Up to 100k foreign workers and their eligible family members already living in Canada will receive accelerated permanent residency (PR) in 2027 under a new, time-limited initiative unveiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Announced on November 10 as a core pillar of the federal government’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, the measure creates additional admission spaces next year specifically designed to transition established temporary residents into permanent status and clear mounting application backlogs.
Unlike traditional immigration draws that bring new arrivals from abroad, the move to fast-track PR for 100k individuals focuses strictly on individuals already contributing to local communities and the economy of Canada.
The measure, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada on Tuesday, also provides for up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada to obtain permanent residence.
Another 12,600 people who have already been found eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds are also expected to benefit.
The Canadian government said the measure would provide additional admission spaces in 2027 to accelerate the processing of applications from people already living in the country.
It said the workers’ cohort would be implemented in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments to address regional labour needs, while the humanitarian cohort would help fulfil existing commitments, keep families together and reduce application backlogs.
According to a backgrounder published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the workers’ category includes people who have already applied under selected federal immigration programmes, including the Atlantic Immigration Program, Start-up Visa Program, Self-Employed Persons Program, Agri-Food Pilot and home care worker programmes.
Provinces and territories will also be able to nominate workers who meet their regional labour requirements through increased Provincial Nominee Programme allocations.
The government said the measure would help people who had already established themselves in Canadian communities but were waiting for permanent residence decisions.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said, “Canada is building on its progress to return sustainability to our immigration system while honouring the commitments we made to those in need.
“The time-limited measure announced with our levels plan will allow us to deliver faster on our promises to people from Hong Kong and Ukraine, giving them certainty as they continue to build their lives and contribute to our country.”
The announcement also provides for the processing of outstanding applications from Hong Kong residents and Ukrainians under previously established permanent residence pathways.
The Canadian government said it aimed to process all remaining applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways, which closed to new applicants on August 31, 2026.
The applications are expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions.
Ukraine family reunification pathway
It also plans to process all remaining applications under the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway, which closed to new applications on October 22, 2024.
The applications are expected to result in up to 18,800 admissions.
These two groups account for a combined potential 50,800 permanent resident admissions.
Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Agincourt, said, “After five years of advocacy alongside the Hong Kong community, I am proud that we have achieved a path forward for the individuals and families who choose to call Canada home.
“I thank them for their patience and resilience. I know they will enrich our communities through their positive and lasting contributions to Canada.”
Michael Ma, Member of Parliament for Markham—Unionville, said the measure would provide greater certainty for applicants who had been waiting for decisions.
“Through my work with Hong Kong pathway applicants and their families, I have heard how difficult it is to plan for the future while waiting for a decision. I thank the community for its persistent, respectful advocacy.
“Finalizing all remaining applications by the end of 2027 is an important step toward honouring Canada’s commitment and giving families greater certainty.
“I will continue working with the Minister and those who have already built lives and contributed so much to Markham–Unionville and communities across Canada,” he said.
