Work Permits in Canada: What Every Employer Needs to Know in 2026

Work authorization used to be one of those hiring questions everyone assumed was simple. Ask if someone is legally allowed to work in Canada, get a yes, move on to the offer letter.

That's changed. Immigration targets have shifted, scrutiny has increased and the rules around work permits, maintained status and employer compliance are affecting hiring decisions in ways a lot of employers haven't caught up with yet.

We sat down with Altis co-founder Kathryn Tremblay to unpack what's changing, why it's changing and what employers should actually be doing about it, including a situation Altis experienced firsthand.

This discussion is for general information only and isn't legal advice. For questions specific to your organization's employment or immigration situation, please consult legal counsel.

To read the blog and see a transcript of the conversation, check out the full blog post here.

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