The Canadian government has announced further details of an important immigration measure that could help up to 100,000 workers and their family members transition to Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada in 2027.

On November 12, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab made the announcement in Dieppe, New Brunswick. The initiative will give provinces and territories additional opportunities to nominate foreign workers who are already living and working in their communities.

For temporary foreign workers hoping to settle permanently in Canada, this development could create new opportunities. However, understanding who may benefit and how the process will work is essential.

1. What Did Canada Announce on November 12?

The new measure will provide provinces and territories with additional Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spaces to support the transition of eligible workers and their families to permanent residence.

Here are the main highlights:

• Up to 100,000 workers and family members could benefit from the 2027 measure.

• Provinces and territories will receive additional PNP allocation opportunities.

• Participation is optional. Each province or territory can decide how much of its additional allocation it wishes to use.

• Governments can prioritize workers who are already established in their communities and whose skills match local labour market requirements.

• The additional allocations are intended to be used by March 31, 2027.

Provinces and territories may also identify workers who have already submitted permanent residence applications and are waiting for decisions. This includes applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and certain federal immigration programs and pilots that are no longer accepting new applications.

The measure is designed to help employers retain experienced workers while supporting communities facing labour shortages.

2. Who Could Benefit From This New Canada PR Measure?

This announcement could be particularly relevant to people who are already living and working in Canada.

Potentially affected groups include:

• Temporary foreign workers who meet Provincial Nominee Program eligibility requirements.

• Workers employed in industries facing labour shortages.

• Individuals with established employment and community connections outside Quebec.

• Applicants awaiting decisions under selected closed federal immigration programs.

• Eligible family members accompanying qualifying workers.

However, this is not an automatic PR approval or an open immigration program. Workers must meet the applicable immigration requirements, and provincial or territorial governments will determine how to use their additional nomination spaces.

The final selection arrangements and individual eligibility requirements will be important to watch as provinces release further details.

3. Does This Mean Canada Is Opening a New PR Program?

No. This is an important distinction.

The government has introduced a time-limited immigration measure, rather than launching a new permanent immigration pathway.

The initiative is intended to help selected people already in Canada transition to permanent residence. It will operate alongside Canada’s regular immigration programs.

Under the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029, the government has maintained its annual permanent resident admission target at 380,000.

The economic immigration category will account for 244,700 planned admissions in 2027, with 95,000 allocated to the Provincial Nominee Program.

This demonstrates the continued importance of economic immigration and provincial selection in Canada’s immigration strategy.

4. What Should Temporary Workers in Canada Do Now?

If you are currently working in Canada and planning to apply for permanent residence, this is a good time to review your immigration options.

Consider the following steps:

1. Check whether your occupation and work experience meet the requirements of a provincial immigration program.

2. Review your eligibility for Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program.

3. Keep your work permit and temporary resident status valid.

4. Maintain accurate employment records, including job duties, salary and work experience.

5. Monitor announcements from your provincial immigration authority.

Do not assume that having a Canadian job automatically qualifies you for this initiative. Your occupation, work history, immigration status and provincial requirements may all matter.

5. How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

At ICC Immigration, we understand that choosing the right immigration pathway is an important decision for you and your family.

With 18+ years of immigration experience, our team helps individuals and families explore suitable options for building a stable future in Canada.

Our services include:

• Permanent Residency Applications: Assistance with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and other eligible PR pathways.

• Work Permits and Study Permits: Guidance on temporary residence options that may support your long-term immigration plans.

• Family Sponsorship: Assistance with applications to reunite eligible family members in Canada.

• Immigration Consultation: Professional guidance to understand eligibility, documentation and changing immigration requirements.

Rather than relying on an uncertain immigration route, explore the legal pathways available for your circumstances. For individuals who genuinely need refugee protection, asylum remains a separate protection process and should not be treated as a substitute for economic immigration.

Whether you are already working in Canada or planning to immigrate, ICC Immigration can help you understand your options and prepare your next steps with confidence.

Your future in Canada deserves the right guidance.

Contact ICC Immigration to discuss your permanent residence options.