Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released detailed program guidelines for the six new permanent residence (PR) pathways launched earlier this month. The update, published on May 26, clarifies key eligibility requirements for applicants under these limited-time immigration streams.
Originally announced on May 6, the six new PR programs are tailored to essential workers and international graduates currently residing in Canada. Designed to help Canada meet its ambitious immigration targets for 2021 and address labour shortages, these pathways offer a streamlined route to permanent residency for those who have contributed to the country’s pandemic response.
The English-speaking International Graduates stream reached its cap of 40,000 applications within just 24 hours. In contrast, the two English-speaking essential worker streams—which accept up to 50,000 combined applicants—have garnered over 11,000 submissions so far. Meanwhile, the three French-speaking streams remain open and are not subject to a cap, reflecting Canada’s broader efforts to attract Francophone immigrants outside Quebec. Applicants to these French streams have until November 6 to apply.
IRCC’s newly released operational guidelines serve to assist immigration officers in evaluating applications and offer greater transparency around eligibility. To qualify under any of the six streams, applicants must meet the following requirements:
– Be legally residing in Canada with valid temporary status.
– Be physically present in Canada when both the application is submitted and when it is approved.
– Demonstrate proficiency in English or French through a designated language test.
– Possess recent, qualifying work experience in a relevant occupation or meet education requirements.
– Express intent to reside outside the province of Quebec.
Specifically, essential workers must score at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 on an IRCC-approved language test, while international graduates must achieve a minimum CLB score of 5. Only those with valid temporary status—such as workers and students—are eligible; asylum seekers or refugee claimants without recognized status do not qualify under these temporary programs.
According to IRCC, these new streams are an unprecedented measure to provide permanent residency to vital contributors already in Canada’s labour force, especially those who helped keep essential sectors functioning during the COVID-19 crisis. Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino has also indicated that the government remains open to adjusting caps on these programs depending on uptake and program performance.
With more than 90,000 applicants expected under these streams, the initiative stands as one of the boldest in Canada’s recent immigration history, aimed at fast-tracking the integration of skilled individuals who are already building their lives in the country.