2026 is here. I am in Canada. How do I stay permanently?

Yury Vilin, RCIC
3 days ago
3 min read

The arrival of 2026 brings a significant shift in Canadian immigration. For those already living and working in Canada on temporary permits, the message from the federal government is clear: your experience in Canada is your strongest asset. The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan has officially pivoted toward "in-Canada" transitions, prioritizing those who have already started building their lives within our borders.

Whether you are here to work, study, or visit, moving from temporary status to permanent residency (PR) requires matching your current situation to the right program. Here is how you can secure your future in Canada this year.

1. Identify Your Current Status

The first step is understanding how your current "temporary status" serves as a bridge. Common variants include:

Work Permit: Whether you hold an employer-specific permit (LMIA-based) or an Open Work Permit (like the PGWP or a Spousal Open Work Permit), your Canadian work experience is the "gold standard" for PR eligibility.
Study Permit: As a current student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are positioned for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which leads directly into the Canadian Experience Class.
Visitor Record: If you are here on an extended stay, you may need to transition to a work or study permit first, or look toward family-based sponsorship.
Super Visa: While designed for long-term visits for parents and grandparents, certain family sponsorship streams may still be applicable depending on your family's status in Canada.

2. Primary PR Pathways for In-Canada Applicants

Most residents transition through these "Economic Class" programs, which are seeing renewed focus this year:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The primary route for workers. In 2026, IRCC continues to hold frequent, large-scale draws specifically for the CEC, often with lower CRS cut-off scores than general draws.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): Provinces like BC, Ontario, and Alberta have expanded their "In-Canada" streams for 2026, prioritizing those already working in high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, and tech.
In-Canada Spousal Sponsorship: If your partner is a Canadian citizen or PR, this remains one of the most stable routes, allowing you to stay and work in Canada while your application is processed.

3. What’s New in 2026?

This year introduces several targeted initiatives designed to convert temporary residents into permanent ones:

The 33,000 Worker Transition: A specific initiative for 2026–2027 aimed at fast-tracking PR for skilled temporary workers who are already contributing to the economy, particularly those in rural communities or in-demand trades.
French-Language Priorities: If you have strong French skills, your path to PR is faster than ever. The 2026 target for Francophone immigration outside Quebec has increased to 9%, making French proficiency a "shortcut" to an invitation.
New Express Entry Categories: Beyond healthcare and STEM, IRCC is now utilizing targeted draws for Physicians with Canadian experience and is considering new categories for Leadership/Senior Managers and Innovation/Researchers.

4. Maintain Your Legal Status

The golden rule of transitioning is maintaining "legal status" at all times.

Apply Before Expiry: Ensure any extension (Work Permit or Study Permit) is filed before your current one expires to benefit from Maintained Status.
Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP): If you have already applied for PR, you may be eligible for a BOWP, allowing you to keep working even if your original permit expires.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

Navigating the 2026 immigration landscape requires precision. With targets shifting and new pathways opening, the timing of your application is as important as the documents you submit and answer your question "2026 is here. I am in Canada. How do I stay permanently?"

Don’t leave your future to chance. If you are ready to transition from temporary to permanent status, we can help you identify the fastest and most reliable pathway based on your unique profile.