Statistics Canada has announced a major hiring drive for the 2026 Canadian Census, offering around 32,000 temporary jobs across Canada. The good news is that many of these jobs are open to people on valid work permits, not just citizens or permanent residents.
Even better, some of these jobs may help you build work experience that counts toward permanent residence (PR) through Canada’s Express Entry system.
This article explains everything in simple language, so you can clearly understand who can apply, what jobs are available, and whether this work can help with PR.
Who Can Apply for a 2026 Census Job?
To be considered for a Statistics Canada census job, you must meet all of the following conditions.
You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a valid work permit holder. This means most international workers already in Canada are eligible.
You must currently live in Canada and have a Canadian home address. These jobs are location-based, so you can only be hired where Statistics Canada needs workers.
You must have reached the legal adult age in your province or territory. In Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan, the minimum age is 18. In all other provinces and territories, the minimum age is 19.
If you meet these requirements, you can submit an online application that takes less than 10 minutes. You will also need to provide two references—people who know your work, such as a supervisor or manager.
The last date to apply is July 31, 2026.
After applying, Statistics Canada will review applications and contact references. Interviews are only required for supervisory roles, not for regular field jobs. All selected candidates must pass a security check. You will only be contacted if jobs are available in your area.
What Jobs Are Available and How Much Do They Pay?
Statistics Canada is mainly hiring for two key roles, both of which are paid positions and include paid training.
Enumerator (Non-Supervisory Role)
Enumerators are responsible for collecting census information from households, mainly by visiting homes and helping people complete census forms.
The pay rate is $25.87 per hour. Most work happens in the evenings and on weekends, and workers must be available for at least 20 hours per week, depending on workload. The job runs from May to July 2026.
Crew Leader (Supervisory Role)
Crew leaders manage a team of enumerators and oversee census operations in a specific area. This role involves leadership, coordination, and supervision.
The pay rate is $31.32 per hour, and availability must be 40 hours per week, including weekdays, evenings, and weekends. The job runs from March to July 2026.
For both roles, approved work expenses such as mileage and parking can be claimed. Training is mandatory and paid.
Statistics Canada has also noted that early hiring may begin in some northern and remote communities, with census work starting as early as February 2026.
Some additional roles may be available, such as assistant and support positions, but most jobs will be for enumerators and crew leaders.
Can This Job Help You Qualify for Permanent Residence (PR)?
This is the most important question for many work permit holders.
Canada’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program allows people to apply for PR if they have enough skilled Canadian work experience. To qualify, the work must be paid, done in Canada, and classified as skilled.
You need 1,560 hours of skilled work experience (equal to one year) completed within the last three years. You can combine hours from different jobs, but only up to 30 hours per week can be counted, even if you work more.
Enumerator jobs do NOT count toward PR. This role is classified as TEER 4, which is considered non-skilled work for immigration purposes.
Crew leader jobs MAY count toward PR. This role falls under NOC 12113, which is a skilled occupation. Because the job is short-term, it cannot meet the full one-year requirement on its own, but it can be used to add hours to your existing skilled work experience.
For example, if you work as a crew leader from March 1 to July 31, 2026, at 30 hours per week, you could gain around 660 hours toward the 1,560-hour CEC requirement.
However, to claim this experience, you must be able to prove that your actual job duties match most of the duties listed under NOC 12113. Since Statistics Canada has not yet published the full duty list, eligibility will depend on the final job description and your reference letters.
What Is the Canadian Census and Why Does It Matter?
The Canadian Census is a nationwide survey conducted every five years by Statistics Canada. It collects important information about people, families, and housing across Canada.
This data is used by governments to plan and improve health care, education, transportation, housing, childcare, and community services.
Taking part in the census is mandatory by law. Every household must complete either a short form, which asks basic questions like age, language, and household size, or a long form, which includes more detailed questions about education, work, housing, and background.
Can international students apply for census jobs?
Yes, if they have a valid work permit and meet the age and residency requirements.
Is this a full-time permanent job?
No. These are temporary government jobs connected only to the 2026 Census.
Will everyone who applies get a job?
No. Hiring depends on local demand, and Statistics Canada will only contact you if positions are available in your area.
Do I need perfect English or French?
You need basic communication skills, but perfect language ability is not required.
Can this job guarantee PR?
No job can guarantee PR. However, crew leader experience may help increase your chances if combined with other skilled Canadian work.
Is training paid?
Yes. All mandatory training is paid.
