Canada adds up to 100,000 provincial nominee allocations for 2027
Canada will offer provinces and territories up to a combined 100,000 additional Provincial Nominee Program allocations to transition workers already in the country and their families to permanent residence. The extra space must be used by March 31 2027 and applies to workers currently residing in Canada.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Provinces can receive up to 100,000 extra PN allocations for workers and families
- Timing
- Allocations must be used by March 31 2027
- Who is affected
- Workers already in Canada and their families
The details
- Announced by
- Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab
- Takes effect
- by March 31 2027
- Previous rule
- Before this measure, provinces and territories could only use the regular Provincial Nominee Program caps with no optional extra space.
- New rule
- The government now provides optional additional PN allocations, up to a combined total of 100,000 workers and families, for use in 2027.
Announcement Overview
On November 12, 2026, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab detailed a time‑limited measure that gives provinces and territories optional extra space in the Provincial Nominee Program. The aim is to transition workers already living in Canada and their families to permanent residence in 2027.
How the Additional Allocations Work
Each province or territory may request a portion of the 100,000 extra spots. The allocations are flexible; jurisdictions decide how much of the additional space they will use based on local labour market needs and the number of eligible workers already established in their communities.
- The extra space is optional, not mandatory, for any province or territory.
- Workers must already be residing in Canada and contributing to key industries.
Timeline and Usage
The new allocations are intended to be applied by March 31 2027. Provinces and territories must identify eligible workers, including those who have already applied for permanent residence through federal programs, and submit their nomination requests within this window.
- The measure does not create a new immigration pathway.
- Existing applicants do not need to submit a new application solely because of this measure.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Workers already in Canada with pending permanent residence applications do not need to change travel dates.
- The extra allocations do not affect entry requirements for new arrivals.
Cost and documents
- No new fees are introduced for the additional provincial nominee allocations.
- Applicants continue to use the same documentation required for standard provincial nominations.
What you need to do
- Provincial and territorial immigration offices must submit their allocation requests before March 31 2027.
- Eligible workers should ensure their employers or provincial contacts are aware of the new optional space.
- Families of nominated workers should prepare standard proof of relationship documents for inclusion in the nomination.
Who this affects
-
Temporary workers already in Canada
The measure targets workers who are already living in Canada and contributing to key industries.
What to do They may be nominated under the additional provincial allocations for permanent residence.
-
Provincial and territorial immigration authorities
They are offered optional extra space to allocate to eligible workers and families.
What to do They must decide how much of the 100,000 spots to use and submit requests by March 31 2027.
-
Families of eligible workers
Allocations include workers and their families for transition to permanent residence.
What to do Family members can be included in the provincial nomination submitted under the extra allocations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new provincial nominee allocation limit for 2027?
The government is offering up to a combined total of 100,000 additional Provincial Nominee Program spots for workers already in Canada and their families, to be used in 2027.
When must provinces use the additional allocations?
Provinces and territories must apply the extra allocations by March 31 2027, according to the time‑limited measure announced on November 12, 2026.
Does this measure create a new immigration program?
No, the announcement does not open a new program or reopen closed pathways; it simply provides optional extra space within the existing Provincial Nominee Program.
Will existing applicants need to submit new forms because of this change?
Existing applicants do not need to submit additional applications or forms solely to benefit from the extra allocations; they continue with their current nomination processes.
How does this affect workers from closed pathways like Hong Kong or Ukraine?
The measure is separate from the earlier announcements for Hong Kong and Ukraine pathways and does not alter those closed programs; it only adds optional space for workers already residing in Canada.
