Checklist for successfully applying for new pathways to permanent residence in Canada in 2026

The Canadian government plans to launch new pathways to permanent residence by 2026. Priority will be given to temporary residents (workers and students) who are already in the country. 

This is excellent news, as the flagship program aims to transition approximately 33,000 work permit holders to RP in 2026-2027. However, these spots fill up in a matter of hours, and if the IRCC portal opens and you don't have your file ready, you will miss your chance.

Below, I share the checklist for success with the six documents that are essential when applying for PR in 2026. Read through to the end and take note of each one.

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What you need to have ready before applying

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1. Educational Credential Evaluation (ECA)

If your highest level of education was obtained outside Canada, you need an ECA. This document compares your foreign education to the Canadian system. The process can take several weeks, so you should apply immediately to one of the approved institutions (such as WES). 

Remember: if your highest education is Canadian, you do not need this step. This requirement applies to the principal applicant and their partner.

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2. Proof of official language proficiency (valid exams)

Get ready to take the IELTS General Training or CELPIP (English), or the TEF or TCF (French). 

These results must be valid and ready to be uploaded to the system as soon as the portal opens. The language requirement also applies to your partner (if you have one).

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3. Detailed proof of work experience

Whether you have worked inside or outside Canada, you must demonstrate your work experience. Gather letters from your employers for the last 10 years (or 3 years if you only have Canadian experience). Each letter must indicate:

• The position he held and the duties of the office.
• Your annual or monthly salary.
• Number of hours worked per week.
• The exact period of employment (start and end dates).

Recommendation: Include supporting documents such aspay stubs or tax returns to validate your experience.

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4. Police records and criminal records

Request a police certificate from each country (including Canada) where you have lived for more than six months in the last ten years. This process may take longer than expected. In some countries, it can take up to six months. 

Although the official website states that you should wait until you are asked for them, Immiland Canada recommends that you have them on hand even if you don't need them, just in case you are asked for them. So order them in advance and keep them stored away.

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5. Life histories and organized trips

Incomplete or missing personal information is the main cause of delays. To avoid these basic errors, prepare two detailed tables:

• Address history: include a list of all your exact addresses (add province, city, and country) for the last 10 years, with exact dates of moving in and out of each place.
• Travel history: include a list of every trip outside your country of residence in the last 10 years, indicating the dates of entry and departure, the country visited, and the purpose of the trip.

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6. Family documents and official translations

Ensure that all documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates of dependents, etc.) that are not in English or French are translated by an official translator. In addition, verify that the passports of the main applicant and all dependents are valid. If they are not, begin the renewal process as soon as possible.

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Review this short list and answer according to your situation!

1. Have you already taken your official language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)?
2. Have your criminal records from all countries of residence for the last 10 years been requested or are they ready?
3. Is your employment history for the last 10 years detailed and includes validated reference letters?

If you answered "No" to any of these questions, it's time to prepare your documents. 

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At Immiland Canada, we are here to advise you every step of the way through the immigration process. Our team is ready to translate your documents and verify that they meet the application requirements. 

If you would like to supplement this information and be part of the new PRs in Canada, watch the video: 33,000 permanent residences CANADA 2026. 

I hope this issue will help you get organized and apply early to the new immigration pathways for 2026.

Thank you for reading. We wish you every success with your application.

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With love,

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Immiland Canada.