On November 4, 2025, the Government of Canada released its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan sets how many permanent residents Canada intends to admit
On November 4, 2025, the Government of Canada released its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan sets how many permanent residents Canada intends to admit and how many new temporary residents will arrive. It shapes Express Entry invitations, provincial nominations and study and work permit decisions for the next three years.
Permanent Residents
- 380,000 new permanent residents in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028.
- In 2026, about 63% of admissions are in the economic class, 22% in the family class, and 15% for refugees, protected persons and humanitarian cases.
2026 Targets by Program
- Federal High Skilled (Express Entry): 109,000
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 91,500
- Spouses, partners and children: 69,000
- Parents and grandparents: 15,000
- Refugees and protected persons: 49,300
Temporary Residents
- New temporary resident arrivals: 385,000 in 2026, and 370,000 in each of 2027 and 2028.
- In 2026: 230,000 new workers and 155,000 new students.
- According to IRCC, the 2026 target for new students is 49% lower, and the target for new workers 37% lower, than the previous year’s targets.
One-Time Initiatives
- Up to 33,000 work permit holders will be moved to permanent residence faster in 2026 and 2027.
- About 115,000 protected persons already on a pathway to permanent residence will be transitioned over two years, in addition to the regular targets.
Francophone Immigration
French-speaking admissions outside Quebec are targeted at 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
- With a target of 91,500, provincial nomination is a major route to permanent residence in 2026.
- Lower targets for new students and workers mean fewer new temporary permits.
- People already working in Canada continue to benefit from measures that help them transition to permanent residence.
IRCC notes that the 2027 and 2028 figures are notional and may be confirmed or adjusted.
To understand how the new levels plan affects your immigration plans, complete our online assessment or contact our office to book a consultation.
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