Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will open six new temporary immigration streams on Thursday, May 6, starting at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. These specialized pathways are designed to provide permanent residence (PR) options for essential workers already in Canada, as well as international graduates, with the goal of strengthening Canada’s economic recovery and workforce resilience.
This announcement was made during a meeting between IRCC and the Canadian Bar Association’s (CBA) Immigration Law Section. The CBA, which advises the federal government on immigration matters, was briefed on how the new pathways will operate in practice.
When the application portal goes live, users will be guided by an online eligibility wizard to determine which of the six streams they qualify for. The application process will be entirely digital, allowing applicants to complete and sign required forms electronically. This move streamlines the process and eliminates the need for printing or scanning physical documents.
Each stream will have specific documentation requirements. Applicants will be prompted to upload relevant documents during the process. Although some documents are mandatory—like proof of medical exams or police clearances—IRCC has indicated it will offer flexibility, especially if candidates can show evidence that requests have been initiated.
The six streams are divided into capped and uncapped categories. The three capped categories include:
– 20,000 spots for health care workers in Canada (Stream A),
– 30,000 for essential non–health care workers (Stream B), and
– 40,000 for international graduates from Canadian institutions.
The other three pathways have no intake limits and are dedicated to French-speaking applicants:
– French-speaking health care workers (Stream A),
– French-speaking essential non–health care workers (Stream B), and
– French-speaking international graduates.
IRCC will monitor submissions in real time. Once the cap is reached for a specific stream, no further applications will be accepted in that category. Applicants are encouraged to prepare early and ensure their documentation is ready upon submission.
These programs are part of Canada’s broader efforts to retain skilled talent, support essential sectors, and meet its ambitious immigration targets outlined in the country’s multi-year immigration plan. By focusing on workers and graduates already residing in Canada, the IRCC aims to facilitate smoother transitions to permanent residency for those contributing to the country’s economic and social well-being.
Maple News will continue to provide updates on the rollout and any changes to the intake process.