Canada is preparing to open a brand-new route to permanent residency in 2025. This plan builds on the success of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP), a program that has already helped hundreds of skilled refugees and displaced people find a new life in Canada.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the goal is to make it easier for qualified individuals to settle, work, and contribute to the country’s economy.
What Is the New Canada Permanent Residency Program?
The new program is expected to launch before the EMPP expires on December 31, 2025. While the government has not yet shared all the details about eligibility or how to apply, the announcement is part of Canada’s Annual Immigration Levels Plan for 2025–2026.
The EMPP, which started in 2018, has so far helped nearly 970 people move to Canada as permanent residents. This pilot project has proven that combining economic immigration with humanitarian efforts can be a win-win.
Who Will Be Prioritised for Canada Permanent Residency?
IRCC has confirmed that it will keep focusing on healthcare workers, tradespeople, teachers, and French-speaking applicants under the Express Entry category-based selection.
You can read more about Express Entry and category-based draws here:
The government also wants at least 40% of new permanent residents to come from people who are already in Canada as temporary residents. This will make it easier for workers and students already contributing to Canadian communities to stay permanently.
More about temporary residents:
What Other Changes Are Coming?
Alongside the new Canada permanent residency pathway, IRCC has announced several updates:
A new foreign labour stream and work permit options for the agriculture and fish processing sectors.
Learn about work permits for agriculture:
A framework to update post-graduation work permit (PGWP) eligibility based on fields of study. This is especially important for international students from countries like India who want to stay and work after graduation.
More on PGWPs:
New rules in development for spousal open work permits (SOWPs) for spouses of foreign workers and international students.
About SOWPs:
Faster processing of family sponsorship applications, making it easier to reunite with loved ones abroad.
Details on family sponsorship:
Why Is This Important?
Canada’s focus on permanent residency for essential workers and newcomers already in the country shows a clear strategy: keep skilled talent and support families. These policies are designed to help fill labour shortages, strengthen communities, and grow the economy.
If you want to stay updated or start planning your immigration journey, visit the official resources below:
- IRCC Newsroom
- Immigrate Through Express Entry
- Check Your Eligibility
- Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot
Tip: Always rely on official Government of Canada websites to avoid scams and get accurate information.
