Canada Sets 2026 Target for 230,000 Temporary Foreign Workers

The Government of Canada plans to admit up to 230,000 temporary foreign workers in 2026. According to the annual immigration levels plan, this target comprises 60,000 workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and 170,000 through the International Mobility Program.

To facilitate these goals, Employment and Social Development Canada updated program requirements on August 18, 2026. The new rules allow employers with multiple small work locations to calculate low-wage hiring limits based on individual sites instead of their total nationwide workforce. Under this framework, employers with locations of fewer than 10 employees may hire one low-wage worker, while those operating in in-demand sectors—including healthcare, construction, and food production—can hire up to two.

Despite these adjustments, the government maintains strict oversight. Employers must still obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment to prove that no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the roles. Additionally, hiring restrictions remain in place for urban areas where unemployment exceeds 6%.