Canada to Roll Out Fresh PR Pathways in 2026
Canada to Unveil New Permanent Residence Pathways in 2026
Canada is preparing for one of its most significant years in immigration policy, with several brand-new pathways to permanent residence (PR) scheduled to launch in 2026. The federal government has signalled a shift toward prioritising individuals already contributing to Canadian communities, especially temporary workers, sector-specific labour groups, and candidates from recently piloted programs.
1. Major Transition Pathway for Temporary Residents
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 outlines an ambitious objective: enabling up to 33,000 temporary workers to become permanent residents over 2026 and 2027. This upcoming transition pathway will focus on applicants who have established long-term ties in Canada – those working, paying taxes, and filling persistent labour gaps.
Although the framework is still under development, the federal government has confirmed that an accelerated system will be created specifically for temporary residents who are well-integrated into the workforce. What we know so far
- Eligibility requirements are not finalised.
- Candidates will likely need proof of recent Canadian work experience and documentation that supports their long-term contribution.
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
In a major policy shift, the federal government has announced plans to substantially reduce the number of temporary resident admissions beginning in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
2. A Dedicated PR Route for U.S. H-1B Holders
The federal budget for 2025 revealed plans for a fast-track permanent residence option for U.S. H-1B visa holders. This stream is expected to appeal to highly skilled professionals in fields such as technology, engineering, health sciences, and research.
This is Canada’s follow-up to the massively successful 2023 open work permit initiative for H-1B holders, an intake that reached its 10,000-application cap in mere days.
What is expected in 2026
- A formal PR pathway designed specifically for H-1B workers.
- No launch date or eligibility rules announced yet, but holding a valid H-1B visa is expected to be a key requirement.
3. PR Pathway for Construction Workers
Labour pressures in Canada’s construction industry remain severe, and a new permanent or hybrid immigration pathway is expected in response. In early 2025, the government committed to admitting up to 14,000 foreign construction workers, including:
- Up to 6,000 spots are reserved for undocumented construction workers already living in Canada.
The 2026 rollout is expected to offer clarity on whether these admissions will be tied to PR, work permits, or a combination of the two.
Details pending
- No published eligibility criteria.
- Sector priorities are expected to focus on trades linked to housing and infrastructure.
4. New Sector-Specific Stream for Agriculture & Fish Processing
IRCC’s 2025–2026 Departmental Plan confirmed development of a new permanent stream targeting agriculture and fish processing workers, two sectors facing chronic labour shortages. This initiative will introduce:
- A dedicated PR stream for qualified foreign workers;
- A linked sector-specific work permit;
- An expansion of partner-country hiring arrangements.
The government is working closely with ESDC, with a projected launch during 2025–2026, meaning full implementation may unfold in 2026.
5. A Permanent Program to Replace the EMPP
Canada is expected to launch a new permanent pathway that will replace the current Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This program helps skilled refugees and displaced individuals immigrate to Canada through job-offer or non-job-offer routes. The new program is expected to preserve EMPP’s humanitarian and economic objectives while adopting a more streamlined PR structure.
Recent developments
- The existing EMPP ends December 31, 2025.
- Over 970 candidates have been admitted since the program’s inception.
- Federal announcements suggest a one-time initiative may transition up to 115,000 protected persons already in Canada to PR - potentially under the new pathway.
Expected eligibility
While not confirmed, the criteria will likely resemble the EMPPs:
- Proof of refugee or displaced status;
- Minimum education and work experience thresholds;
- Language test results;
- Ability to meet job-specific requirements if applying through an employer-driven stream.
6. Reopening Intake: Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
Two care-sector pilot programs launched in 2025 – focused on child care and home support- closed almost immediately due to overwhelming demand. Each pilot accepted 2,750 applications, with a portion reserved for out-of-status workers already in Canada. In 2026, IRCC is expected to reopen the in-Canada worker streams, while overseas applicant streams remain closed.
Eligibility highlights
- A valid full-time job offer in child care or home support;
- Minimum CLB 4 language score;
- A secondary school diploma or equivalent;
- At least six months of relevant work experience.
7. Ongoing Programs: RCIP and FCIP Expected to Expand
The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) remain active programs designed to support smaller communities outside Quebec.
With strong uptake since their 2025 launch, 2026 is expected to bring:
- New employer designations;
- Updated priority occupations;
- Expanded community participation.
Common eligibility requirements
- A job offer in an approved occupation;
- One year of work experience (or eligible post-secondary graduation);
- CLB 4–6 for RCIP and NCLC 5 French ability for FCIP;
- Settlement funds;
- Valid educational credentials.
A Recalibration, Not a Retraction
While the drastic reduction of temporary resident admissions has divided opinion, many experts have labeled it more of a “recalibration” than a reduction. Canada remains committed to maintaining an immigration system that is in balance with economic realities, housing availability, and labor market needs.
Full details of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan will be made available in the Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, due later this month.
Key Questions for the Upcoming Plan
The commitment suggests yes, but actual numbers will reveal how strictly it is enforced.
With pressure to bring the share below 5% of the population, will student and worker permit caps tighten further?
Provinces may argue for greater allocations reflecting regional labor and demographic needs.
In particular, under Express Entry or provincial nomination, emphasizing skills, region, and language.
Housing, healthcare, and labor market absorption remain critical constraints. Reports flagged risks of population decline and housing gaps under previous levels.
1. Percentage Reduction of Temporary Resident Population
Looking Ahead
What This Means for Immigration Candidates
- Updated language test results.
- Proof of Canadian or foreign work experience;
- Valid educational documents;
- Employer support where required.
