Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is accelerating the transition of up to 33,000 workers in Canada to permanent residence through a one-time initiative running in 2026 and 2027.
Known as the In-Canada Workers Initiative, the measure was announced in Budget 2025 and is intended to support workers who are already contributing to the Canadian economy while addressing labour gaps and supporting economic growth in smaller and rural communities.
Importantly, this is not a new permanent residence program open to all work permit holders. IRCC is initially accelerating eligible applications from existing inventories of work permit holders who have already applied for permanent residence.
Who Is Being Prioritized?
IRCC is focusing on workers who have been living in smaller communities in Canada for at least two years and who have already applied for permanent residence through specified regional immigration programs and occupation-driven pilots.
These include the Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, caregiver pilots, and Agri-Food Pilot.
The initiative is intended to support workers across a range of in-demand sectors, particularly in communities experiencing labour gaps.
IRCC has stated that eligible applicants being granted permanent residence under the initiative were already selected through regional immigration programs and occupation-driven pilots. Applicants do not need to submit a separate application to be considered under the initiative.
IRCC has also clarified that the initiative is not intended for undocumented or out-of-status individuals.
How Many Workers Will Receive Permanent Residence?
IRCC plans to transition up to 33,000 workers to permanent residence over 2026 and 2027.
The department plans to admit at least 20,000 workers as permanent residents through the initiative in 2026, with the remainder expected in 2027.
According to IRCC’s latest published figures, 13,000 workers had become permanent residents through the initiative between January and July 2026. This represents 65% of the department’s 2026 target.
These admissions are in addition to, rather than part of, the permanent resident targets established under Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
Can Work Permit Holders Apply for the Initiative?
The initiative does not create a separate application process for work permit holders seeking to benefit from accelerated processing.
IRCC has specifically described the measure as an acceleration of eligible applications from existing inventories. As a result, holding a Canadian work permit alone does not mean that a person qualifies for accelerated processing.
This distinction is important for workers who may see references to “33,000 work permit holders” and assume that a new pathway to permanent residence has opened. Eligibility depends on the criteria established by IRCC and the permanent residence application the individual has already submitted.
Conclusion
The In-Canada Workers Initiative reflects Canada’s focus on transitioning certain temporary residents who have established themselves in Canada to permanent residence while addressing labour needs in smaller and rural communities.
However, it is not a general pathway for all temporary workers. IRCC is focusing on eligible applicants who have already applied for permanent residence through specified programs and have been living in smaller Canadian communities for at least two years.
If you are currently working in Canada and want to understand your options for permanent residence, Jain Immigration Law can assess your circumstances and advise you on pathways that may be available.
Contact Jain Immigration Law
To discuss your Canadian immigration options, contact Jain Immigration Law to schedule a consultation with one of our immigration lawyers.
Jain Immigration Law
Phone: +1 (416) 548-5533
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Website: www.jainimmigrationlaw.com