Canada fast-tracks PR for 33,000 workers to address labour market gaps

Candian immigration is focussing on areas where it has the greatest impact. Image credit: ThisisEngineering on Unsplash.

Canada is working to bring its immigration system to sustainable levels while focussing immigration on the areas where it has the greatest impact. This includes supporting rural and remote communities that are experiencing labour shortages in key economic sectors.

Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced progress on the department’s one-time In-Canada Workers Initiative, as announced in Budget 2025, which accelerates the transition of up to 33,000 workers in Canada to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. These individuals have already established strong roots in their communities and are contributing to a stronger Canadian economy.

As part of this initiative, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is initially accelerating eligible applications from existing inventories of work permit holders who have applied for permanent residence. These eligible workers are already supporting their smaller and rural communities’ labour and economic needs, and they have applied through the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Program, the community immigration pilots, the caregiver pilots or the Agri­Food Pilot; and have been living in smaller communities in Canada for 2 years or more.

Through these criteria, IRCC will grant permanent residence to applicants across a range of in-demand sectors in rural areas and communities with labour gaps.

Progress on the In-Canada Workers Initiative is tracked on our website and will be updated monthly.

“This initiative is designed to promote economic growth and address labour shortages in key sectors where they are most needed—in smaller Canadian communities. By transitioning temporary residents who are already living and contributing to their communities to permanent residence, we’re providing the certainty and the stability needed to maintain and grow vibrant local economies, ” said Diab.

Eligible applicants being granted permanent residence were selected through occupation driven pilots and well-established regional immigration programs led by provinces, territories and community partners, as well as occupation driven pilots. Applicants do not need to take any action.