A Budget-backed initiative unveiled on 5 November will transition up to 33,000 existing work-permit holders to permanent residence between 2026 and 2027. The programme—details of which will appear in the 2026-28 Levels Plan—targets workers who have integrated into local labour markets but lack an avenue to remain long-term.
Eligibility will prioritise candidates with Canadian work experience in essential occupations and a minimum CLB 5 language score. IRCC says the one-time pathway will reduce reliance on renewals and cut processing backlogs in economic streams. Stakeholders expect draws to be points-based, similar to the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway.
![New pathway to grant PR to 33,000 work-permit holders announced]()
Employers stand to benefit by converting key foreign staff into permanent residents without labour-market impact assessments. However, the 33,000 cap means demand will far outstrip supply; HR teams should identify high-value employees now and gather proof of wages, duties and integration for rapid filing once the portal opens next year.
The announcement underscores a broader federal strategy: bring temporary resident volumes down but keep talent already in Canada by offering select PR doors—an approach that may influence other Western immigration systems grappling with post-pandemic labour gaps.
Eligibility will prioritise candidates with Canadian work experience in essential occupations and a minimum CLB 5 language score. IRCC says the one-time pathway will reduce reliance on renewals and cut processing backlogs in economic streams. Stakeholders expect draws to be points-based, similar to the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway.
Employers stand to benefit by converting key foreign staff into permanent residents without labour-market impact assessments. However, the 33,000 cap means demand will far outstrip supply; HR teams should identify high-value employees now and gather proof of wages, duties and integration for rapid filing once the portal opens next year.
The announcement underscores a broader federal strategy: bring temporary resident volumes down but keep talent already in Canada by offering select PR doors—an approach that may influence other Western immigration systems grappling with post-pandemic labour gaps.
