New Fast-Track PR for Temporary Workers: Canada’s 33,000 Transition Initiative (2026-2027)

In a major strategic policy recalibration, the Canadian government has confirmed a new, time-limited initiative to transition up to 33,000 skilled temporary foreign workers (TFWs) already residing in Canada to Permanent Residence (PR) over 2026 and 2027.

Announced as part of the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan and backed by the 2025 Federal Budget, this program signals a shift in Canada’s focus: moving away from a reliance on new temporary arrivals and prioritizing the retention of skilled talent who are already integrated into the Canadian economy.

This two-year window represents a critical opportunity for current work permit holders to secure their long-term future in Canada.

The Policy Goal: From Temporary to Permanent

The transition initiative is a direct response to two core pressures on the Canadian system:

1. Reducing Temporary Resident Volume: Canada is actively seeking to reduce the overall temporary resident population—including international students and temporary workers—by nearly 43% by 2028 to alleviate strain on housing and infrastructure.
2. Retaining Proven Talent: By accelerating the PR process for 33,000 existing workers, the government ensures that Canada retains skilled individuals who are already established, contributing through taxes, and addressing specific labour market needs in high-demand sectors. The focus is specifically on workers who have built strong roots in their communities.

This program complements the overall Immigration Levels Plan, which holds the permanent residence target steady at 380,000 annually, but increases the proportion dedicated to economic immigration to 64% of all admissions.

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Eligibility and Focus: Who Will Benefit?

While the official, detailed criteria and application guide have not yet been released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government’s language in the Levels Plan and Budget 2025 strongly indicates the target groups:

1. Current Status in Canada

• Target Group: Work permit holders (TFWs) who are currently working in Canada and possess necessary skills and experience.
• Integration: The program will target workers who have established strong ties to their communities and are currently paying taxes.

2. Targeted Sectors and Regions

The initiative is expected to heavily prioritize workers in key in-demand areas where Canada faces critical shortages:

• High-Skilled Professions: Specialized and highly qualified roles.
• Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, technicians, and allied health professionals.
• Skilled Trades: Construction, manufacturing, and other trades required for national infrastructure and housing goals.
• Rural and Remote Communities: Workers in regions outside major metropolitan areas, aligning with programs like the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP).

3. Potential Criteria (Based on Past Programs)

Given the success and structure of previous temporary-to-permanent pathways (like the TR to PR stream that closed in 2021), future requirements will likely include:

• Canadian Work Experience: A minimum duration of continuous, full-time work experience in Canada (e.g., 1-2 years).
• Language Proficiency: Mandatory minimum language test scores (CLB/NCLC Level 4 or higher) in English or French.
• Educational Credentials: A minimum level of education, with Canadian education providing an advantage.

This program may use a modified system of selection or an expression of interest pool that specifically targets certain National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories (0, 1, 2, or 3).

📄 Application Process, Fees, and Next Steps

As the initiative is set to roll out over 2026 and 2027, a new dedicated public policy and application portal is anticipated.

1. Application Process (Anticipated)

• New Public Policy: This 33,000 stream will likely be a new, separate Public Policy or a specialized Express Entry stream.
• Online Submission: Applications will be submitted online through the official IRCC Secure Account portal.
• No Cap, but Invitation: Unlike the previous H-1B pathway which had a cap, this program will transition 33,000 over two years. It may operate on an Invitation to Apply (ITA) system based on specific criteria or scores for targeted occupations.

Ref. Website for Application: The official guide and application portal will be released on the main government site for IRCC.

• Track Official Updates: IRCC Notices and News

2. Application Fees (Estimated)

While the specific fees for this new pathway are not yet confirmed, they will follow the standard Permanent Residence fee structure set by IRCC:

Ref. Website for Fees: IRCC Fee List

3. Actionable Steps to Prepare NOW

Any temporary worker who wants to be one of the 33,000 should take these steps immediately:

• Secure Status: Ensure your work permit status is valid well into 2026. If it’s expiring, apply for an extension now.
• Language Tests: Get your official language test results (IELTS/CELPIP for English or TEF/TCF for French) immediately, as they are mandatory for PR applications.
• Gather Proof of Work: Collect detailed letters of employment and pay stubs to clearly document your Canadian work experience, especially if it is in a targeted sector.
• Monitor IRCC News: The window for this program will be time-sensitive. Closely monitor the official IRCC news releases for the program launch date and specific eligibility criteria.