Canada plans to launch several new permanent residence pathways in 2026. The government's focus is to help those currently residing in Canada temporarily transition to permanent resident status more quickly and smoothly.

In addition, some programs that closed in 2025 due to reaching their cap are expected to reopen in 2026.

The article below fully summarizes the settlement routes expected to be implemented or reopened in 2026.

1. Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway (TR to PR)

Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada plans to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary work permit holders to permanent residents in 2026–2027.

The government is targeting workers who have been here long term, pay taxes and are making a positive contribution to the Canadian economy.

In 2021, IRCC opened a similar TR to PR pathway and reached its quota on the first day.

Details and conditions:

IRCC has not yet announced the specific implementation method and application requirements. Those who are interested can prepare the necessary documents according to the instructions in the in-depth analysis of the TR to PR program (no additional content because the requirements remain the same).

2. Fast Track Immigration Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders (USA)

Under the 2025 Federal Budget, Canada will soon open a fast-track immigration pathway for H-1B visa holders in the US.

The program targets highly skilled professionals in the fields of technology, health, and research – to promote Canadian innovation.

This follows the success of the 2023 pilot program, when 10,000 three-year work permit slots for H-1B holders were filled within days.

Details and conditions:

The government has not yet released detailed criteria. However, holding an H-1B visa will almost certainly be a requirement.

3. Settlement Path for Construction Workers

In March 2025, IRCC announced plans to accept up to 14,000 foreign construction workers.

Of these, 6,000 places are expected to be reserved for undocumented construction workers living in Canada.

This is a move to address the shortage of construction workers – the main cause of delays in the development of housing supply nationwide.

Details and conditions:

The government has not announced the opening time and review criteria.

4. Roadmap for Agriculture and Seafood Processing

In its Department Plan 2025–2026, IRCC announced that it will develop a sector-specific stream for agricultural and seafood processing workers.

The program will expand partner country agreements to make it easier for businesses to recruit and obtain work permits in the respective industries.

Details and conditions:

Not yet announced.

5. Alternative Roadmap for Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

The federal government plans to create a permanent residency program to replace the EMPP pilot program for skilled refugees and displaced people.

The EMPP helps Canadian businesses access a new source of labor, while also assisting refugees find career opportunities in Canada.
Tính từ 2019 đến tháng 3/2025, có 970 ứng viên được chấp nhận qua EMPP.

The official launch is planned to take place before the EMPP ends on December 31, 2025, but as details have not been released, it is likely to take place in 2026.

IRCC also plans to roll out a one-time initiative for the approximately 115,000 protected persons currently in Canada to transition to PR – likely part of this pathway.

Details and conditions:

Expected to be similar to the current EMPP, including:

• Proof of refugee or displaced person status
• May require work experience, education and language requirements.

6. Reopening Some Temporarily Closed Immigration Pathways

6.1. Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

(Child care and home support)

In March 2025, IRCC launched two pilot programs:

• Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Child Care
• Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot: Home Support

Each program has 2 application streams:

1. working in Canada
2. not working in Canada

Both programs reached their 2,750 application quota in just one day.

The stream for non-Canada applicants was never open but is now listed as “closed”.
IRCC is expected to reopen the stream for candidates working in Canada in 2026.

Details and conditions:

• Valid full-time job offer
• Club 4 and above
• High school graduate or higher
• 6 months of work experience
  (Details have been provided in the original content)

6.2. Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

và Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP)

These two programs, launched in 2025, are intended to help rural communities outside Quebec address labour shortages.

This is an employer-led route, requiring candidates to have a job offer in a priority industry.

Details and conditions:

• Job offer in priority industry
• Experience: 1 year (1,560 hours) in the past 3 years or graduation from a community training facility
• Foreign language:
  • RCIP: CLB 4–6 (depending on NOC)
  • FCIP: NCLC 5 French
• Education: High school graduate or post-high school graduate
• Proof of sufficient financial resources for the settlement process

In 2026, participating communities may announce additional priority industries and new designated employers.

Conclusion

2026 will be a big year with many new and reopened immigration pathways for skilled workers, refugees, construction workers, agricultural workers, home care workers, and tech professionals holding H-1B visas.

This is a great opportunity for those who are temporarily residing in Canada or are looking to settle permanently in the near future.