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Permanent ResidenceN/A (Applicants are responsible for application fees.)

Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans

Last verified 18 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

This temporary public policy offers permanent residence in Canada to foreign nationals with recent Canadian work experience in essential occupations, aiming to meet immigration targets and support economic recovery.

Provider
Various
Host country
Canada
Deadline
Closed — no active cycle
Region
Americas

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply
Foreign nationals residing in Canada (outside Quebec) with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in essential health-related or other essential occupations are eligible. Applicants must also meet specific language proficiency requirements, hold valid temporary resident status, and intend to reside outside of Quebec.
Funding
N/A (Applicants are responsible for application fees.)
Study level
Permanent Residence
Deadline
Closed — no active cycle

Key eligibility criteria

  • Foreign nationals residing in Canada (outside Quebec) with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in essential health-related or other essential occupations are eligible. Applicants must also meet specific language proficiency requirements, hold valid temporary resident status, and intend to reside outside of Quebec.

Recorded funding information

  • N/A (Applicants are responsible for application fees.)

About the Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans (2026)

# Permanent Residence in Canada for Essential Workers and International Graduates: Opportunities for Africans ## Overview Canada has introduced a temporary public policy to facilitate permanent residence for foreign nationals residing in Canada, outside of Quebec, who possess recent Canadian work experience in essential occupations. This initiative aims to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021 as outlined in its 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan. Recognizing the valuable contributions of foreign nationals to Canada's economy and during the COVID-19 pandemic, this policy provides a pathway to permanent residency for those with at least one year of work experience in designated essential health-related or other essential occupations. The program seeks to stabilize critical workforces, support economic recovery, and attract global talent, including those contributing through Francophone immigration outside of Quebec. ## Benefits This public policy offers significant benefits to eligible foreign nationals, primarily the granting of permanent resident status in Canada. Permanent residency allows individuals to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada (outside Quebec for this policy) and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship. By targeting individuals already employed in essential sectors, the policy acknowledges and rewards their contributions to the Canadian labor market and the country's pandemic response. It also provides a clear pathway for those who might otherwise face challenges in qualifying for permanent residence through other immigration streams, ensuring their continued contribution to Canada's economic and social fabric. Family members, both in Canada and abroad, may also be included in the principal applicant's permanent residence application. ## Eligibility To be eligible as a principal applicant, foreign nationals must have accumulated at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada in an eligible occupation within the three years preceding the application. They must be employed in Canada at the time of application, have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of at least 4 in all four language skills (demonstrated by recent official evaluation), and reside in Canada with valid temporary resident status. Applicants must intend to reside outside Quebec and submit their application online, along with all necessary proofs of eligibility and admissibility. ## Requirements (Required Documents) Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation to demonstrate they meet all eligibility criteria. While the specific list of documents is not fully detailed in the provided text, it is crucial to include "all proof necessary to satisfy an officer that the applicant meets the conditions (eligibility requirements) of this public policy" at the time of application. Key documents will likely include: proof of all work experience (employment letters, pay stubs), language test results (less than two years old), proof of valid temporary resident status in Canada, and other documents to establish identity, residency, and admissibility under Canadian immigration laws. Electronic submission of applications is generally required, with accommodations for disability. ## How to Apply Applicants must submit their permanent residence application using the forms provided by the Department specifically for this public policy. The application process is primarily electronic, requiring online submission. It is critical to include all necessary supporting documentation at the time of application to demonstrate eligibility. Applications must be received within the defined application window and before the intake cap for the chosen stream is reached. While applications should be complete upon submission, officers retain discretion to request additional supporting documentation to confirm admissibility and eligibility during processing. ## Key Dates & Deadlines This public policy came into effect on **May 6, 2021**, and will conclude on **November 5, 2021**, or once the intake capacity for either stream has been reached, whichever occurs first. Applications must be received between these dates. There are distinct intake caps: Stream A has a maximum of 20,000 applications, and Stream B has a maximum of 30,000 applications. Once a stream's cap is met, no further applications for that stream will be processed, even if the general end date has not passed. ## Selection Criteria The primary selection criteria revolve around Canadian work experience in essential occupations and intent to reside outside Quebec. Applicants are selected based on meeting all the conditions outlined for principal applicants, which include: acquiring at least one year of eligible work experience in Canada (in Annex A for Stream A, or Annex A/B for Stream B) within the last three years, current employment in Canada, a minimum CLB 4 in both official languages, valid temporary resident status, and not being inadmissible to Canada. The process is based on a first-come, first-served basis until the intake caps are met for each stream. ## Tips for African Applicants African applicants who are currently in Canada, meet the work experience and language proficiency requirements, and intend to reside outside Quebec should prioritize gathering all necessary documentation promptly. Given the intake caps for each stream (20,000 for Stream A and 30,000 for Stream B), early application is crucial to avoid missing the opportunity once a cap is reached. Ensure all required proofs, especially related to work experience and language proficiency, are accurate and complete. If eligible under Annex A (health-related occupations), careful consideration should be given to applying under this stream if it aligns with your experience. Double-check that your work experience falls within the specified National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes listed in Annex A or B. For those seeking French immigration opportunities outside of Quebec, attaining proficiency in French can be particularly advantageous under this policy. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding this public policy, please refer to the official Government of Canada website: [https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/trpr-canadian-work-experience.html#annex-b](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/trpr-canadian-work-experience.html#annex-b)

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

  • N/A (Applicants are responsible for application fees.)

Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans eligibility

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

  • Foreign nationals residing in Canada (outside Quebec) with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in essential health-related or other essential occupations are eligible. Applicants must also meet specific language proficiency requirements, hold valid temporary resident status, and intend to reside outside of Quebec.

Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

    How to apply for the Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans 2026

    Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

    1. 1
      Check the provider's process

      Consult https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/trpr-canadian-work-experience.html#annex-b to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.

    2. 2
      Check eligibility and any requested materials

      Listed eligibility: Foreign nationals residing in Canada (outside Quebec) with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in essential health-related or other essential occupations are eligible. Applicants must also meet specific language proficiency requirements, hold valid temporary resident status, and intend to reside outside of Quebec.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.

    3. 3
      Check dates and next steps

      Listed deadline information: Closed — no active cycle. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

    Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans deadline & application timeline

    Provider deadline information: Closed — no active cycle. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

    1. Planning suggestion: 12 months out

      Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.

    2. Planning suggestion: 6 months out

      If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.

    3. Planning suggestion: 3 months out

      If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.

    4. Planning suggestion: 1 month out

      If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.

    5. Provider deadline
      Closed — no active cycle

      Provider deadline information: Closed — no active cycle. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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    Editorial verification note

    The program accepted applications from May 6, 2021, until November 5, 2021, or until intake caps were reached. The deadline has passed.
    Last checked 5/18/2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Who can apply for the Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans?+

    Foreign nationals residing in Canada (outside Quebec) with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in essential health-related or other essential occupations are eligible. Applicants must also meet specific language proficiency requirements, hold valid temporary resident status, and intend to reside outside of Quebec.

    What funding does the Permanent residence in Canada offered to 40,000 international graduates – Opportunities for Africans offer?+

    Listed funding: N/A (Applicants are responsible for application fees.). Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

    When is the application deadline?+

    Provider deadline information: Closed — no active cycle. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

    What documents do I need to apply?+

    No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

    How do I check the application process?+

    Consult https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/public-policies/trpr-canadian-work-experience.html#annex-b to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: Foreign nationals residing in Canada (outside Quebec) with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience in essential health-related or other essential occupations are eligible. Applicants must also meet specific language proficiency requirements, hold valid temporary resident status, and intend to reside outside of Quebec.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Closed — no active cycle. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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