Canada Is Giving PR Priority to People Already in Canada

IRCC Is Giving Priority to People Already in Canada

Over the past year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clearly stated that it wants to give Permanent Residence (PR) first to people who already live and work in Canada.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 confirms this approach. The plan explains that PR targets mainly focus on helping temporary residents in Canada become permanent residents, especially those with Canadian work experience and useful skills.

Because of this clear direction, IRCC has introduced several new programs and policy changes that support people already living in Canada.

More PR Opportunities Through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Firstly, IRCC significantly increased PR targets under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

In 2026, PR admissions under PNP increased from 55,000 to 91,500. This change represents a 66% increase. IRCC plans to raise this number further to 92,500 PR spots in both 2027 and 2028.

As a result, provinces and territories now have more nomination slots, which allows them to nominate a higher number of PR candidates.

Most PNP streams prefer applicants who have studied or worked in the province. Therefore, people already living in Canada gain a clear advantage.

In previous years, the federal government directed provinces to give 75% of nominations to temporary residents in Canada. Although this rule does not apply this year, it clearly shows IRCC’s long-term focus on in-Canada applicants.

Express Entry Remains Strong, Especially for CEC Candidates

Next, IRCC continues to maintain high PR targets under the Express Entry system.

For 2026, Express Entry offers 109,000 PR spaces, which accounts for around 45% of all economic immigration categories. IRCC expects these numbers to increase slightly in 2027 and 2028.

Express Entry includes three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

IRCC regularly conducts program-specific draws for CEC candidates, which highlights its preference for applicants with Canadian work experience.

Since CEC requires at least one year of work experience in Canada, individuals already working in the country benefit the most.

In 2026 so far, IRCC has conducted large CEC draws and issued 14,000 invitations. This figure already exceeds the number of invitations issued during the same period last year. These trends clearly show IRCC’s continued commitment to inviting in-Canada candidates for PR.

Fast-Track PR for Temporary Foreign Workers

In addition, IRCC announced a special fast-track PR pathway for temporary foreign workers.

Through this program, IRCC plans to grant PR to up to 33,000 workers in 2026 and 2027. The program targets workers who have lived in Canada for a long period, pay taxes, contribute to the economy, and maintain strong community ties.

This one-time initiative focuses on high-demand sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, emerging technologies, and rural regions.

Although IRCC has not yet released full eligibility details, the department is expected to introduce this pathway as a separate TR-to-PR program.

Overall, this initiative supports Canada’s goal of reducing new arrivals while strengthening pathways for workers already in the country.

PR Pathway for Over 100,000 Protected Persons in Canada

Similarly, IRCC announced another one-time PR initiative for Protected Persons living in Canada.

This program aims to support around 115,000 individuals over the next two years. These individuals already hold protected status and are moving toward permanent settlement.

According to the government, this initiative will speed up integration, provide long-term stability, and help Canada meet its humanitarian commitments.

New Express Entry Category for Doctors with Canadian Experience

To address healthcare worker shortages, IRCC introduced a new Express Entry category for doctors with Canadian work experience.

This category targets physicians who already work in Canada and have completed at least one year of Canadian work experience.

Eligible occupations include general practitioners and family physicians, specialists in surgery, and specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine.

IRCC plans to begin draws under this category in early 2026, giving doctors a clearer and faster pathway to PR.

5,000 Extra PR Spots Reserved for Licensed Doctors

Moreover, IRCC reserved 5,000 additional PR spots for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with valid job offers in Canada.

These spots exist outside regular PNP allocations and allow provinces to nominate doctors more efficiently. Selected doctors may also start working before PR approval, as IRCC may process their work permits within 14 days.

Since provinces often prioritize candidates with local work experience, doctors already working in Canada are more likely to receive nominations.

5,000 PR Spaces Reserved for French-Speaking Immigrants

Finally, IRCC reserved 5,000 additional PR spots for French-speaking immigrants starting this year.

Although IRCC does not limit these spaces to in-Canada candidates, provinces often prefer applicants with local work or study experience and a clear intention to settle in the province.

As a result, French-speaking candidates already living in Canada may receive priority. This initiative supports Canada’s goal of increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec and reaching a 12% target by 2029.

Final Takeaway

In conclusion, Canada’s immigration system is clearly shifting toward supporting people who already live in the country.

Through increased PNP targets, CEC-focused Express Entry draws, new work-to-PR pathways, healthcare-specific initiatives, and Francophone immigration programs, Canada now offers more PR opportunities to in-Canada candidates than ever before.

If you are already studying or working in Canada, this is the right time to plan your PR strategy.

Get in touch with SPS Global

Receive advice on any of your questions regarding Immigration Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).