The Migrant Rights Network asked the minister to release details on the full criteria, eligibility rules and application process as soon as possible. 

April 30, 2026 By Nicholas Keung Senior Immigration Reporter Toronto Star

With so many temporary residents running out of legal status this year, Ottawa has been urged to immediately release details on an announced program that’s meant to grant permanent status to migrant workers in limbo — and make sure the process is fair and inclusive.

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab has been in the hot seat, accused of failing to promptly and properly communicate about the highly anticipated program to transition temporary foreign workers with expiring permits to permanent residence.

So far, what’s known publicly is that there will be a total 33,000 spots over two years, in 2026 and 2027, targeting skilled temporary foreign workers in in-demand sectors outside major urban centres, as well as a requirement of two years of Canadian work experience.

In an open letter published Thursday on behalf of 38 community groups, the Migrant Rights Network asked Diab to release details on the program’s full criteria, eligibility rules and application process as soon as possible. It also asked that “low-skilled and low-waged” should not be excluded.

“Thousands are shut out and the most vulnerable are exploited when the government launches narrow, time-limited programs with limited information,” said Syed Hussan of the rights network.

“This program recognizes that migrants living and working across Canada need the stability of permanent residency but it must go much further. Narrow, time-limited programs cause confusion, chaos and exploitation for people who have been holding on for a chance to build their lives here.”

Government data estimated there were about 2,676,000 temporary residents including asylum seekers in Canada as of the end of March; about 1,938,805 temporary study, work and visitor permits are expected to expire by the end of this year. Expiring permits don’t equal the number of people running out of status because a temporary resident can hold multiple permits.

The advocacy group said the application process for the special program should be simple, low-cost and accessible. Applicants should not be excluded based on language proficiency and education credentials, and those who work and live in major urban centres should be treated equally.

“Workers in big cities and rural communities are both essential,” it said in its four-page letter to Diab. “A fair program must not divide migrants by geography.”

The Star has contacted the Immigration Department for a response. Diab’s office previously told the Star that relevant information and updates on the TR to PR program will be communicated publicly through official government channels

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/canada-urged-to-open-up-new-permanent-resident-program-to-all-temporary-workers/article_b9a9d9de-84dc-4696-a3a0-cc4acd613e9e.html