The Canadian government has announced a new immigration initiative that could grant permanent residency to up to 100,000 foreign workers and 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
The time-limited measure is designed to provide permanent residence opportunities for eligible migrants already living in Canada, while addressing immigration application backlogs and fulfilling previously established government commitments.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the initiative on Tuesday as part of the country’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
Hong Kong And Ukrainian Applicants To Benefit
The initiative will also cover thousands of applicants awaiting decisions under Canada’s special immigration arrangements for residents of Hong Kong and Ukrainian nationals.
According to the Canadian government, up to 32,000 people could obtain permanent residency 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 through the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway, which closed to new applicants on October 22, 2024.
Together, the two categories represent a potential 50,800 permanent resident admissions.
Canada also expects approximately 12,600 people who have already been found eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds to benefit from the initiative.
Immigration Programmes Covered Under Workers’ Category
The workers’ component will cover individuals who have already submitted applications through selected federal immigration programmes.
These include:
- Atlantic Immigration Program.
- Start-up Visa Program.
- Self-Employed Persons Program.
- Agri-Food Pilot.
- Home Care Worker programmes.
The government will also increase allocations under the Provincial Nominee Programme, allowing provincial and territorial authorities to nominate additional foreign workers based on their regional labour market requirements.
The additional admission spaces will be provided in 2027.
IRCC explained that the measure would help eligible migrants who have already established themselves in Canadian communities obtain permanent residency without prolonged waiting periods.
Canadian Immigration Minister Explains Initiative
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Lena Metlege Diab, said the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to create a more sustainable immigration system while honouring commitments made 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.
Similarly, Michael Ma, Member of Parliament for Markham—Unionville, welcomed the decision, noting that prolonged application waiting periods had made it difficult for migrants to plan their futures.
He said the government’s intention to complete outstanding applications by the end of 2027 would provide greater certainty for affected families.
Canada Highlights Economic Benefits
Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre, Yvan Baker, said granting permanent residency to eligible migrants would also strengthen Canada’s economy.
According to him, businesses would benefit from retaining workers already contributing to the country’s labour force, while migrants would have greater opportunities to pursue professional training and qualifications.
He added that the initiative complemented other immigration reforms aimed at restoring sustainability to Canada’s immigration system.
The Ukrainian and Hong Kong communities have also welcomed the announcement.
The National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Alexandra Chyczij, praised the government’s commitment to addressing outstanding applications under the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway by the end of 2027.
She thanked the immigration minister for considering concerns raised by the Ukrainian community, including calls for permanent residency opportunities for Ukrainians living in Canada under the CUAET visa.
Meanwhile, physician and community representative, Dr Henry Pang, described the announcement as a source of renewed hope for Hong Kong residents.
He said clearing outstanding applications would also allow healthcare professionals already living in Canada 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 establish new immigration programmes or reopen pathways that have already stopped accepting applications.
Eligible beneficiaries will not be required to submit fresh applications or contact the immigration department to have their existing applications considered.
The government explained that the initiative focuses on people already living, working and contributing to Canadian communities, meaning their transition to permanent residency would not amount to additional new arrivals.
The measure forms part of Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to reduce application backlogs, improve processing times and return the country’s immigration system to more sustainable levels.
