In recent days, new information has emerged suggesting that the Canadian government may be preparing a new initiative to facilitate the transition of temporary workers to permanent residency.

According to reports from Canadian media outlets, the program could allow up to 33,000 skilled foreign workers already living in Canada to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) over the next two years.

Although there is still no detailed official announcement on the government’s website, authorities have confirmed that the initiative has already begun to be implemented and that more information is expected to be released soon.

What We Know So Far

In a recent interview, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, stated that the government has already begun implementing the initiative, although detailed numbers regarding applications and approvals have not yet been released.

According to the minister, more information about the program should be made public in the coming months.

The initiative is part of the immigration strategy of the government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, which seeks to balance three main objectives:

• reduce the number of temporary residents in the country

• retain skilled workers who are already integrated into the labour market

• address labour shortages in essential sectors of the economy

Why Canada Is Creating This Pathway to PR

Canada currently has a significant number of temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students.

Recent data indicates that:

• more than 2 million temporary permits expired in 2025

• nearly 2 million additional permits are expected to expire in 2026

Without clear pathways to remain legally in the country, many individuals could lose their immigration status.

For this reason, the government is increasingly focusing on transitions from temporary to permanent status, prioritizing individuals who are already living and working in Canada.

This approach has already become common: last year, more than half of the people who became permanent residents in Canada previously held temporary status in the country.

TR to PR: A Strategy That Has Worked Before

Canada has previously used similar programs to accelerate immigration for essential workers.

The most well-known example was the TR to PR Pathway launched in 2021, which allowed thousands of workers and international graduates to apply for permanent residency through a simplified process.

Since then, immigration experts have speculated about the return of similar initiatives — especially given the ongoing labour shortages in sectors such as:

• construction

• hospitality

• agriculture

• healthcare

• technology

What to Expect for 2026

Although the full details have not yet been officially released, indications suggest that the new program may:

• focus on temporary workers who are already in Canada

• prioritize occupations facing labour shortages

• form part of the government’s strategy to reduce the number of non-permanent residents

At the same time, the government also aims to slow the growth of the temporary resident population, while maintaining controlled levels of permanent immigration in the coming years.

Who Should Start Preparing Now

If you are currently in Canada with:

• a Work Permit

• a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

• another temporary status linked to employment

this may be an important time to evaluate your immigration options and ensure your profile is prepared for potential new programs.

When initiatives like this open, spaces are often limited and can fill quickly.

While we are still waiting for the official announcement and full details of the program, current signals suggest that a new TR to PR pathway may be introduced soon in Canada.

For temporary workers already living in the country, this could represent an important opportunity to obtain permanent residency.

The team at e-Visa Immigration continues to closely monitor all updates and will be ready to guide applicants as soon as new information becomes available.

If you would like to understand your options or prepare for upcoming immigration opportunities, contact our team for a personalized assessment of your profile.