 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through two key pathways: the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Notably, the number of AIP invitations in this round reached a new high for 2025, underscoring the province's ongoing efforts and strategic focus on attracting new immigrants.
09/15/2025
爱德华王子岛公布2025年下半年移民抽选计划,配额减半后优先特定行业
Prince Edward Island Releases Second Half of 2025 Immigration Draw Schedule, Prioritizes Key Sectors Amid Halved Quotas
Prince Edward Island's Office of Immigration has released its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw schedule for the remainder of 2025, providing clear timelines for potential applicants. However, against the backdrop of a 50% cut to its annual nomination allocation, the province has shifted its strategy to prioritize skilled workers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and manufacturing. Consequently, individuals in sales and service occupations may face diminished prospects. Meanwhile, the successful efforts of other Canadian provinces to secure additional allocations could influence PEI's future immigration policy.
09/14/2025
魁北克技术移民项目发出新一轮邀请,逾200名候选人获邀
Quebec Issues New Round of Invitations Under Skilled Worker Program, Over 200 Candidates Invited
On August 28, 2025, Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 231 invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ). This round of invitations primarily targeted two specific categories of candidates: highly skilled individuals with work experience outside of regulated professions and those with exceptional talent. The draw takes place against the backdrop of comprehensive immigration policy reforms being developed by the province, highlighting Quebec's current preference for applicants who are already in the province and possess advanced education and specialized skills.
09/12/2025
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