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TR to PR Pathway in Canada: Is It Coming Back Under the 2026 Immigration Plan?

Canada’s TR to PR (Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident) pathway is one of the most talked-about topics among temporary workers and international students across the country. With the release of Budget 2025 and the new Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028), many are asking the big question again:

👉 Will TR to PR come back?

The short answer: Yes — but with some changes and limits.

Let’s break down what the latest federal budget says, what the “33,000 workers” measure really means, and how this connects with existing pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — another major route for TR to PR transition in Canada.

What Is TR to PR?

“TR to PR” stands for Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident. It refers to a process where foreign nationals who are already living in Canada on a temporary status — such as a work permit, study permit, or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) — transition to permanent residency (PR).

This pathway has gained attention since 2021, when IRCC introduced a special TR to PR public policy to grant PR to essential workers and international graduates already in Canada. That program was short-lived, but it set a precedent for future immigration strategies — one that Budget 2025 seems to be reviving, at least in part.

What Budget 2025 Says About TR to PR

A New Measure for Work Permit Holders

According to Budget 2025, Canada will introduce a one-time measure to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residency between 2026 and 2027.

That’s right — 33,000 temporary workers already in Canada may soon be eligible to apply for PR under a new streamlined process.

This is a clear sign that the TR to PR concept is returning, though in a more targeted and limited form than before. The focus this time is on work permit holders who are already contributing to the Canadian economy and labour market.

Immigration Level Targets

Alongside this new measure, the immigration plan also outlines:

  1. 380,000 new PR admissions per year from 2026 to 2028.

  2. A sharp reduction in temporary resident admissions — from around 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026.

  3. A stronger focus on economic immigration (workers and skilled professionals) over other categories.

These numbers show a clear policy shift: fewer temporary residents coming in, but more opportunities for those already in Canada to transition from TR to PR.

How TR to PR Works — Including CEC

While the Budget 2025 measure is new, it’s not the only way to move from temporary to permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry is a long-standing TR to PR pathway — one that many people overlook.

The CEC: A Built-In TR to PR Pathway

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) allows temporary residents — typically work permit holders or recent graduates — to apply for PR after gaining at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

This program was specifically designed to help those who have already adapted to the Canadian job market and lifestyle.
In fact, many immigration professionals consider CEC the original TR to PR program because it formalizes that same transition: from working temporarily to settling permanently.

Eligibility Highlights for CEC:

  1. At least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years.

  2. Language proficiency (CLB 7 or higher depending on the job category).

  3. Valid work experience gained under legal authorization (such as a valid work permit).

  4. Plan to live outside Quebec.

So, even though the new Budget 2025 pathway targets 33,000 workers, remember: the TR to PR system already exists through the CEC, and this new measure is simply an expansion of that concept — a one-time opportunity to fast-track specific temporary workers.

Why Canada Is Bringing Back TR to PR-Style Measures

Addressing Labour Shortages

Canada continues to face labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, construction, and technology. Allowing temporary foreign workers to stay permanently fills those gaps quickly without waiting for overseas applicants to arrive and integrate.

Managing Population Growth

With housing and infrastructure pressures increasing, the government is reducing overall temporary resident numbers while ensuring those already contributing to the economy can remain permanently.
This “convert from within” strategy helps manage population growth while maintaining a stable workforce.

Supporting Economic Integration

Temporary workers and graduates already living in Canada are better integrated — they know the culture, language, and work systems. Granting PR to this group leads to faster economic returns and higher retention rates in communities across Canada.

What to Expect from the New TR to PR Program (33,000 Quota)

Here’s what’s known so far — and what’s not:

✅ Confirmed:

  1. A one-time measure to transition up to 33,000 work permit holders to PR between 2026 and 2027.

  2. The program will focus on those already living and working in Canada.

  3. The aim is to recognize their contribution and ease their path to permanent residence.

❓ Not Yet Confirmed:

  1. Which occupations or skill levels will be eligible.

  2. Whether international students on PGWPs will be included.

  3. What kind of work experience, language scores, or documentation will be required.

  4. When exactly the program will open for applications.

That said, based on past TR to PR policies, eligibility will likely depend on:

  1. Holding a valid Canadian work permit.

  2. Having at least one year of Canadian work experience.

  3. Meeting language and admissibility requirements.

  4. Possibly working in an occupation classified as high demand or essential.

How Temporary Residents Can Prepare Now

If you’re in Canada as a temporary resident and hoping to transition to PR — whether through CEC, PNP, or the new 33,000 quota — here’s how to get ready:

  1. Keep your work permit valid. Don’t let your temporary status expire — maintain legal residency.

  2. Gain skilled Canadian work experience. NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs are typically preferred for PR eligibility.

  3. Take a language test (IELTS/CELPIP). Higher scores improve both Express Entry and any TR to PR chances.

  4. Gather proof of work. Pay slips, T4s, and employment letters will be key.

  5. Stay in a relevant occupation. Focus on high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, tech, and skilled trades.

  6. Monitor IRCC updates. The official TR to PR details will likely be released in 2026.

  7. Consider Express Entry. Even if the one-time program doesn’t apply to you, the CEC and PNP programs remain active TR to PR pathways.

TR to PR Through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

In addition to CEC and Budget 2025’s upcoming measure, many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also function as TR to PR transitions.

Provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta actively nominate temporary workers for PR based on labour shortages and local demand.

If you’re already working in Canada, you might qualify for:

  1. Ontario Employer Job Offer Stream (OINP)

  2. BC PNP Skilled Worker or International Graduate stream

  3. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Each of these programs essentially offers a TR to PR bridge, independent of federal quotas.

The Bigger Picture: TR to PR as a Policy Trend

Even with reduced immigration targets, Canada’s long-term direction is clear:
➡️ Prioritize those already in Canada.

By helping temporary residents transition to PR, the government can maintain a strong, skilled workforce without overwhelming infrastructure systems.

This model — converting from within — allows Canada to stabilize its immigration intake while ensuring economic growth.

Expect TR to PR programs (including the CEC and PNPs) to remain central to Canada’s immigration strategy over the coming years, even if temporary numbers are capped.

Final Thoughts: Is TR to PR Coming Back?

✅ Yes — TR to PR is coming back, but with a more targeted focus.
The Budget 2025 measure for 33,000 work permit holders is confirmation that Canada wants to help those already contributing to the economy stay permanently.

However, it’s important to understand that:

  1. It’s a limited, one-time initiative.

  2. Only certain work permit holders may qualify.

  3. Other TR to PR routes like CEC and PNPs will continue to offer long-term solutions.

If you’re a temporary resident in Canada — whether working or recently graduated — now is the time to plan your TR to PR journey. Stay updated with IRCC announcements, gather your documents, and build your Canadian work profile.

Canada’s message is clear:

“We’re giving more chances to those already here.”

And that’s what TR to PR is all about — rewarding your contribution by letting you call Canada your permanent home.

TR to PR

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