Canada is set to introduce several new pathways to permanent residence (PR) in the upcoming year.

In 2026, the government will prioritize in-Canada applicants through various pathways and programs that aim to transition temporary residents into permanent residents.

Moreover, 2026 will see the reopening of intake periods for some pathways and immigration streams that closed in 2025 after meeting their cap.

Here’s a look at all the PR pathways expected to launch in 2026.

Temporary resident to permanent resident pathway

In the Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028, the government announced plans to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary work permit holders to permanent residence over 2026 and 2027.

This initiative will target workers who have established strong roots in their communities, are paying taxes, and are contributing to the Canadian economy.

In 2021, IRCC introduced a limited-time temporary resident to permanent resident pathway. It hit its cap on the same day it launched.

Details and eligibility:

Details on how the government plans to implement this accelerated transition are yet to be announced. For details on the documentation that you want to keep ready for this upcoming pathway, visit our article on the topic.

Accelerated pathway for H-1B holders

In the 2025 federal budget, the government signalled plans to launch a new accelerated pathway to permanent residence for holders of US H-1B visas.

This upcoming program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and research as part of Canada’s strategy to boost innovation.

Officials have indicated the pathway will launch “in the coming months,” though no specific date or detailed criteria have yet been announced.

This move builds on a successful 2023 pilot that offered three-year open work permits to H-1B visa holders, a program that reached its 10,000-application cap within days due to overwhelming demand.

Details and eligibility:

While the government has not shared specific details on the upcoming pathway as of the time of writing, having a US H-1B visa will likely be a prerequisite to apply.

PR pathway for construction workers

In March 2025, IRCC announced it would admit up to 14,000 foreign national construction workers to Canada. Details on whether they would be admitted under permanent, temporary (or a combination thereof) pathways haven’t been given.