COW – Protected Persons in Canada – May 28, 2026
- Protected persons in Canada (PPiC) are individuals recognized as needing Canada's protection.
- Most are approved by the Immigration Refugee Board, while others receive protection through the Pre-Removal Risk Assessment process.
- Once protected status is granted, individuals can remain in Canada and most apply for permanent residence.
- The Immigration Levels Plan sets annual permanent residence admissions targets for this group.
- Applications have grown faster than available space in the Levels Plan, creating backlogs and longer wait times.
One-time initiative (Budget 2025)
- We will process applications to transition approximately 115,000 protected persons and their in-canada dependants to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027.
- These individuals already live and work in communities across Canada.
- This initiative provides greater certainty and stability for protected persons and their families.
- Admissions of protected persons residing in Quebec will continue under Quebec's existing immigration targets and agreements.