Canada is preparing to launch several new pathways to permanent residence (PR) starting in 2026. These upcoming programs reflect the federal government’s plan to prioritize applicants already living in Canada and to create more opportunities for temporary residents to transition to permanent status. 

Some of these pathways will reopen after reaching their caps in 2025, while others are newly designed to address labour shortages and support key sectors across the country. 

Here is a complete overview of the PR programs expected to launch or reopen in 2026. 
 

1. Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) Pathway 

In the Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, Canada announced its goal to transition up to 33,000 temporary work permit holders to permanent residence over 2026 and 2027. 
This program will target individuals who are already contributing to the Canadian economy, paying taxes, and building long-term ties in their communities. 

A similar TR to PR pathway was launched in 2021 and reached its application cap on the same day. 
Details for the updated 2026 pathway, including eligibility criteria and application requirements, have not yet been released. 
 

2. Accelerated PR Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders 

The 2025 federal budget included plans for a new accelerated PR pathway for U.S. H-1B visa holders. 
This initiative aims to attract highly skilled professionals in technology, healthcare, research, and other innovation-focused sectors. 

A previous pilot in 2023 offered three-year open work permits to H-1B holders and reached its 10,000-application cap within days. 
The upcoming pathway is expected to require applicants to hold a valid H-1B visa, but full eligibility rules and the launch date are still pending. 
 

3. PR Pathway for Construction Workers 

In March 2025, the government announced plans to admit up to 14,000 foreign construction workers. 
Details on whether this will include permanent residence, temporary residence, or a mix of both have not yet been confirmed. 

Up to 6,000 spots will be reserved for undocumented construction workers already living in Canada. 
This measure is intended to support the construction sector during ongoing labour shortages and increase Canada’s housing supply. 
 

4. Sector-Specific Stream for Agriculture and Fish Processing 

IRCC’s 2025–2026 Departmental Plan outlines the development of a new stream for foreign workers in agriculture and fish processing. 

This initiative aims to expand partner country agreements, simplify hiring, and introduce a dedicated sector-specific work permit. 
The program is expected to launch sometime between 2025 and 2026, but eligibility criteria have not yet been announced. 
 

5. New Pathway to Replace the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) 

The Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot supports skilled refugees and displaced individuals seeking employment in Canada. 
A new permanent PR pathway is expected to replace the current pilot before it expires on December 31, 2025, although the launch may be pushed to 2026. 

To date, 970 applicants have been admitted to Canada through the EMPP. 
The government has also announced a one-time initiative to streamline PR for about 115,000 protected persons already in Canada, which may fall under this upcoming pathway. 

The new pathway is expected to follow similar criteria to the EMPP, which typically requires proof of refugee or displaced person status along with experience, education, and language skills. 
 

6. Reopening of Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots 

In 2025, IRCC launched two pilot programs for home care workers: 

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care 

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support 

Both programs reached their intake caps in a single day for workers already in Canada. 
The streams for applicants outside Canada never opened and remain closed. 

IRCC is expected to reopen the in-Canada applicant streams in 2026. 

Eligibility includes: 

A full-time job offer in an eligible occupation 

Language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher 

A secondary school diploma or higher 

At least six months of relevant work experience 
 

7. Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) 

Launched in 2025, these two employer-led pilots aim to address labour shortages in rural communities outside Quebec. 
Both require a qualifying job offer and are open to skilled foreign workers with in-demand experience. 

For the FCIP, applicants must also demonstrate French language proficiency. 

Although the programs remain open, 2026 may bring new employer designations, updated priority sectors, and revised occupation lists. 

Eligibility highlights: 

A job offer in an eligible occupation selected by the community 

One year of related work experience (or graduation from a local post-secondary institution) 

Language proficiency requirements: 

RCIP: CLB 4 to 6 depending on NOC code 

FCIP: NCLC level 5 in French 

A Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential (or foreign equivalent) 

Sufficient settlement funds 
 

Final Thoughts 

Canada is preparing for a major shift in immigration policy in 2026, with a strong focus on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status and supporting critical labour market needs. While many program details are still pending, these upcoming pathways highlight Canada’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers, supporting industries facing labour shortages, and strengthening communities across the country. 

Once eligibility criteria and application procedures are officially released, prospective applicants should review requirements carefully and prepare their documents in advance to take advantage of these new opportunities.