Immigration 2026 – Updates for Film and Animation Studios

As we head into the new year, we want to share a brief update on the immigration
landscape for the film and animation industry. At this time, there have been no major policy
changes announced that directly impact your sector.

Studios may continue to rely primarily on two pathways to support foreign talent: the
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which involves obtaining a positive Labour
Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and the International Mobility Program (IMP), which is
LMIA-exempt. The IMP includes options such as intra-company transfers, free-trade
agreements (including CUSMA, Korea, CPTPP, Chile, and Colombia), reciprocal mobility
categories, cultural workers, and other employer-specific or open work permits.
Historically, the IMP accounts for a significantly larger share of work permits issued each
year compared to the TFWP.

For 2026, IRCC has set a target of approximately 210,700 new work permits. Of these,
about 82,000 are expected to be issued under the TFWP (LMIA-based permits), with the
balance coming from IMP streams.

A few reminders on your options as an employer

IMP pathways and visa-exempt nationals
When hiring visa-exempt talent, IMP programs can be particularly efficient. These
applicants usually require an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada and may
apply for their work permit directly at the airport upon arrival. This can help studios avoid
lengthy online processing times and reduce uncertainty—an important advantage when
production schedules are tight. IMP categories also do not require recruitment efforts,
which can help control timelines and costs.

Short-term, senior, or highly skilled roles
For senior positions such as Producers, Directors, or other highly skilled roles with shorter
engagements, the Global Skills Strategy offers added flexibility. Eligible TEER 0 or 1
employees may work in Canada for up to 30 consecutive days in a year without a work
permit, or 15 consecutive days within a 6-month period.

Flagpoling remains available in limited cases
Same-day processing through flagpoling—where a temporary resident briefly exits Canada
and re-enters to finalize their application—continues to be permitted for certain
applicants. As of this update, this includes:

• U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States

• Professionals and technicians under free trade agreements with the U.S./Mexico,
  Chile, Panama, Peru, Colombia, and South Korea

• Spouses or common-law partners of professionals and technicians under trade
  agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea

Global Talent Stream (GTS) LMIA
The Global Talent Stream remains a strong option for studios hiring high-skilled, high-paid
workers in professional or technical roles. GTS LMIA processing times are typically under
two weeks. Once approved, the GTS LMIA supports a closed work permit of up to three
years. While recruitment is not required, employers must offer wages at or above the
prevailing median (or higher for certain positions) and ensure the role meets specific
employment criteria or years of experience. Studios should also remember that the GTS
LMIA requires a current Labour Market Benefits Plan. In certain provinces—such as British
Columbia and Ontario—all LMIAs also require a valid certificate to hire temporary foreign
workers.

As always, we’re here to help. If you have questions or would like to discuss which option
best supports your needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’ll continue to share timely
updates as new developments arise.

Written by: Jennifer Hunter & Heather Bell