One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative 2026: Canada’s New TR to PR Pathway Explained

Canada has introduced the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative, a major immigration measure intended to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 workers already in Canada to permanent residence during 2026 and 2027.

The announcement has generated significant interest among temporary foreign workers, work permit holders, international graduates and employers. It is also frequently described online as Canada’s new TR to PR pathway for 2026.

However, the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative is not a reopening of the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway that accepted applications in 2021. It is also not currently a new immigration stream through which any temporary resident can submit a separate application.

Instead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, known as IRCC, is initially accelerating eligible permanent residence applications that are already in its existing application inventories.

This guide explains what the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative is, who IRCC is initially prioritizing, whether applications are open, what temporary workers need to know and when an immigration medical exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician may be required.

What Is the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative?

The One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative is a federal immigration measure designed to accelerate permanent residence for up to 33,000 workers in Canada during 2026 and 2027.

The initiative was announced in Budget 2025. On May 4, 2026, IRCC published further information explaining how the initiative is being implemented.

IRCC aims to transition at least 20,000 workers to permanent residence during 2026. The remaining workers included within the overall target are expected to transition during 2027.

IRCC also reported that 3,600 workers were granted permanent residence under the initiative between January 1 and February 28, 2026.

The initiative is intended to support workers who have already established roots in Canada and are contributing to the Canadian economy. Its initial focus is particularly connected to labour shortages and economic needs in smaller and rural Canadian communities.

Is This Canada’s New TR to PR Pathway for 2026?

The initiative helps certain temporary workers transition to permanent residence, so many people may informally describe it as a new TR to PR pathway for 2026.

However, it is important to use accurate terminology.

The program officially known as the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway opened in 2021. It included streams for certain essential workers, healthcare workers, French-speaking applicants and recent international graduates.

The original TR to PR Pathway closed to new applications on November 5, 2021. It has not reopened.

The One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative is different because it:

• accelerates eligible permanent residence applications already submitted to IRCC;

• does not currently have a separate public application portal;

• is not automatically available to every temporary resident;

• is not automatically available to every Canadian work permit holder;

• initially focuses on applications submitted through specified immigration programs; and

• does not require eligible applicants to register separately.

The most accurate description is that this is a one-time permanent residence acceleration initiative for selected workers rather than a new open TR to PR application stream.

Who Is Initially Eligible for the 2026 Initiative?

IRCC has stated that it is initially accelerating eligible applications already in its inventories from work permit holders who have applied for permanent residence.

The workers identified in IRCC’s May 2026 announcement:

• have applied for permanent residence through one of the programs identified by IRCC; and

• have been living in a smaller community in Canada for at least two years.

The immigration programs identified by IRCC are:

• Provincial Nominee Program

• Atlantic Immigration Program

• Community immigration pilots

• Caregiver pilots

• Agri-Food Pilot

These include established regional immigration programs led by provinces, territories and community partners, as well as occupation-driven pilots.

Simply having a Canadian work permit does not establish eligibility for the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative.

A person must already have a permanent residence application in IRCC’s inventory through an applicable program and must meet the criteria being used by IRCC.

Is the New TR to PR Pathway Open for Applications?

No separate application process has been announced for the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative.

IRCC has clearly stated that eligible applicants do not need to take any action.

The department is reviewing permanent residence applications already in its inventories and identifying eligible applications for accelerated processing.

There is currently no:

• dedicated application form;

• public registration website;

• expression of interest process;

• first-come, first-served intake;

• separate points calculator;

• general stream for all temporary workers;

• general stream for all international graduates; or

• application fee specifically for this initiative.

Temporary residents should be cautious about websites, advertisements or social-media posts claiming that a new TR to PR application portal has opened.

Applicants should rely on current IRCC information and continue monitoring their IRCC account for official correspondence.

Which Permanent Residence Programs Are Included?

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program allows participating provinces and territories to nominate individuals who have the skills, education and work experience needed by their regional economies.

Each province and territory has its own immigration streams and eligibility requirements.

Having a provincial nomination or an existing Provincial Nominee Program application does not necessarily guarantee accelerated processing under the initiative. IRCC determines which applications meet the initiative’s criteria.

Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program provides a permanent residence pathway for eligible skilled foreign workers and qualifying international graduates who want to live and work in one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces:

• New Brunswick

• Nova Scotia

• Prince Edward Island

• Newfoundland and Labrador

Community Immigration Pilots

Canada’s community immigration pilots provide permanent residence pathways for skilled candidates who want to work and settle in selected Canadian communities.

IRCC states that the community immigration pilots currently include 18 selected communities.

Caregiver Pilots

The caregiver pilots provide permanent residence pathways for qualifying home child care workers and home support workers.

IRCC continues processing applications already received through these programs.

Agri-Food Pilot

The Agri-Food Pilot was created to address labour needs in Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sectors.

Although the pilot has concluded, IRCC continues to process applications that were accepted before May 14, 2025. Eligible applications already in the inventory may be considered under the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative.

What Does Living in a Smaller Community Mean?

IRCC has confirmed that the eligible workers initially being accelerated have lived in smaller communities in Canada for at least two years.

However, IRCC’s May 4, 2026 publications do not provide a universal population limit or a complete national list defining every community that will qualify as a smaller community for this initiative.

Applicants should not assume that living outside a downtown area automatically satisfies the requirement.

Eligibility may be connected to the regional immigration program, community pilot or occupation-driven pathway through which an applicant was selected.

Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility should seek advice from a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant.

Are International Students and PGWP Holders Eligible?

IRCC has not announced a separate international graduate stream under the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative.

A former international student or post-graduation work permit holder may potentially be included when that person:

• currently holds a work permit;

• has already submitted a qualifying permanent residence application;

• applied through one of the programs identified by IRCC;

• has lived in a smaller Canadian community for at least two years; and

• meets any other criteria applied by IRCC.

Being a Canadian international graduate or holding a post-graduation work permit does not automatically make someone eligible.

This is different from the 2021 TR to PR Pathway, which included a dedicated stream for certain recent international graduates.

Are Temporary Workers in Toronto or the GTA Included?

IRCC’s initial announcement focuses on workers who have lived in smaller Canadian communities for at least two years.

IRCC has not announced a Toronto-specific or Greater Toronto Area stream under the initiative.

A temporary worker who has lived and worked exclusively in Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga or another large GTA community should not assume that their application qualifies.

Temporary residents in Toronto and the GTA may still qualify for permanent residence through other established programs, depending on their circumstances.

Possible options may include:

• Canadian Experience Class;

• Federal Skilled Worker Program;

• Federal Skilled Trades Program;

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program;

• category-based Express Entry;

• family sponsorship; or

• another federal or provincial pathway.

Our guide to IRCC invitations and Express Entry draws provides general information about receiving an invitation to apply and when an immigration medical exam may be required.

Will Applicants Need an Immigration Medical Exam?

Permanent residence applicants must meet Canada’s medical admissibility requirements. Family members may also be required to undergo an immigration medical exam.

The One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative does not create a new type of immigration medical exam.

Because the initiative accelerates applications already in IRCC’s inventories, applicants may be at different stages of medical processing.

For example:

• some applicants may already have completed an immigration medical;

• some may receive medical instructions from IRCC;

• some may have a previous immigration medical exam on file; or

• some in-Canada applicants may potentially qualify for IRCC’s temporary public policy exempting certain applicants from completing another immigration medical exam.

Who Can Complete an Immigration Medical Exam?

An official Canadian immigration medical exam must be completed by a doctor included on IRCC’s list of approved panel physicians.

A family doctor cannot complete the official immigration medical unless that doctor is also an IRCC-approved panel physician.

The panel physician performs the required medical assessment and submits the information to IRCC. The panel physician does not approve or refuse the permanent residence application and does not make the final decision regarding medical admissibility.

Applicants who receive an IRCC medical request can review our IMM 1017 medical request form guide before booking their appointment.

Do Express Entry Applicants Need an Upfront Medical Exam?

As of August 21, 2025, applicants applying for permanent residence through Express Entry must complete an upfront immigration medical exam before submitting their permanent residence application.

An upfront immigration medical exam is completed before IRCC sends the applicant an individual medical request.

The applicant contacts an IRCC-approved panel physician directly, completes the immigration medical and receives documentation confirming that the examination was performed.

Applicants can learn more in our detailed guide to the upfront medical exam for Express Entry applicants.

For most permanent residence applications outside Express Entry, applicants should submit their complete application and wait for IRCC’s medical instructions. IRCC generally requires the medical to be completed within 30 days after those instructions are issued.

What Happens During an Immigration Medical Exam?

A standard immigration medical exam may include:

• confirmation of identity;

• a medical history questionnaire;

• a physical examination;

• height and weight measurements;

• vision and hearing assessment;

• chest X-rays when required according to age and IRCC instructions;

• laboratory testing when required; and

• additional investigations or specialist reports when necessary.

The tests required depend on the applicant’s age, medical history and IRCC instructions.

Our guide to the medical tests completed during an immigration medical exam explains what clients may expect during their panel physician appointment.

H2: Why Choose GTA Immigration Physicians for Your Immigration Medical?

GTA Immigration Physicians is an IRCC-approved panel physician clinic located in North York, Toronto.

Our clinic provides immigration medical examinations for clients applying for permanent residence, Express Entry, work permits, study permits, family sponsorship and other eligible Canadian immigration categories.

Clients who receive an IRCC medical request can contact GTA Immigration Physicians to arrange an appointment with an approved panel physician. Express Entry applicants who are required to complete an upfront immigration medical can also book directly with GTA Immigration Physicians without waiting for an individual IMM 1017 request.

Our clinic is designed to make the immigration medical process straightforward and convenient. The immigration medical examination, required laboratory testing and chest X-ray services can be coordinated efficiently, helping clients complete the required steps of their immigration medical in one location.

The panel physician reviews the client’s relevant medical history, completes the required physical examination and submits the immigration medical information electronically to IRCC through the secure eMedical system.

GTA Immigration Physicians regularly assists clients completing medical examinations for:

• permanent residence applications;

• Express Entry applications;

• work permit applications;

• study permit applications;

• family sponsorship applications;

• Provincial Nominee Program applications;

• Atlantic Immigration Program applications;

• caregiver applications; and

• other applications requiring an IRCC immigration medical exam.

Our North York panel physician clinic is conveniently located for clients travelling from across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

We regularly serve clients from:

• North York;

• downtown Toronto;

• Scarborough;

• Etobicoke;

• Markham;

• Richmond Hill;

• Vaughan;

• Brampton;

• Mississauga;

• Pickering;

• Ajax;

• Whitby;

• Newmarket; and

• surrounding Ontario communities.

Same-day and next-day immigration medical appointments may be available, depending on clinic capacity. Saturday appointments and walk-in availability may also be offered.

Clients should contact GTA Immigration Physicians directly to confirm current appointment options before attending.

What Should You Bring to GTA Immigration Physicians?

Clients attending GTA Immigration Physicians should bring acceptable original identification and any immigration documents provided by IRCC.

Depending on the application, useful documents may include:

• a valid passport or other acceptable identification;

• an IMM 1017 medical request form, when issued;

• an Express Entry invitation or application information for an upfront medical;

• a list of current prescription medications;

• relevant specialist reports;

• records relating to previous significant medical conditions;

• eyeglasses or contact lenses, if worn; and

• details of any previous immigration medical examination.

Providing accurate information and bringing relevant medical documentation can help the panel physician complete the immigration medical assessment efficiently.

Review our complete immigration medical exam checklist before attending your appointment.

What Happens After Your Immigration Medical at GTA Immigration Physicians?

After the immigration medical exam is completed, the panel physician submits the required medical information electronically through eMedical.

The clinic may provide the client with proof that the immigration medical examination was completed. Express Entry applicants may need to upload this proof as part of their permanent residence application.

The panel physician does not make the final immigration decision and cannot confirm whether an applicant will be found medically admissible.

IRCC reviews the submitted medical information and decides whether:

• the medical requirements have been satisfied;

• additional medical information is required;

• further testing is needed; or

• the application can continue through processing.

Clients should continue monitoring their IRCC account after the immigration medical and respond promptly to any additional instructions.

What Has IRCC Not Announced?

As of July 14, 2026, IRCC has not announced:

• a separate public application portal;

• a new application form;

• an application opening date;

• a first-come, first-served intake;

• a registration or expression of interest process;

• automatic eligibility for all work permit holders;

• automatic eligibility for international graduates;

• automatic eligibility for PGWP holders;

• a universal list of qualifying occupations;

• a universal population threshold defining a smaller community;

• a new language requirement specific to this initiative;

• a new educational requirement specific to this initiative; or

• a Toronto or GTA-specific stream.

IRCC has stated that progress on the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative will be updated monthly.

Applicants should rely on official IRCC announcements rather than predictions or unverified online claims.

Frequently Asked Questions About the One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative

Is Canada’s TR to PR Pathway open in 2026?

The original 2021 Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident Pathway remains closed. The One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative is a separate measure that accelerates eligible applications already held in IRCC’s permanent residence inventories.

Can I apply directly for the 33,000-worker initiative?

No separate application process has been announced. IRCC is identifying eligible applicants from existing permanent residence inventories.

Do eligible applicants need to register?

No. IRCC states that eligible applicants do not need to take additional action.

Does every Canadian work permit holder qualify?

No. Holding a work permit alone does not establish eligibility.

How long must applicants have lived in a smaller community?

IRCC states that the workers initially being accelerated have lived in smaller Canadian communities for at least two years.

Can a family doctor complete an IRCC medical?

No. An official Canadian immigration medical must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Can GTA Immigration Physicians complete my immigration medical exam?

Yes. GTA Immigration Physicians is an IRCC-approved panel physician clinic in North York, Toronto. The clinic provides immigration medical examinations for eligible permanent residence, Express Entry, work permit, study permit and other Canadian immigration applications.

Can I book an upfront immigration medical with GTA Immigration Physicians?

Express Entry applicants who are required to complete an upfront immigration medical can contact GTA Immigration Physicians directly to arrange an appointment with an approved panel physician.

Final Summary

The One-Time In-Canada Workers Initiative is an important part of Canada’s 2026 immigration plan.

IRCC intends to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 workers to permanent residence during 2026 and 2027. At least 20,000 workers are expected to transition during 2026, with the remainder included in the initiative expected during 2027.

The initiative is not a reopening of the 2021 TR to PR Pathway and is not currently accepting separate public applications.

IRCC is initially accelerating eligible permanent residence applications already in its inventories from work permit holders who applied through specified regional programs or occupation-driven pilots and have lived in smaller Canadian communities for at least two years.

Eligible applicants do not need to register or take additional action. They should continue monitoring their IRCC account and follow any instructions provided by IRCC.

When an immigration medical exam is required, it must be completed by an IRCC-approved panel physician.

GTA Immigration Physicians provides immigration medical examinations in North York, Toronto, for eligible clients applying through Express Entry, permanent residence, work permit, study permit and other immigration categories.

Clients from Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Brampton, Mississauga, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Newmarket and surrounding GTA communities can contact GTA Immigration Physicians to arrange an immigration medical appointment.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on publicly available IRCC information as of July 14, 2026. Immigration policies, selection criteria, processing priorities and medical instructions may change.

GTA Immigration Physicians and its panel physicians do not provide legal advice, immigration representation or individual immigration eligibility assessments through this article. Readers should review the latest official IRCC instructions and seek advice from a qualified Canadian immigration lawyer or licensed immigration consultant regarding their individual circumstances.

The medical information provided is general and is not a substitute for assessment or advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.