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New Permanent Residence Pathways Set to Launch in Canada in 2026

Canada is preparing to welcome more permanent residents in 2026 through a series of new and updated immigration pathways. As outlined in federal planning documents and recent announcements Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is shifting focus toward individuals already living and working in the country, aiming to make their transition to permanent residence (PR) smoother and faster.

Along with reopening programs that reached their intake limits in 2025, the government is designing pathways for specific labour market needs and emerging economic priorities. Here is a full overview of the expected changes.

Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway Returning

The Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 confirms a two-year initiative that will transition up to 33,000 temporary workers in 2026 and 2027 to PR status. The program will prioritize individuals who are already paying taxes, supporting local communities and filling key workforce shortages.

A similar pathway in 2021 reached its application limit within hours, signaling strong demand among temporary residents who aim to settle permanently in Canada.

Further details are expected from IRCC in the coming months.

New PR Pathway Planned for U.S. H-1B Visa Holders

Canada plans to introduce a dedicated PR pathway for highly skilled workers currently employed in the United States on H-1B visas. The goal is to attract global talent in fields such as technology, research and healthcare areas that continue to drive Canada’s innovation goals.

This move follows the success of a 2023 policy that allowed H-1B professionals to obtain open work permits in Canada, which quickly reached its maximum intake.

Eligibility requirements and launch timelines are still under development.

Construction Sector Immigration Supports Housing Strategy

Canada intends to admit up to 14,000 foreign construction workers, including thousands who are already in the country without official status. The construction sector continues to face acute labour shortages, particularly as Canada works to expand housing development nationwide.

Although a rollout date has not been established, this initiative is expected to support workers whose skills are urgently needed.

Dedicated Stream for Agriculture and Fish Processing

A new program is being prepared to help employers in agriculture and fish processing recruit and retain foreign workers. Developed in partnership with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the stream is expected to launch in the 2025–2026 period and include its own sector-specific work permit.

IRCC has indicated that more details will be made available closer to implementation.

Permanent Program to Replace the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), designed to help skilled refugees build careers in Canada, is expected to transition into a permanent program. While the shift was originally planned before the pilot’s end date in December 2025, timelines suggest the launch may occur in 2026 instead.

Canada has also announced a one-time initiative to offer PR to approximately 115,000 protected persons already in the country, which may align with this upcoming stream.

Since 2019, nearly 1,000 workers have arrived through EMPP programs. Eligibility criteria for the permanent pathway are likely to remain similar, with requirements related to refugee status verification, language ability and skills assessment.

Pathways Expected to Reopen

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

IRCC launched two home care pilot programs in 2025 one for child care providers and another for home support workers. Both streams for applicants already working in Canada filled quickly after opening.

These inside-Canada streams are expected to reopen in 2026, offering a direct route to permanent residency for eligible care workers who meet job offers, education, experience and language requirements.

Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)

Launched in 2025, RCIP and FCIP help employers in rural communities outside Quebec hire skilled foreign workers for long-term settlement. Both pathways remain active and are anticipated to expand in 2026, with new designated employers and updated occupation priorities likely to be announced.

Applicants must have a qualifying job offer, meet language and experience criteria and show sufficient settlement funds. FCIP applicants also require demonstrated French-language proficiency.

What This Means for Applicants

These upcoming pathways signal Canada’s ongoing effort to retain talent already contributing to the economy while also addressing labour gaps in priority sectors. Individuals currently working in Canada particularly in construction, caregiving, agriculture and technology may have strong opportunities to secure PR beginning in 2026.

IRCC is expected to release detailed guidance closer to each launch date, so prospective applicants should monitor updates regularly.

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