Filling labour gaps in smaller communities by accelerating permanent residence for 33,000 workers

What Changed
– Canada is accelerating the transition to permanent residence for up to 33,000 in-Canada workers to address labour shortages in smaller and rural communities.

Who is affected
– The initiative impacts temporary workers who have already applied for permanent residence through specific programs (Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, community immigration pilots, caregiver pilots, and Agri-Food Pilot) and have been living in smaller communities for two years or more.

Key dates
– The initiative will commence in 2026 and continue into 2027.

Required actions
– Eligible workers do not need to take action to apply again as IRCC will accelerate the existing applications from the current inventory of work permit holders.