The Government of Canada has released its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, outlining the country’s future approach to welcoming immigrants, managing temporary residents, and supporting economic growth.
The plan focuses on creating a more sustainable immigration system while continuing to attract skilled workers, support family reunification, maintain humanitarian commitments, and address labour shortages across Canada.
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the plan prioritises economic immigration by attracting global talent with skills needed to support Canada’s workforce and major economic projects.
The 2026–2028 plan includes targets for:
- Permanent residents
- International students
- Temporary foreign workers
- Economic immigration programmes
- Family reunification
- Refugees and protected persons
Overview of Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028
Canada’s immigration strategy aims to balance economic growth with sustainable population planning.
The plan focuses on:
- Reducing temporary resident numbers
- Increasing economic immigration
- Supporting skilled workers already contributing to Canada
- Strengthening regional labour markets
- Maintaining humanitarian commitments
The government plans to reduce Canada’s temporary population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
Canada Permanent Residence Targets 2026–2028
Canada plans to welcome:
380,000 permanent residents annually from 2026 to 2028.
Economic immigration remains the largest category, with the government increasing focus on skilled workers who can support the Canadian economy.
The economic category represents the largest proportion of admissions, reaching 64% in 2027 and 2028.
Economic Immigration Opportunities in Canada 2026–2028
Economic immigration is a major priority under the new plan.
Canada aims to attract professionals, entrepreneurs, skilled workers, and individuals with experience that supports labour market needs.
The economic immigration category includes:
- Federal High Skilled programmes
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Federal Business immigration
- Economic pilots
- Atlantic Immigration Program
Federal High Skilled Immigration Programme
The Federal High Skilled category remains one of Canada’s major pathways for skilled immigrants.
It includes:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Canada plans to admit approximately:
111,000 Federal High Skilled immigrants annually in 2027 and 2028.
Selection through Express Entry continues to focus on candidates with:
- Relevant skills
- Professional experience
- Language ability
- Education qualifications
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Opportunities
The Provincial Nominee Program allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who meet regional labour market needs.
Planned admissions include:
- 91,500 in 2026
- 92,500 in 2027
- 92,500 in 2028
PNP pathways are suitable for candidates whose skills match provincial economic priorities.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Canada will continue supporting immigration through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Target admissions:
4,000 permanent residents annually from 2026 to 2028.
The programme supports skilled workers and international graduates seeking opportunities in Atlantic Canadian provinces.
Canada Temporary Resident Targets 2026–2028
Canada is also adjusting temporary immigration levels.
The plan sets new temporary resident arrival targets:
- 2026: 385,000
- 2027: 370,000
- 2028: 370,000
These targets include new arrivals through:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- International Mobility Program
- International Student Program
International Student Opportunities in Canada
Canada remains a major destination for international students.
The plan includes student arrival targets:
- 2026: 155,000
- 2027: 150,000
- 2028: 150,000
International students studying at eligible Canadian institutions may continue to access pathways that can lead to work experience and future permanent residence opportunities.
Temporary Foreign Worker Opportunities
Canada recognises the role of temporary foreign workers in supporting sectors facing labour shortages.
Temporary worker targets include:
- International Mobility Program
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The government plans:
220,000 temporary workers annually in 2027 and 2028.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program supports employers who need workers when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable.
Pathways From Temporary Status to Permanent Residence
A major focus of the 2026–2028 plan is helping qualified temporary residents transition to permanent residence.
Canada will accelerate the transition of up to:
33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027.
This targets workers who:
- Have established strong community connections
- Pay taxes in Canada
- Contribute to the economy
Francophone Immigration Opportunities Outside Quebec
Canada continues to support Francophone minority communities.
The plan increases targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec:
- 9% in 2026
- 9.5% in 2027
- 10.5% in 2028
The government aims to reach a broader goal of 12% Francophone immigration outside Quebec by 2029.
Refugee and Humanitarian Immigration Targets
Canada will continue its humanitarian commitments through refugee and protected person programmes.
The plan dedicates approximately:
13% of overall admissions to refugees and protected persons.
Total refugee and protected person admissions are planned at:
49,300 annually from 2026 to 2028.
Who Benefits From Canada Immigration Opportunities?
The 2026–2028 plan creates opportunities for:
Skilled Workers
Professionals with experience in high-demand occupations may benefit through:
- Express Entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Employer-supported pathways
International Graduates
Students completing studies in Canada may benefit from pathways connecting education, work experience, and permanent residence.
Healthcare and Essential Workers
Canada continues targeting workers needed in important sectors.
Entrepreneurs and Innovators
Business immigration pathways remain part of economic immigration planning.
How to Apply for Canada Immigration Opportunities
Applicants should:
- Identify the immigration pathway matching their profile
- Check eligibility requirements
- Prepare education and work documents
- Complete language assessments where required
- Submit applications through official IRCC channels
Common requirements may include:
- Educational credentials
- Work experience
- Language test results
- Proof of funds
- Identity documents
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Immigration 2026–2028
How many permanent residents will Canada accept?
Canada plans to welcome 380,000 permanent residents annually between 2026 and 2028.
Which immigration category receives the highest priority?
Economic immigration receives the largest share, supporting skilled workers and labour market needs.
Are international students still able to immigrate to Canada?
Yes. International students remain part of Canada’s immigration planning, with continued student admission targets.
What is the Express Entry system?
Express Entry manages applications for several federal economic immigration programmes, including Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.
Conclusion
The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 highlights continued opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, temporary workers, and professionals seeking permanent residence in Canada.
With strong focus on economic immigration, high-skilled workers, provincial labour needs, and transitions from temporary status to permanent residence, Canada remains one of the world’s leading destinations for global talent.
Applicants interested in moving to Canada should explore available immigration pathways and prepare early to meet eligibility requirements.
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