Major Canadian Cities Excluded from New TR to PR Pathway, Immigration Minister Confirms
Canada’s upcoming Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR to PR) pathway will exclude applicants living in the country’s largest urban centres, according to recent remarks from Immigration Minister Lena Diab.
The Minister confirmed in a recent interview that the program will not include individuals residing in Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs), a statistical classification used by Statistics Canada to describe Canada’s major urban regions. This includes cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
The decision reflects a broader federal approach aimed at encouraging immigration outside of major metropolitan areas and supporting population growth in smaller communities and rural regions.
Further Details on Eligibility Expected
Minister Diab also indicated that additional details regarding the full eligibility criteria for the TR to PR pathway are expected to be released in the coming weeks. While the program has already been announced, key operational requirements and application details have not yet been fully published.
Foreign nationals considering the pathway are advised to await the official program criteria before making eligibility assessments or submitting documentation.
What is a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA)?
Statistics Canada defines a Census Metropolitan Area as one or more neighbouring municipalities centred around an urban core with a population of at least 100,000, of which at least 50,000 must live in the core urban area.
There are 41 CMAs in Canada, which collectively represent approximately 84% of the country’s population according to the 2021 Census.
In addition to Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, other CMAs include:
Calgary
Edmonton
Halifax
Hamilton
Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo
Ottawa–Gatineau
Winnipeg
Québec City
A full list of CMAs is available through Statistics Canada.
Overview of the TR to PR Pathway
The TR to PR pathway is a federal immigration initiative intended to grant permanent residence to approximately 33,000 temporary residents over the 2026–2027 period.
The program is designed primarily for temporary foreign workers already living and working in Canada, with a focus on those employed in rural or non-metropolitan areas.
This initiative follows previous temporary residency-to-permanent residency programs, including a similar pathway introduced in 2021, which reached its intake cap shortly after opening due to high demand.
Policy Shift Toward Regional Immigration
The exclusion of CMAs aligns with broader federal and provincial immigration strategies aimed at encouraging settlement outside of Canada’s largest cities.
Recent changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), effective April 2026, have expanded options for employers in rural areas. Under these measures, eligible employers may:
Retain a higher proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers above standard limits
Hire up to 15% of their workforce through the TFWP (increased from the previous 10% cap)
Several provinces have implemented these measures, including Nova Scotia and Manitoba, while Quebec has adopted selected components. Other provinces and territories are still determining their participation.
These measures are scheduled to remain in place until March 31, 2027, aligning with the timeline of the TR to PR pathway.
About the Author: Lauren Shannan is a Senior Immigration Consultant with 12 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate their journey in Canada. With her extensive knowledge of immigration processes and policies, Lauren provides valuable insights to those looking to make Canada their new home.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice, please consult with a licensed immigration professional.