PR & Citizenship Update — June 1, 2026
Monday, June 1, 2026
Canada is fast-tracking PR applications for up to 33,000 temporary workers in smaller communities through the In-Canada Workers Initiative, targeting existing applicants in the PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, Caregiver pilots, and Agri-Food Pilot — applicants do not need to take any action.
The In-Canada Workers Initiative is being implemented outside of Express Entry by accelerating processing of PR applications already in IRCC's inventory, limited to workers who have been living in smaller communities for at least two years.
As of January 2026, new PR card processing time is 26 days, reflecting a one-day increase from the previous update.
What You Should Do
- If you applied for PR through the PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural Community Immigration Pilot, Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, Caregiver pilots, or Agri-Food Pilot and have lived in a smaller Canadian community for at least two years, check your IRCC online account at canada.ca/ircc-account for updates — IRCC is proactively fast-tracking eligible applications with no action required from you.
- If you are eligible for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while your PR application is being processed under one of the above programs, apply at canada.ca/bridging-open-work-permit before your current work permit expires to maintain your right to work during processing.
- If you received your PR and need a new PR card, expect processing of approximately 26 days based on January 2026 data. Apply using the PR card renewal application (form IMM 5444) at canada.ca/pr-card well before your card expires, especially if you need it for travel.
Sources
Topics Covered
2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: The In-Canada Workers Initiative, announced in the November 2025 federal budget, is now being implemented as an acceleration of existing PR application inventories — not a new Express Entry stream — targeting up to 33,000 workers in regional and pilot programs over 2026 and 2027.
PR Card Processing Efficiency: New PR card processing stands at 26 days as of January 2026, a one-day increase from the prior update. Overall PR processing under the In-Canada Workers Initiative is being accelerated for up to 33,000 workers in smaller communities.
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