Update, 6 November 2026
This article covers an earlier plan. IRCC released the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan on 5 November 2026: 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 new temporary residents a year, plus a one-time pathway for up to 200,000 people already in Canada. Read the updated analysis of the 2027-2029 plan.
Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, tabled on 4 November 2025, sets permanent resident admissions at 380,000 in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028. It also sets new temporary resident arrivals at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in each of 2027 and 2028. Here is what the figures mean for your immigration plans.
The New PR Targets
2026
2027
2028
Context Matters
The previous plan, for 2025 to 2027, set admissions at 395,000, 380,000 and 365,000. The 2026-2028 plan keeps 2026 at 380,000 and holds 2027 and 2028 at the same level instead of letting them fall further. A later plan, for 2027 to 2029, was released on 5 November 2026 and is covered in the update above.
Category Breakdown for 2026
| Immigration Class | 2026 Target | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Class Total | 239,800 | 244,700 in 2027 |
| - Federal High Skilled (Express Entry) | 109,000 | 111,000 in 2027 under this plan |
| - Provincial Nominees (PNP) | 91,500 | 92,500 in 2027 under this plan |
| - Economic Pilots | 8,175 | |
| - Atlantic Immigration Program | 4,000 | |
| - Federal Business | 500 | |
| Family Class Total | 84,000 | Spouses and children 69,000; parents and grandparents 15,000. 81,000 in 2027 |
| Refugees & Protected | 49,300 | |
| Humanitarian & Other | 6,900 | Humanitarian and compassionate 1,100; other 5,800 |
Federal High Skilled and PNP
The plan sets Federal High Skilled admissions at 109,000 and Provincial Nominee admissions at 91,500 for 2026. Express Entry remains the larger target, and provincial nomination remains an important second route for skilled workers.
Temporary Residents
The plan also sets targets for new temporary resident arrivals:
Student Arrivals
- 2026: 155,000 new student arrivals
- 2027 and 2028: 150,000 new student arrivals each year
- For current study permit rules, see our study visa page
Work Permit Changes
- The plan sets 230,000 new worker arrivals in 2026: 170,000 under the International Mobility Program and 60,000 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
- In 2024 the validity of an LMIA, which is the time the employer and worker have to apply for the work permit, was cut from 12 months to 6 months
- Low-wage LMIA restrictions in urban areas with high unemployment
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) linked to fields of study
- Spousal Open Work Permits restricted to certain categories
What This Means for You
Express Entry Applicants
- Competition: CEC rounds in 2026 had cutoffs of 507 to 523, and category rounds invited candidates at lower scores
- PNP is key: Provincial nomination (600 points) becomes even more important
- Category-based draws: Target specific categories like French language or healthcare
International Students
- Get PAL early: Caps fill up quickly; apply as soon as you have acceptance
- Consider Master's/PhD: Exempt from caps and better PR prospects
- Choose PGWP-eligible programs: Not all programs qualify anymore
Work Permit Holders
- Act fast: Shorter LMIA validity means tighter timelines
- Aim for PR sooner: Temporary status is increasingly precarious
- Explore PNP: Best pathway to converting work permit to PR
The Political Context
These changes come amid:
- Housing affordability crisis in major cities
- Public sentiment shifting on immigration levels
- Provincial pushback on supporting newcomers
While the current government has implemented these reductions, immigration policy remains a political issue. Future governments could adjust these targets in either direction.
Outlook: What the Plans Set
| Item | Target | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Federal High Skilled | 109,000 in 2026; 100,000 a year from 2027 under the 2027-2029 plan | Express Entry remains the largest economic target |
| Provincial Nominees | 91,500 in 2026; 95,000 a year from 2027 under the 2027-2029 plan | Provincial pathways stay important |
| New student arrivals | 155,000 in 2026; 150,000 in 2027 and 2028 | Study permit places stay limited |
| New temporary resident arrivals | 385,000 in 2026; 370,000 in 2027 and 2028 | Check current rules before planning a work or study route |
Key Takeaways
- Steady PR target: The plan sets 380,000 permanent resident admissions in each of 2026, 2027 and 2028.
- Competition stays high: CEC rounds in 2026 had cutoffs of 507 to 523, so a strong application matters.
- PNP is one pathway: A nomination adds 600 points, but IRCC also invites candidates directly in CEC and category-based rounds.
- Check the latest plan: The 2027-2029 plan released on 5 November 2026 changes some 2027 targets, so read our updated analysis.
- Diversify strategies: Don't rely on one pathway; explore multiple options simultaneously.
