Canada has officially released its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan. As part of Budget 2025, this plan outlines targets for both temporary and permanent residents over the next three years, with major changes that will impact international students, temporary workers, and skilled immigrants planning to settle in Canada.
The 2026-2028 plan aims to bring immigration back to sustainable levels. The government plans to reduce Canada’s temporary population to under 5% of the total population by the end of 2027. This is a big change from recent years, where rapid growth put pressure on Canada’s housing, healthcare, and education systems.
What’s Changing with New Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028
- Return to sustainable levels: Canada aims to stabilize permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year from 2026 to 2028, with corresponding annual ranges (350,000–420,000).
- Low Temporary Resident Targets: The plan sets targets to reduce new temporary resident arrivals (workers and students) to 385,000 in 2026, and 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
- International student arrivals cut by 50%: New international student arrivals will be reduced targeting 155,000 in 2026 (down from over 305,000 in 2025), then 150,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
- Economic class prioritized: Economic immigration will make up 64% of all permanent resident admissions in 2027 and 2028, with increased allocations for the Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
- Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) targets: TFW Program admissions will be set at 60,000 in 2026, dropping to 50,000 in 2027 and 2028. International Mobility Program (IMP) admissions are stable at 170,000 per year.
- Francophone Targets Increased: The target for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec rises from 9% in 2026 to 10.5% in 2028, supporting Canada’s broader Francophone community goals.
- Family class stays stable: Family reunification (spouses, partners, children, parents, grandparents) will remain 21.3–22.1% of overall admissions, supporting Canada’s commitment to family integrity.
- Refugee and protected person focus: 13% of admissions will be for refugees and protected persons. Additionally, a one-time initiative will streamline the transition of approximately 115,000 protected persons in Canada to permanent residence by 2027.
- One-time initiatives for transition: Up to 33,000 temporary workers will be expedited for permanent residency in 2026 and 2027, targeting those well-integrated into Canadian communities and helping the economy.
Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan Overview
| Category | 2026 Annual Target | 2027-2028 Annual Target | Key Change/Focus |
| Permanent Residents (PR) Total | 380,000 | 380,000 | Stable overall levels, but a major shift in composition. |
| Economic Class (PR) | 239,800 (63.1%) | 244,700 (64.4%) | Significant Increase. Economic immigration is now the central focus, rising from 59% to over 64% of all PRs. |
| Family Class (PR) | 84,000 (22.1%) | 81,000 (21.3%) | Stable priority, but a slight overall decrease. |
| Refugees & Humanitarian (PR) | 49,300 (12.9%) | 49,300 (12.9%) | Maintaining Canada’s humanitarian commitment. |
| International Students (New) | 155,000 | 150,000 | 50% Cut from the 2025 target (305,900) to ease infrastructure strain. |
| Temporary Workers (Total) | 230,000 | 220,000 | Strategic Reduction. Shifting focus from low-wage to higher-skilled, strategic roles. |
Economic Immigration Takes Center Stage
While the overall number of permanent residents remains stable at 380,000, the composition of admissions is shifting dramatically toward economic immigration. This is where skilled workers and those seeking to establish permanent residency in Canada should pay close attention.
A. Economic Class: 64% of All Immigration
The economic category now represents the largest proportion of permanent resident admissions, reaching 64% in 2027 and 2028. This includes:
| Immigration Category | Annual Target (2026–2028) | Notes | Planning Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal High Skilled Program | 109,000–111,000 | Includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class; administered through Express Entry; Minister reviews categories annually | 85,000–122,000 |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 91,500–92,500 | Reflects provinces’ growing role in addressing regional labour needs; allows nominations aligned with provincial priorities | 82,000–106,000 |
| Federal Business Programs | 500 | Includes Start-up Visa and Self-employed Persons Programs | 250–1,000 |
| Federal Economic Pilots | 8,175–8,775 | Covers Caregiver (Child Care & Home Support), Agri-Food, Community Immigration, and Economic Mobility Pathways Pilots | 5,000–12,400 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 4,000 | Aims to attract skilled immigrants to Atlantic Canada | 3,000–5,000 |
| Total Economic Class | 239,800 (2026); 244,700 (2027–2028) | — |
B. Family Reunification
Family class admissions remain a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration tradition, maintaining 21.3-22.1% of overall admissions:
| Program | 2026 Annual Target | Key Feature |
| Spouses, Partners, and Children | 69,000 | Remains a high priority for family unity. |
| Parents and Grandparents | 15,000 | Consistent annual target. |
Total Family Class: 84,000 in 2026; 81,000 in 2027-2028.
C. Refugees and Humanitarian Immigration
Canada continues its commitment to humanitarian values and global refugee resettlement, allocating 13% of overall admissions to these categories:
- Protected Persons in Canada and Dependents Abroad: 20,000 annually (range: 17,000–30,000)
- Resettled Refugees – Government Assisted: 13,250 annually (range: 10,000–15,500)
- Resettled Refugees – Privately Sponsored: 16,000 annually (range: 13,000–18,000)
- Resettled Refugees – Blended Visa Office Referred: 50 annually
Total Refugees and Protected Persons: 49,300/year
One-Time Initiative for Protected Persons in Canada
The government is implementing a one-time initiative to streamline the transition of approximately 115,000 Protected Persons in Canada over the next two years. These individuals already have recognized protected person status and are on a pathway to permanent residence. This measure will accelerate their integration into Canadian society and recognition of permanent status.
D. Humanitarian & Compassionate and Other Admissions
The plan includes modest allocations for humanitarian and compassionate grounds cases and admissions responding to specific global situations:
- Humanitarian & Compassionate: 1,100 in 2026; 1,000 in 2027-2028
- Other (including responses to Ukraine, Sudan, and Hong Kong situations): 5,800 in 2026; 4,000 in 2027-2028
Temporary Residents Will Face Major Reductions
One of the most dramatic changes in this plan involves temporary residents (both international students and temporary foreign workers). Here’s what’s happening:
| Group | 2026 Annual Target | Key Action | Implication |
| International Students (New) | 155,000 | 50% Reduction | Stricter admissions, increased competition, and greater scrutiny of study programs. Does not affect existing students. |
| Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program (LMIA Required) | 60,000 | Strategic decline | More rigorous approvals, with a stronger emphasis on higher-skilled roles and a move away from low-wage temporary labour. |
International Students (50% Cut)
The most striking announcement is the huge reduction in international student admissions:
- 2026: 155,000 (down from 305,900 in 2025)
- 2027: 150,000
- 2028: 150,000
The 50% reduction in new international student arrivals reflects the government’s recognition that rapid international student growth has contributed to housing shortages and strain on Canada’s education infrastructure.
This target applies only to new international student arrivals; existing students and those with approved permits can continue their studies.
Temporary Foreign Workers
The temporary foreign worker targets have also declined slightly.
Overall Workers (Total): 230,000 in 2026; 220,000 in 2027 and 2028
Within this total, workers are allocated across two streams:
International Mobility Program (IMP): 170,000 annually
- These are LMIA-exempt permits that don’t require Labour Market Impact Assessments
- Includes work permits from international agreements and posts-graduation work permits
- This stream is prioritizing higher-skilled roles and intra-company transfers
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW): 60,000 in 2026; 50,000 in 2027-2028
- These are LMIA-required permits designed to fill specific labour gaps
- The decline reflects the government’s shift away from low-wage temporary labour toward higher-skilled workers
- The plan will consider industries affected by tariffs and the unique needs of rural and remote communities
The government is deliberately moving away from emphasizing low-wage temporary worker positions and instead prioritizing mobility and specialized skills.
Employers relying on temporary foreign workers should expect more selective approvals and stricter criteria focused on higher-skilled roles.
One-Time Initiatives to Accelerate TR to PR Transitions
The government is also implementing two one-time initiatives to recalibrate the immigration system:
Initiative 1: Temporary Worker to Permanent Resident Transition
The government will accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027. These are individuals who:
- Have established strong roots in their communities
- Are actively paying taxes
- Are contributing to Canada’s economic growth
Initiative 2: Protected Persons Transition
As mentioned above, approximately 115,000 Protected Persons in Canada will be transitioned to permanent residency over two years. These admissions are in addition to the permanent resident targets outlined in the plan, representing a recognition of Canada’s international humanitarian obligations.
Francophone Immigration Targets Increased Again
Canada has increased its Francophone immigration targets to address the declining demographic weight of French-speaking communities outside Quebec.
- 2026: 9% of admissions (30,267 individuals) destined for outside Quebec
- 2027: 9.5% (31,825 individuals)
- 2028: 10.5% (35,175 individuals)
This gradual increase supports the broader goal of reaching 12% by 2029 and ensures the importance of Francophone communities across the country.
In recent years, IRCC has consistently made francophone immigration a priority. This commitment is evident through the introduction of French-language category-based selection draws, the launch of initiatives like the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and enhanced settlement support for francophone immigrants.
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Impact of New Canadian Immigration Targets on Skilled Workers and Express Entry Applicants
The increase in economic immigration and Federal High Skilled admissions is positive news for skilled professionals. With 64% of permanent admissions now dedicated to economic streams, there are more opportunities for:
- Professionals in in-demand occupations
- Candidates with strong French language skills (extra points)
- Those already working in Canada on valid permits (In-Canada Focus stream)
- Graduates of Canadian institutions
Though, the competition still remains fierce, and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores will continue to be highly competitive as well.
Provincial Nominees
The plan’s increase in PNP allocations (91,500–92,500 annually) directly points to the regional labour market needs. If your province has specific labour shortages, exploring provincial streams may offer a more accessible pathway than federal programs.
International Students
International students planning to study in Canada should prepare for:
- Stricter admissions targets and more selective approvals
- Increased competition for study permits
- Potential changes to post-graduation work permit policies
- Greater scrutiny of study programs and designated learning institutions
The 50% reduction targets new arrivals but doesn’t affect those already in Canada on valid study permits.
Employers Sponsoring Temporary Workers
Employers should expect:
- More rigorous Labour Market Impact Assessments for TFW Program applications
- Greater emphasis on higher-skilled positions
- More selective approvals, particularly for low-wage occupations
- Consideration of regional and sectoral labour needs
- Potential changes to recruitment requirements
Take Professional Help from Licensed Experts
The new 2026-2028 immigration plan brings both challenges and opportunities for those looking to settle in Canada. If you’re unsure how these updates might affect your immigration pathway or need assistance with your application, our team of licensed Canadian Immigration Consultants is here to help.
You can book a consultation with our Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant if you need guidance with your immigration application. You can also visit our news section to learn the latest Canadian immigration news and stay updated with IRCC’s most recent announcements. Contact our licensed experts here.
