Canada is set to grant permanent residency to up to 100,000 foreign workers and eligible family members already living in the country under a special immigration programme.
The time-limited measure, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on Tuesday, is part of efforts to clear immigration backlogs and fast-track applications from migrants who have already established themselves in the country.
Under the arrangement, up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents living in Canada will also be granted permanent residency.
Another 12,600 people who have already qualified for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds are expected to benefit.
The Canadian government said additional admission spaces would be provided in 2027 to accelerate the processing of applications from people already living in the country.
The workers’ category will cover applicants 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.
Provincial and territorial governments will also be allowed to nominate additional workers who meet their respective labour needs through increased allocations under the Provincial Nominee Programme.
The government said the initiative was designed to reward migrants who had contributed to Canadian communities and the economy while waiting for their permanent residency applications to be approved.
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, said the measure would help the country honour existing commitments while making its immigration system more sustainable.
She added that the programme would also fast-track permanent residency for eligible migrants from Hong Kong and Ukraine, giving them greater certainty about their future in Canada.
The government further disclosed plans to clear outstanding applications from Hong Kong residents under permanent residency pathways that closed to new applicants on August 31, 2026.
The outstanding applications are expected to result in up to 32,000 admissions.
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