Canada’s worker retention measure announced in Budget 2026

Canada's worker retention measure, announced in Budget 2026, is a time-limited initiative intended to help provinces and territories retain select people already in Canada while addressing labour market needs. IRCC says the measure will support employers’ access to skilled talent without adding significant new pressures on housing and community infrastructure.

Permanent residence transitions under the measure

IRCC says it will also help transition the following groups to permanent residence through additional spaces:

• Up to 32,000 people who applied through the Hong Kong permanent residence pathways, which closed to new applications in August 2026.
• Up to 18,800 people who applied through the Ukraine Family Reunification Pathway, which closed to new applications in October 2024.
• Up to 12,600 people already found eligible for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
• Up to 45,000 spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are living in Canada.

No new programs or reopened pathways

The measures do not create new programs or reopen closed pathways. Applicants do not need to take action or contact IRCC for their applications to be processed under the additional spaces.

IRCC says the measure is separate from the In-Canada Worker Initiative announced in Budget 2025.

Source: IRCC Newsroom