IRCC Expands Pathways to Permanent Residence for In-Canada Workers
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a series of new measures reinforcing its focus on granting permanent residence (PR) to temporary residents already living and working in Canada.
The federal government’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan outlines this shift, emphasizing the transition of skilled individuals within Canada to permanent status as part of broader system reforms.
The initiatives include expanded provincial nominations, targeted Express Entry draws, and dedicated admission spaces for specific occupations and linguistic groups.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets increased by 66% for 2026
- Express Entry continues prioritizing the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- New expedited PR pathway for 33,000 temporary foreign workers
- 115,000 protected persons to be transitioned to PR status
- 5,000 PR spaces reserved for licensed physicians and French-speaking immigrants
Increased Provincial Nominee Program Targets
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, released in late 2025, outlines a substantial rise in PR admissions through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026.
This adjustment has already resulted in higher nomination allocations for provinces and territories, allowing more candidates to be nominated for permanent residence. Most PNP streams, including the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program, favour applicants with existing work or study experience in the province, often benefitting those already residing in Canada.
The plan also includes notional targets of 92,500 PNP admissions for both 2027 and 2028, underscoring ongoing growth in provincial immigration selection.
Express Entry Admissions and the Canadian Experience Class
Under the updated plan, the Express Entry system maintains a high target of 109,000 PR admissions for 2026, representing approximately 45% of total economic immigration spaces. The target is projected to remain steady at 110,000 for 2027 and 2028.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) continues to receive specific focus, as it is the only Express Entry program with dedicated draws. CEC candidates must have at least one year of Canadian work experience.
In 2025, IRCC issued nearly 114,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under Express Entry, with more than 35,000 going to CEC candidates. In early 2026, two of four draws were CEC-specific, issuing approximately 14,000 ITAs in total, demonstrating continued prioritization of in-Canada workers.
New PR Pathway for Temporary Foreign Workers
As part of Budget 2025, the federal government announced a one-time initiative to grant PR to up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers between 2026 and 2027. The program will target individuals with established community ties, employment history, and tax contributions.
The measure will focus on sectors facing labour shortages, particularly in rural areas. While detailed eligibility requirements are not yet confirmed, IRCC has indicated an emphasis on skilled workers in healthcare, technology, and the trades.
Permanent Residence Access for Protected Persons
IRCC also introduced a two-year initiative to expedite PR for approximately 115,000 individuals recognized as Protected Persons in Canada. The program aims to formalize permanent status for those already integrated into Canadian society and to align with Canada’s humanitarian commitments.
This measure is intended to streamline existing processes and accelerate the transition to permanent residency for those already granted refugee protection.
Express Entry Category for Physicians with Canadian Experience
In December 2025, IRCC launched a new Express Entry category for physicians employed in Canada. The category, expected to begin draws in early 2026, targets doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Eligible occupations include general practitioners, family physicians, and specialists in surgery, clinical, and laboratory medicine. The initiative addresses ongoing physician shortages and facilitates permanent status for healthcare professionals already contributing to the system.
Dedicated PR Spaces for Licensed Doctors
IRCC confirmed that 5,000 federal PR admission spaces in 2026 will be allocated for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians with valid job offers. These spaces are in addition to the regular PNP allocations, supporting provincial recruitment of medical professionals.
Alongside this measure, physicians nominated under the program will benefit from expedited work permit processing of up to two weeks, enabling them to begin employment while their PR applications are finalized.
Additional PR Spaces for French-Speaking Immigrants
A separate federal initiative announced in January 2026 reserves 5,000 PR admission spaces for French-speaking immigrants. The plan supports provincial and territorial efforts to strengthen Francophone immigration outside Quebec and complements existing PNP nominations.
Although the spaces are not limited to candidates in Canada, provinces generally prioritize applicants with established local ties, such as prior study or work experience. The measure contributes to the federal target of achieving 12% Francophone permanent admissions by 2029.
Broader Context and Policy Direction
The overall focus of the 2026–2028 plan reflects IRCC’s ongoing strategy to transition temporary residents into permanent residents. This approach responds to both labour market demands and the government’s efforts to manage temporary resident volumes while sustaining immigration levels.
By increasing nomination allocations and introducing targeted categories, IRCC aims to strengthen workforce retention and improve long-term settlement outcomes for individuals already participating in the Canadian economy.
Further information on eligibility and implementation timelines for these measures is expected through upcoming federal and provincial updates. Readers can follow continuing coverage of immigration policy developments and provincial nomination programs for the latest information.