More than 57 per cent of Canada’s new permanent residents admitted during the first half of 2026 were already living in the country as temporary foreign workers or international students, according to the latest data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The figures highlight the federal government’s continued focus on helping eligible temporary residents transition to permanent residence rather than relying primarily on newcomers arriving directly from overseas.
Between January and June 2026, 103,750 former temporary residents became permanent residents, accounting for 57% of all new permanent resident admissions during that period. This marks an increase from 48% in 2025 and 44% in 2024, reflecting a growing emphasis on applicants who are already living, working, or studying in Canada.
The shift aligns with Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, which prioritizes transitioning qualified temporary residents to permanent status while reducing the overall temporary resident population. The government says this approach helps address labour shortages, supports economic growth, and eases pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services by focusing on people who are already established in Canadian communities.
Immigration experts say many temporary foreign workers and international graduates already have Canadian work experience, education, and community ties, making their transition to permanent residence smoother. They also note that employers benefit from retaining skilled workers who are already familiar with the Canadian labour market and can fill long-term workforce needs.
Despite the increase in in-Canada transitions, IRCC data shows that overall permanent resident admissions remain below the pace needed to reach the government’s annual target under the regular Immigration Levels Plan. Officials have noted, however, that admission volumes often increase during the second half of the year as more applications are finalized.
The federal government has reaffirmed that immigration remains a key pillar of Canada’s economic strategy. By continuing to prioritize eligible workers and international students already living in the country, Ottawa aims to strengthen the labour force while maintaining a more balanced and sustainable immigration system in the years ahead.