Speaking to stakeholders on Nov 4, Immigration Minister Marc Miller outlined two “one-time” measures that complement Budget 2025’s levels plan: (1) granting permanent residence to eligible protected persons already in Canada, and (2) transitioning up to 33,000 temporary work-permit holders to PR between 2026 and 2027. The initiatives carry projected costs of CA$120.4 million and CA$19.4 million respectively over four years, offset in part by application fees.
Officials say the moves recognise people who are already contributing economically or who cannot safely return home, while keeping overall permanent-resident totals flat. The protected-person pathway is expected to clear long-standing backlogs and align with Canada’s humanitarian obligations.
![Minister’s Nov 4 Update Confirms One-Time PR Pathway for 33,000 Work-Permit Holders and Protected Persons]()
Employers stand to benefit directly: converting in-country workers to PR reduces visa-renewal cycles, LMIA fees and compliance risk. Refugee-support NGOs caution that selection criteria must be transparent to avoid excluding vulnerable claimants.
Guidance on eligibility and application windows is slated for Q2 2026, but companies should begin identifying staff on closed or open work permits who could qualify. HR teams should also prepare for payroll changes once PR status alters tax and benefits entitlements.
Officials say the moves recognise people who are already contributing economically or who cannot safely return home, while keeping overall permanent-resident totals flat. The protected-person pathway is expected to clear long-standing backlogs and align with Canada’s humanitarian obligations.
Employers stand to benefit directly: converting in-country workers to PR reduces visa-renewal cycles, LMIA fees and compliance risk. Refugee-support NGOs caution that selection criteria must be transparent to avoid excluding vulnerable claimants.
Guidance on eligibility and application windows is slated for Q2 2026, but companies should begin identifying staff on closed or open work permits who could qualify. HR teams should also prepare for payroll changes once PR status alters tax and benefits entitlements.
