New PR Pathways Coming Up for Canada in 2026

Lakshmi

Updated On Dec 3, 2025

Canada plans to introduce several new PR pathways in 2026 including TR to PR pathway, H-1B Holder program, sector specific streams, pilot reopening and more. Learn what you could expect for 2026 and how to effectively prepare your application

New PR Pathways Coming Up for Canada in 2026

Canada is all set to introduce new pathways to permanent residency in 2026 prioritising In-Canada applicants through various pathways and programs that aim to transition temporary residents into permanent residence.

Further to this, 2026 will see the reopening of intake periods for some pathways and immigration streams that were closed in 2025 after their quotas were met.

Temporary Residents to Permanent Resident Pathways

According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028, Canada aims to fast-track the transition of up to 33,000 temporary work permit holders. Two permanent residence PR in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

This initiative would focus on individuals who are well-integrated into Canadian society and those who contribute to the economy, pay taxes, and build community ties. A similar one time TR to PR pathway was launched in 2021, which reached its intake gap on the same day.

*Further details on how the government plans to implement this accelerated transition are yet to be announced.

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

The 2025 federal budget has announced plans to introduce fast-track pathway to permanent residence specifically for US H-1B visa holders. This program aims to attract highly skilled talent in sectors such as tech, healthcare, and specific research that could help fuel innovation in Canada.

This Accelerated PR pathway is expected to be launched in the coming months, although the government has not yet provided a definite date or revealed specific eligibility criteria. This initiative follows the successful 2023 pilot that offered a 3-year Open Work Permit to H-1B holders, a program that reached its 10,000 application cap within days.

While the specific list of requirements for the accelerated PR pathway is yet to be released, holding a valid US H-1B visa will almost certainly be mandatory.

2. PR Pathways for Construction Workers

In March 2025, IRCC confirmed that it would admit up to 14,000 foreign construction workers to support Canada's labour-strapped construction and housing sectors. Of the total, upto 6000 spots are expected to be reserved for undocumented construction workers already residing in Canada

The federal government, however, is yet to clarify whether these admissions will fall under temporary, permanent, or hybrid pathways, and the details of eligibility and launch timelines are also expected to be released in the near future.

Explore Canada Now Allows Special Study Permits for Accompanying Family of Workers & Students

3. Sector Specific Stream for Agriculture and Fish Processing

In 2025-26, the Departmental Plan announced a new stream dedicated to foreign workers in agriculture and fish processing. This stream, developed alongside Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), aims to expand partner country agreements and improve hiring processes.

The stream will include a sector-specific work permit and is expected to launch in 2026. However, the detailed eligibility and requirements for this stream are yet to be released by IRCC.

4. New Permanent Pathway Replacing the Economic Mobility Pathway Pilot (EMPP)

A new permanent PR pathway is expected to replace the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), which supports skilled refugees and displaced individuals seeking work opportunities in Canada. The government initially planned to launch this pathway before the EMPR Pilot expires, which is on December 31, 2025. However, the details are still pending, and it may be rolled out in 2026 instead

The latest Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028 has also indicated a one-time measure to streamline PR for 115,000 protected persons already in Canada, which could prospectively fall under the new pathway. So far, between 2019 and March 2025, 970 individuals have been admitted through the EMPP pathway, and the pilot is no longer accepting new applications under its federal streams

The new PR pathway, replacing the EMPP pilot, is expected to mirror the current EMPP eligibility criteria, which include:

Proof of refugee or displaced person status
Work experience, education, and language proficiency requirements

PR Pilot Programs Reopening in 2026

1. Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (Child Care and Home Support)

This pilot program was launched in March 2025, with each pilot, that is, the Child Care and Home Support, receiving an allocation of 2,750 applications each, and the program reached its quota within a day. Both programs included:

Stream for workers inside Canada
Stream for applicants outside Canada

The outside Canada stream never opened and was labelled closed. However, the in-Canada stream is expected to reopen in 2026, and the eligibility requirements include:

Must have a full-time eligible job offer
Must have language proficiency of CLB 4 or higher
Must have a secondary school diploma or higher
Must have at least six months of work experience

Also Read: Secure PR in Canada With PSW & ECE Programs (2025-2026)

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

Started in 2025, these employer-driven pathways help rural communities outside Quebec to fill in their labour shortages. Eligible candidates for RCIP and FCIP must have a job offer in an in-demand occupation, meet requirements for education, work experience, language proficiency, and have sufficient settlement funds. The FCIP pathway requires additional proof of French language ability.

Looking forward to in 2026, the participating communities could announce new employer designations and priority occupations to the existing, and the eligibility requirements include:

Must have a qualifying job offer in a community-designated occupation.
Must have one year of relevant work experience in the past three years or graduation from a local post-secondary institution
Must meet language requirements CLB 4 to 6, depending on NOC, NCLC 5 in all abilities for FCIP pathway.
Must have a Canadian or equivalent secondary or post-secondary education
Must show sufficient proof of settlement funds.

Canada is Gearing Up for 2026. Explore Your Options With GetGIS

As Canada prepares to launch several new PR pathways in 2026, temporary residents, skilled workers, and sector-specific professionals can expect expanded opportunities for securing PR.

With the evolving criteria and competitive intake gaps, staying prepared ahead is crucial. For personalised guidance, an end-to-end Canada PR application support, consider reaching out for guidance from trusted immigration consultants like GetGIS

Book Your Free Consultation