Work Permit Refusals Up 8% in 2026 — How to Protect Your Application

Canada's temporary resident rate reached 6.1% in May 2026, well above the 5% target. In response, IRCC has intensified scrutiny on work permit applications: refusal rates have increased by 8% in 12 months, with a particular focus on TEER 2-3 positions. Here's how to protect your application.

Key Figures — May 2026

Why Are Refusals Increasing?

The Canadian government adopted a policy to reduce temporary immigration to reach 5% by 2026-2027. IRCC officers are now applying stricter criteria on:

• Job offer relevance: alignment between the position and the applicant's qualifications
• Employer capacity: proof the company can pay the worker
• TEER 2-3 positions: increased scrutiny on intermediate-level roles
• LMIA applications: enhanced verification of Canadian recruitment efforts

How to Protect Your Application

For LMIA-Based Applications

The Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) faces more rigorous review. Employers must demonstrate:

• Documented Canadian recruitment efforts (minimum 4 weeks)
• Wages at or above market rate
• Precise job description matching the candidate's qualifications

For LMIA-Exempt Applications

The International Mobility Program (IMP) — CUSMA, CETA, intra-company transfers — is less affected, but officers increasingly verify that candidates strictly qualify under the exemption category claimed.

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