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Dieppe, November 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Canada has outlined a temporary measure allowing provinces and territories to use additional immigration nominations to help up to a combined 100,000 established workers and their family members obtain permanent residence in 2027.
Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the implementation details on Thursday in Dieppe, New Brunswick. Under the measure, provincial and territorial governments will be offered optional additional allocations under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The announcement does not introduce a new immigration program or reopen pathways that have been closed to fresh applications. The target of up to 100,000 covers workers and their family members together, not 100,000 workers in addition to their families.
Provinces and territories will decide how much of the additional nomination capacity they use to retain workers already established in their communities and meeting local labour-market needs. The allocations are intended to be used by March 31, 2027, to support transitions to permanent residence during the year.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clarified that March 31 is the intended deadline for provinces and territories to use the allocations, not a deadline for individuals to submit new applications.
The measure covers workers already living in Canada and contributing to its economy. Provincial and territorial governments will also be able to identify workers who have applied for permanent residence through federal programs and are awaiting decisions.
These include applicants under the Atlantic Immigration Program, as well as certain programs and pilots that are closed to new applications, such as the Start-up Visa Program, the Self-Employed Persons Program, the Agri-Food Pilot and home-care worker programs.
“Our government understands that by retaining high-value, established workers, we can support economic growth and help our businesses thrive,” Metlege Diab said.
The department said retaining established workers would help employers maintain access to skilled talent and address labor shortages without placing significant additional pressure on housing and community infrastructure.
The measure is separate from the In-Canada Worker Initiative announced in Budget 2025. The announcement did not specify how the additional provincial allocations would be distributed or provide a nationality-wise breakdown of potential beneficiaries.