Working in Canada: Work Visa and PGWP in 2026 | ImmigraCan

How the work visa works in Canada in 2026

Working in Canada requires, in the vast majority of cases, a work permit — the work visa issued by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). In 2026, the system remains split into two major branches:

• TFWP (Temporary Foreign Worker Program): requires an LMIA — an assessment of the impact on the Canadian labor market
• IMP (International Mobility Program): waives the LMIA requirement, covering categories like PGWP, spouses, intra-company transfers, and young professionals

In this guide, we focus on the two paths most used by Brazilians: the PGWP (for those who studied in Canada) and the LMIA-based work permit (for those who already have a job offer).

PGWP — Post-Graduation Work Permit

The PGWP is one of the most valuable work permits in the world. It allows you to work for any employer in Canada after completing an eligible program, and it's the most direct path for Brazilians planning to become permanent residents via the CEC (Canadian Experience Class).

Main rules in 2026

After several reforms in 2024 and 2025, the PGWP rules in 2026 are:

• Duration: from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the program
• One-time eligibility: you're only entitled to one PGWP in your lifetime
• Completed program: you must have completed a PGWP-eligible program at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
• Language: a minimum English/French level has been required since 2024
• Field of study: for college programs, the course must be in a priority field defined by IRCC (STEM, healthcare, trades, etc.)
• In-person program: online or distance-learning courses do not generate a PGWP

Who is eligible for the PGWP in 2026

You're eligible if you meet all of the following requirements:

1. Completed a program of 8+ months at an eligible DLI
2. Studied as a full-time student during every semester
3. Maintained a valid study permit throughout the program (the old policy of studying without a permit no longer applies)
4. Apply within 180 days of receiving your completion confirmation
5. Have valid status in Canada at the time of application
6. Meet the language requirements (CLB 7 for university, CLB 5 for college)

PGWP duration

| Program length | PGWP granted |
|---|---|
| 8 to 24 months | Equal to the program length |
| 2 years or more | 3 years |
| Master's degree (even if < 2 years) | 3 years |
| Doctorate | 3 years |

How to apply

1. After finishing your program, wait for the Confirmation of Program Completion from the DLI (email or letter)
2. Gather your documents: passport, study permit, official transcript, language test results
3. Apply online through the IRCC portal, paying CAD 255 (permit + open work fee)
4. Receive implied status to work full-time while your decision is pending

LMIA-based work permit

If you're not in Canada as a student, the most common path is to get a job offer from a Canadian employer along with an LMIA-based work permit.

What is an LMIA

LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is a document issued by ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) that confirms:

• The employer tried unsuccessfully to hire a Canadian/PR
• Hiring a foreign worker doesn't negatively affect the local market
• The offer meets the median minimum wage for the region and occupation

The employer pays CAD 1,000 for the LMIA and handles the process. Without an LMIA, you cannot obtain this type of work permit.

How to land an LMIA job in 2026

The market is stricter than it was in 2023-2024. Strategies that work:

• Look in priority sectors: healthcare, construction, agriculture, high-level IT
• LMIA job sites: Job Bank Canada, LinkedIn with a "will sponsor" filter
• Direct contacts: LinkedIn with recruiters in Ontario, Alberta, and BC
• Apply through provincial programs that fund LMIAs (Alberta AAIP, BC PNP Skills Immigration)

Alternatives to LMIA and PGWP

There are other work permits that don't require an LMIA:

• Intra-Company Transfers (a multinational company transfers you)
• International Experience Canada (IEC) — for young people from partner countries (Brazil is not included)
• Global Talent Stream — for tech professionals, with 2-week processing
• Spousal Open Work Permit — for the spouse of a master's/PhD student or a skilled worker
• Quebec Special Programs — like the PPTR2PRQC2026 launched in June 2026

Next steps

1. If you're still in Brazil and want to work in Canada: take the quiz to find out which path fits your profile
2. If you're already in Canada as a student: confirm your PGWP eligibility and plan your application at least 60 days before your program ends
3. If you have a job offer: check whether the employer will sponsor an LMIA and start gathering documentation

Working in Canada is possible and realistic, but it requires planning. Start with the CRS calculator to see if your profile also qualifies for direct PR via Express Entry — often faster than the work permit → PR route.

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*This content is informational and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ImmigraCan is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or IRCC. Always confirm official data at canada.ca and, for your specific case, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.*