Canada Prepares for New TR to PR Program: Applicants Urged to Gather Key Documents Now
A major transition program for temporary residents is on the horizon, and officials are urging individuals to begin preparing their documents immediately. Canada has confirmed that a new Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway will open in 2026–2027, enabling 33,000 temporary residents to secure permanent residency through a one-time measure.
The last time a national TR to PR program opened in 2021, it reached its intake limit within hours. Thousands missed their chance simply because they did not have the necessary documents ready—particularly language test results and police clearances.
This time, immigration experts warn that preparedness will be the deciding factor between successfully applying and missing out entirely.
What the New Policy Means for Temporary Residents
The federal government’s Immigration Levels Plan includes a dedicated allocation for temporary residents already living in Canada, such as workers, graduates, and individuals with Canadian work experience. The goal is to offer a pathway to permanent status for a targeted group of 33,000 people over 2026 and 2027.
While IRCC has not yet released full program criteria, officials state that document readiness will be essential, as applications may open under tight quotas, short windows, or first-come-first-served formats.
DOCUMENT PREPARATION GUIDE FOR THE NEW TR TO PR PATHWAY
Below is a fully updated breakdown of the documents applicants should begin preparing now, well before the program launches.
1. Language Proficiency – Mandatory for Most Applicants
Expect IRCC to require approved English or French test results.
Accepted tests typically include CELPIP-General, IELTS General, PTE Core, TEF Canada, and TCF Canada.
Test scores are valid for only two years, and they must remain valid on the day you submit your PR application.
2. Police Certificates – Often the Longest Processing Time
Police clearances frequently take months, depending on the country.
Certificates are required for every country where you lived six months or more after turning 18.
For your current country of residence, the certificate must be issued within the last six months before applying.
3. Proof of Education
Depending on eligibility criteria, applicants may need:
- Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs) for foreign education
- Transcripts or proof of graduation for Canadian studies
ECAs remain valid for five years.
4. Travel History
Applicants must provide a full 10-year travel record or since age 18.
Keeping a personal travel log in advance will help avoid errors when completing forms later.
5. Employment Records & Work Experience Proof
IRCC uses these documents to verify your work experience:
- Employer reference letters
- T4s and pay stubs
- Employment contracts
- Detailed employment history
Reference letters must match IRCC’s strict requirements, including duties, hours, salary, and dates of employment.
6. Proof of Current Employment in Canada (if required by pathway)
This typically includes:
- Valid work permit
- Employer letter
- Recent pay stubs
- Contract of employment
Such documents confirm that you are still employed in the required occupation at the time of application.
7. Organizational Affiliations and Volunteering
Applicants must disclose lifetime memberships and volunteering history.
This is often overlooked and time-consuming to reconstruct, so preparing early is advisable.
8. Identity & Civil Status Documents
Prepare clear, complete copies of:
- Passport (all pages)
- Birth certificates
- Marriage documents
- Divorce or adoption records (if applicable)
Passports should be renewed early if they expire soon.
9. Translations for Non-English or Non-French Documents
IRCC only accepts documents in English or French.
Foreign-language documents require:
- Certified translations, or
- Translator affidavit + original copy
Family members cannot translate documents.
10. For Applicants Inside Canada – Proof of Status
You must provide evidence of valid temporary status, such as:
- Work permit, study permit, or visitor record
- Entry stamp or electronic entry proof
- Proof of maintained status (if applicable)
11. Documents for Accompanying Family Members
Family members included in your application must also provide:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Marriage or civil status documents
- Police certificates (age 18+)
- Travel history
Even family members not accompanying may need to submit documents.
12. Additional Documents (Only if Needed)
These include:
- Letters of explanation for gaps, inconsistencies, or missing documents
- Proof of common-law relationship
- Name change certificates
A well-written letter of explanation can prevent delays or refusal.
How to Prepare Effectively
- Scan documents clearly and label them properly
- Confirm document validity windows
- Gather employment proof early
- Follow IRCC translation rules exactly
- Prepare letters of explanation in advance
- Review everything before submission
Early preparation significantly improves your chances, especially if the new TR to PR stream fills quickly.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
