Canada to Grant Permanent Residency to 33,000 Temporary Workers
Canada has launched a new immigration initiative that will allow up to 33,000 skilled temporary foreign workers already living in the country to obtain permanent residency over the next two years. The programme is part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan and aims to address labour shortages while reducing the number of non-permanent residents. The government also plans to tighten immigration controls, limit international student numbers, and keep permanent resident admissions below 1% of the population after 2027.
Government launches new pathway to reduce temporary residents and address labour shortages
Canada has started a new immigration initiative that will allow 33,000 temporary foreign workers already living in the country to become permanent residents over the next two years. The move is part of the government’s broader immigration strategy aimed at balancing labour shortages while reducing the number of non-permanent residents.
According to reports, the federal government has quietly begun implementing the programme. Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed in a recent interview that the initiative has already been launched, although full data on applications and approvals will likely be released in April.
Part of Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Plan
The programme was first announced in November under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney. Its goal is to create a pathway to permanent residency for workers already contributing to the Canadian economy, particularly in industries facing labour shortages.
These sectors include agriculture, construction, and hospitality—areas that continue to struggle with workforce shortages across the country.
Reducing the Number of Temporary Residents
Another key reason behind the policy is the rising number of temporary residents in Canada. Government data shows that over 2.1 million temporary permits expired in 2025, while nearly 1.94 million more are expected to expire in 2026.
Officials worry that without proper immigration pathways, many individuals could lose legal status and become undocumented. The government aims to reduce the share of non-permanent residents to below 5% of Canada’s population by 2027, down from around 6.8% recorded in December.
Strict Rules Still Apply
The immigration minister also made it clear that temporary residents must continue to follow immigration rules. Individuals who wish to stay beyond their permit validity must apply for extensions. Those who fail to do so will be expected to leave Canada.
Even when an extension is granted initially, it may still be refused later, in which case the individual would need to depart from the country.
Other Immigration Policy Changes
During the interview, Diab also spoke about Bill C-12, proposed legislation that would give immigration authorities the power to cancel or suspend certain immigration applications in exceptional situations considered to be in the public interest. She emphasized that these powers would be used rarely and would not be meant to deal with application backlogs.
The government’s broader immigration strategy also includes:
✔ Reducing temporary resident numbers
✔ Keeping permanent resident admissions below 1% of Canada’s population after 2027
✔ Increasing the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec to 12% by 2029
✔ Developing strategies to attract global talent
Changes Affecting International Students
The government has also decided to cut international student numbers by about 50% due to concerns about housing shortages and pressure on public services. This decision has already led to program reductions and job losses at several educational institutions.
Officials say the priority now is to strengthen oversight in the education system and ensure international students receive a meaningful educational experience.
A Shift in Canada’s Immigration Strategy
The rollout of the temporary-to-permanent residency pathway marks the first step in Canada’s effort to reshape its immigration system. The government is attempting to balance economic needs, labour shortages, and public concerns about population growth while maintaining confidence in Canada’s immigration framework.
Conclusion
Canada’s new pathway for 33,000 temporary workers to obtain permanent residency shows a clear shift in immigration strategy. Instead of bringing more people from outside, the government is focusing on workers who are already in Canada and contributing to the economy. This helps fill labour shortages while also reducing the growing number of temporary residents.
At the same time, the government is tightening immigration controls by reducing international student numbers and introducing stronger oversight measures. The overall goal is to balance economic needs, population growth, and public concerns about housing and services.
If implemented effectively, the policy could help stabilize Canada’s immigration system while still supporting industries that depend on foreign workers. However, its long-term success will depend on how well the government manages labour demands, immigration rules, and public confidence in the system.
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