Ottawa: Canada is moving towards a more controlled immigration system, with its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan focusing on stabilising permanent resident (PR) admissions, reducing the number of temporary residents and prioritising skilled workers to meet the country’s economic needs.
The government’s approach comes amid concerns over housing shortages, rising rents, pressure on healthcare services and the capacity of public infrastructure in several Canadian cities. The challenge is to meet labour market requirements while managing pressure on housing, public services and employment. However, these challenges cannot be attributed to immigration alone.
Permanent resident targets remain at 380,000 annually
Under the plan, Canada aims to admit 380,000 new permanent residents each year in 2026, 2027 and 2028, within a proposed range of 350,000 to 420,000.
The target for new temporary workers and international students is set at 385,000 in 2026, falling to 370,000 annually in 2027 and 2028. The government also aims to bring temporary residents below 5% of the country’s total population by the end of 2027.
Economic immigration gets priority
Canada plans 239,800 admissions under the economic immigration category in 2026, rising to 244,700 annually in 2027 and 2028.
The targets include 109,000 admissions under the federal high-skilled category and 91,500 through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Economic immigration is expected to account for 64% of permanent resident admissions in 2027 and 2028, reflecting the government’s focus on workers who can contribute to the economy.
Pathways for temporary workers and protected persons
The government plans to facilitate permanent residency for up to 33,000 temporary workers during 2026 and 2027. It also aims to advance permanent residence for approximately 115,000 protected persons. These measures are not open-ended pathways for every temporary worker or applicant; eligibility requirements and selection criteria will apply.
The plan also provides for 49,300 admissions annually for refugees and protected persons, according to the figures outlined in the policy summary.
A key element of the strategy is to provide eligible workers already living in Canada with opportunities to transition to permanent residence, recognising their contribution to the domestic economy.
More emphasis on French-speaking communities
Canada is also seeking to increase the proportion of French-speaking permanent residents admitted outside Quebec. The targets are 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028, with the aim of strengthening French-speaking communities across the country.
The revised approach does not mean Canada is ending immigration. Instead, it is changing the pace of admissions and the categories it prioritises.
While some eligible workers may benefit from targeted pathways, international students and new applicants could face greater competition. Meeting an annual admissions target does not guarantee that an individual application will be approved; decisions depend on the relevant programme’s eligibility rules and selection criteria.
