Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released a major update on May 4, 2026. The government expects at least 20,000 temporary workers currently living in Canada to receive permanent residence this year.
Details of the In-Canada Workers Initiative
This update clarifies the one-time In-Canada Workers Initiative originally announced in Budget 2025. The government plans to transition up to 33,000 workers to permanent residence across 2026 and 2027.
IRCC confirmed that the remaining workers will transition in 2027. This makes it a highly significant permanent residence commitment for temporary workers residing in Canada.
Progress on this target is already visible. Between January 1 and February 28, 2026, IRCC granted permanent residence to 3,600 workers under this specific initiative.
Official Numbers Released by IRCC
The government shared specific figures regarding the transition of temporary workers. The table below outlines the official targets and current progress.
| Initiative Metric | Official Data |
|---|---|
| Total Transition Target | Up to 33,000 workers |
| 2026 Transition Goal | At least 20,000 workers |
| 2027 Transition Goal | Remaining workers |
| PR Granted (Jan 1 – Feb 28, 2026) | 3,600 workers |
| Overall Yearly PR Admissions | 380,000 per year |
Not a New Open-Door Program
Many temporary residents expected a broad new pathway after months of vague messaging. However, the official details released on May 4 present a different reality.
The latest update confirms this is not a new open-door TR to PR program. It does not introduce a new application portal for temporary residents.
Instead, the government is accelerating existing permanent residence applications from specific inventories. This applies only to workers inside Canada who have already applied through established programs.
Broader Context and Next Steps
This targeted effort operates alongside the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. That plan sets overall permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year.
Temporary residents should review their current application status immediately. New federal laws and rules are taking effect in May 2026, adding complexity to the system.
Applicants with complex cases or past refusals require careful strategy. Relying on accurate legal representation remains critical during these systemic changes.
