Canada is set to implement two new Permanent Residency (PR) pathways for immigrants in 2026.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed the launch of the new initiatives.
It was gathered that the two new PR pathways for 2026 will prioritize individuals already contributing to the local economy, marking a strategic pivot in how the country manages its permanent residency targets.
The proposed changes centre on a large-scale transition route for temporary residents in Canada and a fast-tracked permanent residency pathway for US H-1B visa holders. Together, they highlight Ottawa’s intention to prioritise in-country talent and address skill gaps more efficiently.
Temporary resident to permanent resident pathway
The first major update involves a revamped Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR-to-PR) transition.
The plan is to accelerate the conversion of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence across 2026 and 2027.
This new PR pathway for 2026 is expected to focus on individuals who have already established strong ties in Canada, those who are actively working, paying taxes, contributing to key sectors of the economy, and embedded in local communities. It would mark the second major nationwide transition effort after the highly popular 2021 TR to PR programme, which reached its cap on the very day it opened.
While full eligibility criteria have not yet been released, official budget language describes the measure as a “one-time” effort to fast-track PR for up to 33,000 workers.
Accelerated PR route for H-1B visa holders
The second major pathway expected in 2026 targets holders of U.S H-1B visas. Announced in the 2025 federal budget, the accelerated PR route is designed to attract highly skilled professionals from the United States, particularly in technology, healthcare, engineering, scientific research, and other innovation-driven sectors.
The initiative builds on Canada’s 2023 H-1B pilot, which offered open work permits to eligible applicants living in the US with valid H-1B status. That pilot, capped at 10,000 applications, was filled within hours—highlighting both the scale of interest and the alignment between Canada’s labour shortages and the skills of H-1B workers.
Officials have indicated that the 2026 pathway will be more structured and competitive than the 2023 pilot, though exact eligibility rules and intake timelines are yet to be announced.
Documents applicants should prepare early
With the implementation of the two new PR pathways set to begin, prospective applicants are advised to begin assembling key documents well in advance. These include valid language test results from approved providers, police certificates for all relevant countries, proof of education such as ECAs for foreign degrees, and detailed employment documentation. Travel histories, identity documents, certified translations, and records for accompanying family members may also be required.
Language test results must be less than two years old on the day of application, while ECAs are valid for five years. Police certificate timing rules vary by country and are a common cause of delays.
Employment reference letters, pay slips, and contracts must clearly outline job duties, hours, salary, and dates of employment, and must be issued by employers, not copied from occupation codes.
