Canada is moving closer to a significant immigration policy shift that could reshape how certain foreign workers qualify for work permits. The proposed requirement for language test results for select applicants under the International Mobility Program (IMP) is now approaching formal publication, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicating a spring or summer 2026 timeline for pre-publication in the Canada Gazette.
Although the rule is not yet in force, the regulatory process has advanced beyond early planning stages. Consultations with provinces, territories, and private-sector stakeholders have already been completed, and the next step is a 30-day public comment period once the proposal appears in the Canada Gazette, Part I.
At this stage, many key details remain unconfirmed, including which IMP streams will be affected, what language tests will be accepted, and whether spousal open work permits will be included.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of IRCC’s 2026 update, what is currently known, what remains uncertain, and how this proposed change could affect open work permit applicants in Canada.
Table of Contents
- What Has Changed in IRCC’s 2026 Update
- What IRCC Is Proposing for Open Work Permits
- Which Work Permits Could Be Affected
- Expected Language Test Requirements
- What This Means for Open Work Permit Applicants
- What This Means for Spousal Open Work Permits
- Why This Matters for Temporary Residents Seeking Permanent Residence
- What IRCC Still Has Not Confirmed
- What Applicants and Employers Should Watch Next
- What Comes Next for Canada’s Work Permit Language Rule
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Has Changed in IRCC’s 2026 Update
IRCC first introduced this regulatory initiative in its Forward Regulatory Plan on July 2, 2025 under the authority of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
At that stage, the proposal was described in broad terms with limited operational detail. It simply indicated that Canada was exploring whether language testing should be introduced for certain work permit applicants under the International Mobility Program.
The April 7, 2026 update marks a more advanced stage in the regulatory process.
Progress Toward Canada Gazette Pre-Publication
The most important change is that IRCC now expects pre-publication of the proposed regulation in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in spring or summer 2026. This is a key step because it signals that draft regulatory text is nearing completion.
Completion of Stakeholder Consultations
The update confirms that consultations with provinces and territories were completed in February 2025, while private-sector stakeholders were engaged in November 2025. These consultations are typically used to gather feedback on feasibility, labour market impact, and administrative considerations.
Public Comment Period Coming Next
After pre-publication, a 30-day public comment period will allow employers, immigration professionals, applicants, and the general public to submit feedback. IRCC may revise the proposal based on this input before finalizing it.
This means the policy is no longer conceptual. It is now in the final stages before formal regulatory publication.
What IRCC Is Proposing for Open Work Permits
The initiative is officially titled:
“Regulations amending the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, language testing requirements for certain work permit applicants under the International Mobility Program.”
Under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, IRCC is proposing to authorize itself to require applicants in selected IMP streams to submit results from a designated third-party language testing organization.
The intent, according to IRCC, is to improve consistency and reliability in language assessment for temporary foreign workers.
The department also states that stronger language requirements could help improve labour market integration and support transitions from temporary work permits to permanent residence pathways.
However, no regulatory text has been published yet, and no operational details are confirmed.
Which Work Permits Could Be Affected
The proposal applies broadly to “certain work permit applicants under the International Mobility Program,” without naming specific streams.
The International Mobility Program, managed by IRCC, includes a wide range of work permits that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment.
These may include:
- Open work permits
- Post-graduation work permits
- Spousal open work permits
- Working holiday permits
- Bridging open work permits
- Intra-company transferee permits
- Free trade agreement-based permits
At this stage, IRCC has not confirmed which of these categories will be included.
However, open work permit categories are expected to be closely watched due to their volume and flexibility.
Expected Language Test Requirements
IRCC’s proposal refers to “designated third-party language testing organizations,” but it does not specify which tests or benchmarks will be used.
No minimum score thresholds, exemptions, or validity rules have been published.
Likely Framework Based on Existing Systems
Canada already uses standardized language testing in several immigration programs, including permanent residence pathways like Express Entry under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act framework.
Commonly used tests include:
- IELTS General Training
- CELPIP General
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada
These tests are typically aligned with Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels.
While it is possible that IRCC may adopt similar tools for the IMP, this has not been confirmed.
Applicants should not assume any specific test or score requirement until official regulations are published.
What This Means for Open Work Permit Applicants
Open work permits under the International Mobility Program could potentially face new eligibility requirements if included in the final regulation.
However, IRCC has not confirmed:
- Which open work permit streams will be affected
- Whether all open permits or only selected categories will be included
- Whether exemptions will apply
Open work permits represent a major portion of IMP admissions, and any changes would have a wide-reaching impact on temporary workers already in Canada or planning to apply.
At this stage, no applicant is required to submit language test results based on this proposal.
What This Means for Spousal Open Work Permits
Spousal open work permits are one of the most closely monitored categories in this proposal.
While earlier policy discussions suggested possible inclusion, the April 7, 2026 update does not explicitly mention spousal open work permits.
Instead, IRCC uses general language referring to “certain IMP streams.”
This creates uncertainty, especially given that spousal work permit eligibility has already undergone tightening in recent years, including restrictions based on occupation and TEER levels.
If spousal permits are included in the final regulation, applicants may be required to demonstrate language ability earlier in the immigration process than currently required.
However, this remains unconfirmed until Canada Gazette publication.
Why This Matters for Temporary Residents Seeking Permanent Residence
One of IRCC’s stated policy objectives is improving long-term integration and supporting transitions from temporary residence to permanent residence.
Language ability is already a key factor in Canada’s immigration system, particularly under Express Entry, where it plays a significant role in the Comprehensive Ranking System.
If language testing becomes mandatory at the work permit stage, it could effectively shift language requirements earlier in the immigration journey.
This would mean temporary workers may need to prepare language test results sooner, especially those planning to apply for permanent residence in the future.
It may also influence how applicants plan their education, career development, and settlement strategy in Canada.
What IRCC Still Has Not Confirmed
Despite the progress of the proposal, many critical details remain unresolved.
Key Unconfirmed Elements
- Which IMP streams will be affected
- Whether open work permits will be included
- Whether spousal open work permits will be included
- Which language tests will be accepted
- Minimum required language scores
- Validity period for test results
- Exemptions for specific groups
- Transitional rules for pending applications
- Final implementation timeline
Until the Canada Gazette pre-publication occurs, all of these remain open questions.
What Applicants and Employers Should Watch Next
The next major milestone is the Canada Gazette, Part I pre-publication expected in spring or summer 2026.
What Different Stakeholders Should Monitor
Open work permit applicants should watch for whether their category is explicitly named in the draft regulation.
Spousal applicants should pay close attention, as this group is frequently discussed in policy reviews but not yet confirmed in the draft.
Employers hiring foreign workers under IMP streams should evaluate how language requirements could impact recruitment pipelines.
Immigration consultants and lawyers will likely focus heavily on the 30-day comment period, which represents the only formal opportunity to influence the final wording.
Temporary residents considering permanent residence should begin planning for the possibility that language testing may become an earlier requirement in their pathway.
What Comes Next for Canada’s Work Permit Language Rule
IRCC’s proposed language testing requirement for certain International Mobility Program work permit applicants has moved beyond early-stage planning and is now approaching formal regulatory publication.
The key next step is the Canada Gazette pre-publication, where the public will finally see detailed regulatory text, including:
- Which work permit categories are affected
- What language tests are accepted
- What score levels are required
- Whether exemptions apply
After the 30-day comment period, IRCC may revise the proposal before final publication in the Canada Gazette, Part II, at which point the rule could become legally binding.
Until then, the proposal remains subject to change.