Canada is set to grant permanent residency to 33,000 temporary foreign workers as part of a major transition initiative within the federal government’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan — a move that signals a decisive shift in how the country manages its labour force and long-term immigration strategy.
The measure, which will be rolled out across 2026 and 2027, forms a key pillar of Canada’s evolving two-stage immigration model: individuals arrive first as temporary residents and, after working and integrating into Canadian society, a select group transitions to permanent residency.
A New Era for Temporary Workers
This latest commitment targets workers who have already built strong roots in Canada — individuals who have been paying taxes, filling labour shortages, and contributing meaningfully to local economies. Many of the beneficiaries come from essential industries such as:
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Hospitality
- Food processing
- Caregiving and support services
For these workers, the announcement represents more than policy — it is a life-changing pathway to stability in a country where they’ve already invested years of their lives.
Why Canada Is Prioritizing Temporary Residents
Federal officials have made it clear: transitioning people already inside Canada is now at the core of the country’s immigration direction.
According to the 2026–2028 plan, temporary residents are being prioritized because:
They already have Canadian work experience.
Government data shows temporary workers and international students integrate faster, meet labour needs immediately, and contribute economically from their first day.
They help Canada reduce its temporary population.
Ottawa aims to bring the number of temporary residents to below five percent of the population by 2027 — a significant reduction.
They ease pressure on housing and settlement systems.
By transitioning existing workers rather than bringing in large numbers of new arrivals, Canada can stabilize population growth while still maintaining economic momentum.
Their skills match urgent labour market gaps.
Many temporary residents already work in sectors facing acute shortages. Their integration into permanent roles helps maintain economic stability across provinces.
How the Two-Stage Immigration Model Works
Canada’s immigration system now operates on a clear two-step approach.
Stage 1: Temporary Status
Workers typically enter the country under programs such as:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)
These programs allow individuals to gain Canadian experience that later strengthens their eligibility for permanent residence.
Stage 2: Permanent Residence
After working for a period in Canada, eligible temporary residents may transition through:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Targeted Express Entry draws
- Employer-driven provincial streams
Notably, the CEC remains one of the fastest and most efficient pathways due to simplified requirements and proven integration.
Other Major One-Time Measures
Alongside the 33,000-worker transition, Canada will also grant permanent residency to 115,000 protected persons over two years. While this group is not part of the temporary population, the move reflects the government’s broader focus on stabilizing individuals already within Canada’s borders.
A Narrow Gateway — and a Caution
While the new measures create opportunities for thousands, experts emphasize that not all temporary workers will qualify. Canada is tightening entry streams, reducing new temporary arrivals, and raising standards for immigration candidates.
In fact, less than three percent of international students are expected to secure permanent residency — a stark contrast to perceptions often fuelled by education agents abroad.
Applicants, lawyers warn, should be wary of overly optimistic promises by third-party consultants or agencies.
A Long-Term Strategy for Stability
The overall effect of the new three-year plan is clear:
Canada is recalibrating, tightening inflows of temporary residents, and rewarding those who have already contributed to the country.
Permanent residence admissions will stabilize at 380,000 per year, with economic immigration rising to 64 percent of total admissions by 2027. Provincial programs, which heavily favour in-province temporary residents, will play a central role.
By placing temporary workers and graduates at the centre of its long-term vision, Canada is betting that those who have lived, studied, and worked within its borders are best positioned to build the country’s future.
