Ontario (Rajeev Sharma): In a significant immigration move, Canada has announced a plan to grant Permanent Residency (PR) to around 33,000 foreign workers currently living in the country on work permits. The initiative is part of a broader effort to address workforce shortages, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions.
The programme, introduced under the “In-Canada Workers Initiative,” focuses on individuals who have already been contributing to local economies in less populated areas. Authorities believe that providing long-term settlement opportunities to such workers will help stabilise industries struggling to find skilled labour.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab confirmed that the decision aligns with commitments made in the 2025 federal budget. She stated that the government aims to fast-track PR applications for eligible candidates already residing in Canada, with a target of approving at least 20,000 cases by 2026. The remaining applications are expected to be processed by 2027.
Officials noted that thousands of applicants have already benefited from the scheme this year, indicating steady progress. The policy primarily covers workers who have spent at least two years in rural or smaller urban communities and have applied through recognised immigration streams such as provincial or sector-specific programmes.
Importantly, eligible applicants will not be required to submit fresh applications. Instead, authorities will prioritise and accelerate processing of existing files, reducing delays and easing the backlog in the system.
The move is also expected to benefit a large number of Indian nationals, especially from Punjab, who form a significant portion of Canada’s temporary workforce.
However, the policy comes alongside tighter controls in other areas. The government has reduced intake targets for international students and new work permits, signalling a shift towards retaining workers already present in the country rather than increasing fresh inflows.
Officials say the dual approach aims to balance population growth while strengthening the labour market in underserved regions. By offering a clear pathway to permanent settlement, Canada hopes to ensure long-term economic stability and community development across its rural landscape.
