Canada Announces 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan with Focus on TR to PR

By Scarlett Wilson [Published 05 Nov, 2025 | 05:45 AM] 246

Canada officially unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 on November 4, 2025, setting a structured and future-focused direction for the country’s immigration system.

As highlighted in the 2025 federal budget, this Canada Immigration plan aims to carefully transition from heavy reliance on temporary residents toward a more stable and sustainable permanent immigration framework. By doing so, the government intends to create a balanced and predictable pathway for skilled workers, families, and refugees.

The plan reaffirms a consistent target of 380,000 permanent residents annually through 2028, demonstrating Canada’s long-term commitment to welcoming newcomers while ensuring responsible growth.

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This carefully planned approach reflects Canada’s broader strategy to align immigration levels with the nation’s housing supply, healthcare capacity, and labour market needs.

By minimizing pressure on essential services and supporting economic opportunities, Canada aims to build an immigration system that not only attracts global talent but also strengthens communities and provides newcomers with better opportunities to succeed and settle permanently.

Temporary Residence Immigration Plan 2026-2028

Year	2026	2027	2028
Overall Arrivals	385,000 (375,000–395,000)	370,000 (360,000–380,000)	370,000 (360,000–380,000)
Workers	230,000	220,000	220,000
Students	155,000	150,000	150,000

In the worker category, the numbers are projected, and two programs are mentioned: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

In the Students category, the numbers are projected, indicating that new study permits are being issued for those who wish to study in Canada.

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Permanent Residence Immigration Plan 2026-2028

Year	2026		2027		2028
Overall Admissions & Ranges	380,000 (350,000 – 420,000)		380,000 (350,000 – 420,000)		380,000 (350,000 – 420,000)
Economic Immigration	239,800		244,700		244,700
	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
	224,000	264,000	229,000	268,000	229,000	268,000
Family Reunification	84,000		81,000		81,000
	Low	High	High	Low	High	67,500
	78,500	92,000	75,000	90,000	75,000	90,000
Refugees and Protected Persons	56,200		54,300		54,300
	Low	High	Low	High	Low	High
	48,000	64,000	46,000	62,000	46,000	62,000
French-speaking admissions outside of Quebec	9% (30,267)		9.5% (31,825)		10.5% (35,175)

In the Economic Immigration category, under the Canada-Quebec Accord, Quebec is responsible for selecting economic immigrants destined for Quebec.

Recent Update About New Immigration Levels Plans 2026-2028

Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 has been unveiled, outlining a strategic shift towards sustainable population growth, stronger economic immigration, and reduced reliance on temporary residents. The new approach focuses on easing pressure on housing, healthcare, and essential services, while offering clearer pathways for skilled workers and temporary residents to transition to permanent status.

This plan outlines a balanced and long-term vision for strengthening Canada's workforce and supporting communities across the nation.

Key Highlights:

New Transition Program for Work Permit Holders: A new federal transition program will assist up to 33,000 temporary work permit holders in becoming permanent residents between 2026 and 2027.

Significant Reduction in Temporary Residents: Temporary resident admissions are expected to drop to 385,000 in 2026, a 43% decrease from 673,650 in 2025, ensuring a more controlled intake that aligns with national capacity.

Sharp Cut in International Student Intake: International student admissions are expected to decrease to 155,000 in 2026, a 49% decline from 305,900 in 2025, aimed at stabilizing post-secondary systems and housing markets.

Adjusted Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Target: The TFW target is set at 230,000 for 2026, a 37% reduction from 367,750 in 2025, while remaining 8% higher than the previous projection of 210,700, ensuring a stable labour supply for key sectors.

PR Card Issuance for Eligible Candidates: Eligible individuals already living in Canada will be granted permanent resident status over the next two years under new measures.

Stable Permanent Resident Admissions Target: Canada will maintain its target of 380,000 permanent residents for 2026, offering consistency to applicants and immigration pathways.

Higher Share for Economic Immigration: 64% of PR admissions will be allocated to economic immigration programs, up from 59%, reinforcing Canada's focus on attracting skilled talent and promoting economic growth.

Support for Key Sectors & Regions: Additional measures will support industries impacted by tariffs and help meet labour needs in rural and remote regions.

Policy Context

These changes follow the Budget 2025 announcement by the Liberal minority government led by Prime Minister Mark Carney on November 4, 2025. More updates are expected in the 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.

Canada continues to welcome new immigrants each year and remains one of the best immigration destinations in the world. The Canada Immigration Levels Plan for 2026-2028 is expected to boost the economy and prove beneficial in the future. Interested in knowing more about it? Contact the best Canada immigration consultants.

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Source: canada.ca

Tags: Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 Canada Immigration Targets Canada PR Plan Express Entry targets 2026 Canada PR for skilled workers IRCC annual immigration report 2025 Canada Immigration News