As Canada prepares for its next national census in May 2026, Statistics Canada has announced plans to hire approximately 32,000 workers across the country. This large-scale recruitment initiative offers temporary employment opportunities for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals holding valid work permits.

Census jobs play a vital role in collecting the data that shapes government planning and public services nationwide.

Who Is Eligible to Apply

To qualify for a census position, applicants must:

• Have reached the age of majority in their province or territory
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit
• Reside in Canada with a Canadian home address

These requirements make census roles accessible to many newcomers seeking legal Canadian work experience.

Available Roles and Pay Rates

Statistics Canada is hiring for both supervisory and non-supervisory positions between March and July 2026.

Role	Hourly Pay
Enumerator	$25.87
Crew leader	$31.32

Authorized expenses are reimbursed, depending on position and location.

Responsibilities of Census Workers

Enumerators are responsible for collecting census data, often through door-to-door visits. Crew leaders supervise teams of enumerators and oversee data collection activities within assigned areas.

The data collected informs decisions related to:

• Health care services
• Education and child care
• Housing development
• Transportation planning

Accurate census data ensures effective allocation of resources across communities.

Why Census Jobs Matter for Newcomers

For immigrants and temporary residents, census work offers several benefits:

• Recognized Canadian employment
• Short-term income with flexible schedules
• Experience in public service roles

This type of employment can support future immigration applications by demonstrating lawful work history and community contribution.

The 2026 Census hiring initiative provides meaningful employment while supporting Canada’s data-driven decision-making. For newcomers, it represents both an income opportunity and a chance to gain valuable Canadian experience.

Beyond short-term employment, participating in the 2026 Census can provide long-term value for newcomers and temporary residents seeking stability in Canada. Government-recognized work strengthens a candidate’s professional profile and demonstrates active participation in Canadian civic life. Census roles also help workers develop transferable skills such as communication, time management, data handling, and community engagement, which are valued across many industries. For newcomers, this experience can serve as a stepping stone toward more permanent employment opportunities while maintaining full compliance with work permit conditions.

As Canada continues to rely on accurate data to plan public services and infrastructure, census workers play a direct role in shaping policies that affect housing, health care, education, and settlement programs for future generations.

If you hold a valid work permit and are planning your next steps in Canada, guidance from the Best RCIC in Canada can help you stay compliant and prepared. ImmigCanada immigration consulting services support newcomers in aligning short-term work opportunities with long-term immigration goals.