A New Chapter in Canada’s Immigration Story: Inside the 2026–2028 Plan

According to the Government of Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced details of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, outlining new targets for both temporary and permanent residents. The Plan emphasizes a return to sustainable immigration levels while maintaining Canada’s commitment to economic growth, humanitarian values, and family reunification.

A Shift Toward Sustainable Growth

The 2026–2028 plan highlights the government’s focus on stabilizing permanent resident admissions and reducing temporary resident arrivals. This adjustment is designed to help balance population growth and ensure that Canada’s immigration system continues to meet long-term labour and social needs.

To support this balance, Canada aims to reduce its temporary resident population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027. New temporary resident arrivals — including international students and temporary foreign workers — will be capped at:

• 385,000 in 2026
• 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028

Among these, 230,000–220,000 are expected to be temporary workers under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program, while approximately 150,000–155,000 will be international students.

This approach continues to support Canada’s goal of attracting top global talent while ensuring that labour needs — especially in rural and high-demand sectors — are met responsibly.

Permanent Residency: Stable Admissions and Strong Economic Focus

Permanent resident admissions will stabilize at 380,000 each year from 2026 to 2028. Economic immigration will make up the majority of admissions, reaching 64% of total permanent residents in 2027 and 2028.

The Federal High Skilled and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) categories will see increased allocations, ensuring provinces and territories can meet their unique labour market demands. The plan also supports pathways for in-Canada temporary residents to transition to permanent status, helping skilled workers already contributing to the economy to settle permanently.

Strengthening Francophone Communities

Canada continues to emphasize the vitality of Francophone minority communities outside Quebec, increasing French-speaking permanent resident targets to:

• 9% in 2026
• 9.5% in 2027
• 10.5% in 2028,
  with the broader goal of reaching 12% by 2029.

Family Reunification and Humanitarian Commitments

Family reunification remains a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration tradition. Between 21.3% and 22.1% of all admissions will fall under the Family Class, ensuring spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents can join their loved ones in Canada.

At the same time, 13% of total admissions will be dedicated to refugees and protected persons, maintaining Canada’s global leadership in humanitarian efforts. Additional admissions spaces will also be allocated to meet international humanitarian commitments.

One-Time Initiatives to Recalibrate the System

To help recalibrate the immigration system, the government has introduced one-time initiatives over a two-year period:

• 115,000 Protected Persons already in Canada will transition to permanent residency, solidifying their path to citizenship and integration.
• Up to 33,000 temporary workers will be granted permanent residency between 2026 and 2027, recognizing their economic and community contributions.

These measures are designed to bring control, clarity, and consistency back to the immigration system while maintaining compassion and competitiveness.