.png)
🇨🇦 What to Expect from Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028
- Open Canada Immigration
- Oct 22, 2025
- 3 min read
The Canadian federal government is preparing to unveil its next Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028) — a roadmap that outlines how many newcomers Canada plans to welcome over the next three years.
Expected release date: on or before November 1, 2025.
Each year’s plan sets official admission targets for the upcoming year, and projections for the two following years. So, what might this year’s plan bring? Let’s break it down.
🔹 Permanent Resident (PR) Targets: Stabilization Ahead
The government has hinted that permanent resident admissions will likely remain stable, not exceeding 416,500 per year through 2027.
This is based on the federal commitment to keep immigration under 1% of Canada’s total population (now around 41.65 million).
Last year’s plan already reflected this moderation, cutting 2025 PR targets by about 20% compared to the previous plan.
Year | 2025–2027 Plan | 2024–2026 Plan |
2025 | 395,000 | 500,000 |
2026 | 380,000 | 500,000 |
2027 | 365,000 | – |
🚀 Express Entry: Still a Key Pathway
Even with lower overall targets, Express Entry continues to be a strong route for skilled workers.
Under new categories — Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus — the number of admissions will actually increase in 2025 to 124,680, up from 117,500 last year.
Year | Economic Priorities | In-Canada Focus | Total |
2025 | 41,700 | 82,980 | 124,680 |
2026 | 47,400 | 75,830 | 123,230 |
2027 | 47,800 | 70,930 | 118,730 |
💡 “Economic Priorities” includes in-demand jobs and French-language categories, while “In-Canada Focus” targets those already working or studying in Canada.
🏞️ Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Room for Growth
The PNP faced a major cut last year — down from 120,000 to 55,000 per year for 2025–2027.
However, several provinces (like BC, Manitoba, and New Brunswick) have since negotiated larger allocations for 2025, and talks are ongoing to expand quotas further.
👉 Expect slightly higher PNP targets for 2026.
🧳 Temporary Residents: A Balancing Act
For the second year in a row, IRCC will include temporary resident targets — covering international students and temporary foreign workers (TFWs).
The goal: keep non-permanent residents under 5% of the population by 2027.
Year | Total Arrivals | Students | TFWP | IMP |
2025 | 673,650 | 305,900 | 82,000 | 285,750 |
2026 | 516,600 | 305,900 | 82,000 | 128,700 |
2027 | 543,600 | 305,900 | 82,000 | 155,700 |
📉 International students make up the majority of temporary resident arrivals.
🏗️ Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Prime Minister Mark Carney has hinted at a “focused approach” to the TFWP, prioritizing specific regions and industries.
Recent reforms include:
❌ Suspension of low-wage LMIA processing in high-unemployment regions
💰 Higher wage requirements for high-wage streams
📉 Lower caps on the share of TFWs per employer
❤️ Limited spousal open work permits to specific TEER 0–3 occupations
The program’s future direction will likely reflect these priorities.
🗣️ Francophone Immigration on the Rise
Canada remains committed to boosting French-speaking immigration outside Quebec.
Targets are set to climb from 8.5% in 2025 → 9.5% in 2026 → 10% in 2027, aiming for 12% by 2029.
IRCC continues to expand French-language draws, Francophone pilot programs, and settlement supports for French-speaking newcomers. 🇫🇷
🎓 International Students: Still Capped
The plan maintains the cap of 305,900 new study permits per year through 2027.
Applicants must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to be approved under this system — a rule updated annually each January.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan is shaping up to focus on stability, economic alignment, and balanced population growth.
While PR admissions may stay level, expect a stronger emphasis on:
Skilled workers already in Canada
Targeted PNP growth
Responsible management of international student and TFW numbers
🇨🇦 Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve — balancing opportunity, integration, and sustainability.
🇨🇦 What to Expect from Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028
Comments