Managing a fair and sustainable immigration system
Managing a responsive and predictable immigration system
In addition to the targets set in our Immigration Levels Plan, we are using specific measures (time-limited and one-time initiatives) as a tool to provide stability and reset our immigration system.
These temporary measures:
- complement the Canadian workforce and support regional labour market needs
- provide additional admissions space for select pathways in close collaboration with the provinces and territories
- give stability to people already in communities across Canada, many of whom have applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a decision
- fulfill our previous humanitarian commitments
- help reduce application inventories and improve processing times
Applicants do not need to apply separately or take any additional steps to be considered under these measures.
Initiatives introduced in 2026
We are on track to complete the one-time initiatives that were introduced in 2026.
Time-limited measure for 2027
We are making additional space for one year, outside of the Levels targets, to process permanent residence applications for specific groups of people who are in Canada and contributing to our communities.
This time-limited measure for people in Canada is not a new pathway and will not increase admissions on a recurring basis.
What’s included
Workers already in communities outside Quebec, as well as their families.
Workers must be:
- waiting for a decision on their permanent residence application under select programs that are now closed to new applications, including:
- eligible to apply for permanent residence through the Provincial Nominee Program
People already in Canada who applied through specific pathways, including:
- processing applications for spouses, common-law partners and children of Canadians and permanent residents, who have already applied for permanent residence and are awaiting a final decision
- aiming to process all remaining applications for those who applied under the Permanent residence pathways for Hong Kong residents that closed on August 31, 2026
- aiming to process all remaining applications for those who applied under the Permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals with family members in Canada pathway that closed on October 22, 2024
- applications for in-Canada humanitarian and compassionate applicants whose applications have already been approved in principle
Processing the applications in these categories will help these individuals keep their strong roots in Canada and provide greater certainty to plan for their future.