Canada announces permanent residency for 100,000 foreign workers, thousands of migrants

Thousands of migrants already living in Canada are set to benefit from a new government initiative aimed at granting permanent residency to eligible foreign workers, family members and applicants whose immigration applications have remained pending.

The Canadian government has introduced a time-limited measure that will provide permanent residence opportunities for up to 100,000 workers and as many as 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as part of efforts to address application backlogs and fulfil previously established immigration commitments.

Hong Kong and Ukrainian applicants included

The initiative also targets thousands of people awaiting decisions under Canada’s special immigration arrangements for residents of Hong Kong and Ukrainian nationals.

According to the government, up to 32,000 people could obtain permanent residence through outstanding applications under the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways.

The pathways stopped accepting new applications on August 31, 2026.

Another 18,800 admissions are expected from the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway, which closed to new applicants on October 22, 2024.

The two categories represent a combined potential 50,800 permanent resident admissions.

Canada also expects 12,600 people who have already been found eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds to benefit.

Who qualifies under the workers’ category?

The workers’ component covers individuals who have already applied through selected federal immigration programmes.

These include the Atlantic Immigration Program, Start-up Visa Program, Self-Employed Persons Program, Agri-Food Pilot and home care worker programmes.

The government will also increase allocations under the Provincial Nominee Programme, allowing provincial and territorial authorities to nominate additional workers based on their regional employment requirements.

The additional admission spaces will be provided in 2027.

IRCC said the arrangement would help people who had already established themselves in Canadian communities to secure permanent residence without having to wait longer for decisions.

Immigration minister speaks on the initiative

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the measure was part of the government’s efforts to make the immigration system more sustainable while keeping its promises to migrants.

“Canada is building on its progress to return sustainability to our immigration system while honouring the commitments we made to those in need.

“The time-limited measure announced with our levels plan will allow us to deliver faster on our promises to people from Hong Kong and Ukraine, giving them certainty as they continue to build their lives and contribute to our country,” she said.

Jean Yip, Member of Parliament for Scarborough—Agincourt, described the announcement as the outcome of five years of advocacy alongside the Hong Kong community.

She said the development would provide a pathway for individuals and families who had chosen to make Canada their home.

Michael Ma, Member of Parliament for Markham—Unionville, also welcomed the decision, noting that prolonged waiting periods had made it difficult for applicants to plan their futures.

He said the government’s intention to complete the outstanding applications by the end of 2027 would provide families with greater certainty.

Canadian lawmakers highlight economic benefits

Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, Yvan Baker, said granting permanent residence to eligible migrants would also strengthen Canada’s economy.

He explained that businesses would benefit from retaining workers already contributing to the country’s workforce, while migrants would have greater opportunities to pursue professional training and qualifications.

Baker added that the initiative complemented other immigration reforms designed to restore sustainability to the country’s immigration system.

Ukrainian and Hong Kong communities welcome decision

The National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Alexandra Chyczij, welcomed the government’s commitment to address outstanding applications under the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway by the end of 2027.

She thanked the immigration minister for listening to concerns raised by the Ukrainian community, including calls for permanent residence pathways for Ukrainians living in Canada under the CUAET visa.

Similarly, physician and community representative Dr Henry Pang described the announcement as a source of renewed hope for Hong Kong residents.

He said clearing the outstanding applications would also make valuable healthcare personnel already living in Canada available to contribute further to the country’s economy and public services.

Applicants do not need to submit new applications

IRCC clarified that the initiative would not create new immigration programmes or reopen pathways that had already closed to new applicants.

People covered by the measure will not be required to take additional steps or contact the immigration department to have their applications considered.

The government explained that the beneficiaries were already living, working and contributing to Canadian communities, meaning their transition to permanent residency would not amount to new arrivals.

The initiative is part of Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, which is intended to reduce immigration backlogs, improve application processing times and bring the country’s immigration system back to sustainable levels.