230,000 Foreign Workers in 2026, Including Nigerians, Under Its Immigration Levels Plan, As the Federal Government Eases Rules in Canada

The total comprises 60,000 workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and 170,000 through the International Mobility Program (IMP), according to Canada's 2026 immigration levels plan. Under existing rules, employers generally cannot have more than 10 per cent of their workforce made up of low-wage temporary foreign workers. The limit rises to 20 per cent for employers in certain in-demand sectors, including healthcare, construction and food production.

However, an update published by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) on August 18, 2026, allows employers with fewer than 10 employees at individual work locations to use the number of workers at each location when calculating their workforce cap. Under the revised calculation, eligible employers can hire one low-wage temporary foreign worker per work location where the 10 per cent cap applies, and up to two workers per location where the 20 per cent cap applies to eligible in-demand sectors. Previously, the alternative calculation was generally based on employers having fewer than 10 employees across their entire workforce.

The change could benefit businesses that operate several smaller locations and previously had limited access to foreign workers under the low-wage stream. The programme is employer-driven, meaning foreign workers cannot apply directly for a TFWP work permit without a Canadian employer first taking the necessary steps. Employers seeking to hire through the TFWP must generally obtain a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from ESDC, which demonstrates that the employer has been unable to find a suitable Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.

Once the employer receives the required approval, the foreign worker can proceed with their work permit application. Nigerians interested in working in Canada through the TFWP should first look for a genuine Canadian employer offering an eligible position. The general process is: find an eligible Canadian job; the employer applies for an LMIA; receive a positive or neutral LMIA; apply for a Canadian work permit; and meet Canada's admissibility requirements, which can include demonstrating qualifications for the position and meeting applicable medical, security and other requirements. Applicants must satisfy Canada's immigration requirements.