Ottawa, Canada — The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced major progress on a new federal initiative aimed at accelerating permanent residency for thousands of workers already living in Canada.
As outlined in Budget 2025, the one-time In-Canada Workers Initiative will fast-track up to 33,000 workers for permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. The program targets individuals who have already established strong ties in their communities and are actively contributing to the Canadian economy.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the first phase will prioritize applications already in the system. This includes work permit holders who have applied for permanent residency through programs such as the Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, various community immigration pilots, caregiver pilots, and the Agri-Food Pilot.
To qualify, applicants must have lived in smaller or rural communities in Canada for at least two years and be filling key labour shortages in those regions.
The initiative aims to strengthen rural economies by retaining skilled workers who are already integrated into local communities, helping address ongoing workforce gaps across critical sectors.
Officials say the move reflects Canada’s continued focus on supporting economic growth while providing a clearer pathway to permanent residency for those already contributing to the country.
Comments