Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Temporary Resident Targets, Permanent Residency and Key Changes
Canada is reshaping its immigration system under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, with a focus on managing temporary resident arrivals, stabilizing permanent resident admissions, and prioritizing economic immigration. The federal government aims to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
The plan outlines targets for temporary foreign workers, international students and permanent residents, while introducing targeted initiatives to help certain individuals already living in Canada transition to permanent residence. These measures reflect Canada’s effort to balance labour market needs, population growth, housing capacity and pressure on public services.
For international students, foreign workers and individuals planning to immigrate to Canada, understanding these targets is essential when evaluating future immigration opportunities.
Canada’s Temporary Resident Targets for 2026–2028
A central objective of the immigration plan is to manage the number of new temporary residents entering Canada. The government has established annual targets covering temporary workers and international students.
Temporary Resident Arrival Targets
| Year | Target for New Temporary Resident Arrivals |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 385,000 |
| 2027 | 370,000 |
| 2028 | 370,000 |
The annual targets indicate a planned reduction in new temporary resident arrivals after 2026. The government intends to bring temporary resident levels under control while continuing to accommodate workers and students who meet Canada’s immigration requirements.
Temporary Worker Targets
Temporary foreign workers contribute to several sectors of the Canadian economy, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, healthcare and other industries experiencing labour shortages.
Under the targets outlined in the plan, Canada expects approximately:
- 2026: 230,000 temporary worker arrivals, including 170,000 under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and 60,000 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
- 2027: 220,000 temporary worker arrivals, including 170,000 under the IMP and 50,000 under the TFWP.
- 2028: 220,000 temporary worker arrivals, including 170,000 under the IMP and 50,000 under the TFWP.
The distinction between these programs is important. The International Mobility Program generally covers work permits issued under broader economic, cultural and social interests, often without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The Temporary Foreign Worker Program generally enables Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals when eligible Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available to fill particular positions, subject to applicable requirements.
These targets do not mean that every applicant will qualify for a work permit. Eligibility continues to depend on the relevant program, the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable immigration rules.
International Student Targets
Canada remains an important destination for international education. However, the government is seeking to manage international student arrivals more carefully.
The plan sets out the following targets:
- 2026: Approximately 155,000 new international student arrivals.
- 2027: Approximately 150,000 new international student arrivals.
- 2028: Approximately 150,000 new international student arrivals.
For prospective students, this means that planning ahead and understanding the study permit process will remain important. Applicants should carefully review the requirements for their intended institution and program, available financial resources, documentation and any applicable study permit restrictions.
International students should also understand that studying in Canada does not automatically guarantee a post-graduation work permit or permanent residence. Eligibility for each subsequent immigration pathway must be assessed separately.
Permanent Resident Admissions to Remain at 380,000 Annually
While Canada plans to reduce new temporary resident arrivals, permanent resident admissions are expected to remain comparatively stable.
The 2026–2028 plan sets a target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions per year from 2026 through 2028.
Maintaining a stable PR target provides a framework for economic immigration, family reunification and other eligible immigration categories. However, the number of admissions available through each program can vary according to the government’s priorities and the detailed allocations in the immigration plan.
Greater Emphasis on Economic Immigration
Economic immigration is an important part of Canada’s strategy for addressing labour market needs and supporting long-term economic growth.
The plan aims for economic categories to account for approximately 64% of permanent resident admissions by 2027–2028.
Economic immigration pathways may include programs for skilled workers, provincial nominees and eligible candidates with experience or qualifications that meet Canada’s labour market priorities.
Depending on their circumstances, applicants may explore pathways such as:
- Express Entry, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Eligible employer-supported immigration pathways.
- Other federal and provincial economic immigration programs.
Each pathway has its own eligibility criteria. Applicants may need to meet requirements involving education, work experience, language proficiency, funds, occupational qualifications and other program-specific conditions.
The planned emphasis on economic immigration makes it particularly important for prospective applicants to understand which programs align with their professional background and long-term goals.
Transitioning Temporary Workers to Permanent Residence
One notable initiative in the plan is the proposed transition of up to 33,000 skilled temporary workers to permanent residence across 2026 and 2027.
This initiative is intended to support the transition of eligible workers already contributing to Canada’s economy into permanent resident status.
Temporary workers may gain valuable Canadian work experience, develop professional networks and establish connections with employers. Depending on their qualifications and circumstances, some may become eligible for permanent residence through existing federal or provincial programs.
However, the 33,000 figure should not be interpreted as an automatic entitlement for every temporary worker. Eligibility, selection procedures, program instructions and any applicable application requirements will determine who can benefit from the initiative.
Temporary workers interested in permanent residence should review their current immigration status, work permit conditions, occupational experience, language proficiency and available immigration pathways. They should also monitor official announcements for details about the implementation of any special transition measures.
Permanent Residence Measures for Protected Persons
The plan also identifies a measure intended to streamline permanent residence for approximately 115,000 protected persons already in Canada.
Protected persons are individuals recognized under Canada’s applicable refugee protection framework. Their immigration circumstances differ from those of international students, temporary foreign workers and other temporary residents.
The initiative reflects an effort to address the status of eligible individuals who are already in Canada and have received protection under the relevant legal framework.
The proposed scale of the measure does not mean that all individuals seeking refugee protection will automatically receive permanent residence. Eligibility and processing will depend on the applicable rules and the government’s implementation procedures.
Individuals with questions about protected-person status, permanent residence applications or related documentation should obtain advice appropriate to their specific circumstances.
Why Canada Wants Temporary Residents Below 5% of Its Population
A major objective of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan is to reduce the temporary resident population to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
Temporary residents include eligible categories of people living in Canada on temporary status, such as international students and temporary foreign workers. The precise population calculation depends on the government’s definitions and statistical methodology.
The target reflects several policy considerations.
Housing and Infrastructure Capacity
Population growth affects demand for rental accommodation, transportation, healthcare, educational facilities and other public services. Managing temporary resident numbers is part of the government’s broader effort to align population growth with Canada’s capacity to support residents.
Sustainable International Education
International students contribute to Canada’s educational institutions and local economies. At the same time, governments have raised concerns about the capacity of housing, student support services and educational systems to accommodate rapid growth.
Managing new student arrivals is intended to support a more sustainable approach to international education.
Labour Market Requirements
Canada continues to need workers in particular industries and regions. The government’s challenge is to manage overall temporary resident numbers while allowing eligible employers and sectors to access workers when required.
The balance between temporary immigration and permanent immigration is therefore an important feature of the new plan.
What the Immigration Plan Means for International Students
For students planning to study in Canada, the reduced arrival targets make preparation and accurate documentation especially important.
Prospective applicants should consider the following steps:
- Research eligible Canadian institutions and programs before applying.
- Review the current study permit requirements and any applicable provincial or territorial requirements.
- Prepare accurate evidence of financial support and the source of funds.
- Explain their educational objectives and how the selected program fits their background.
- Review current rules concerning work during studies and post-graduation work permit eligibility.
- Avoid assuming that a study permit will automatically lead to permanent residence.
Applicants should rely on the latest official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) guidance because study permit rules, program eligibility and application requirements can change.
What Temporary Foreign Workers Should Do Next
Temporary workers who want to remain in Canada for the long term should assess their permanent residence options before their current status expires.
The following steps can help them prepare:
- Review their work permit validity and conditions.
- Check whether their occupation and work experience align with an eligible immigration pathway.
- Evaluate their language test results and educational credentials.
- Determine whether they may qualify for Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.
- Maintain accurate records of Canadian employment and work experience.
- Monitor official announcements about the proposed transition initiative for skilled temporary workers.
A worker’s eligibility will depend on the specific immigration program and the requirements in force when they apply. Meeting one requirement, such as having a Canadian job, does not by itself guarantee permanent residence.
Is Canada Still an Immigration Destination in 2026–2028?
Canada continues to plan for substantial permanent resident admissions while taking a more controlled approach to temporary resident arrivals.
The distinction is important: reducing temporary resident arrivals does not mean that all immigration opportunities are ending. Instead, the plan indicates a greater focus on managing temporary migration, maintaining permanent residence admissions and prioritizing economic immigration.
For prospective immigrants, the most appropriate strategy is to evaluate eligibility based on current rules rather than relying solely on annual admission targets.
Skilled professionals may wish to assess Express Entry and provincial pathways. International students should make informed decisions about education and study permits. Temporary workers should examine available routes to permanent residence and stay informed about changes affecting their status.
Conclusion
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan sets a direction for a more managed immigration system. The government plans to reduce new temporary resident arrivals from 385,000 in 2026 to 370,000 annually in 2027 and 2028, while maintaining permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year.
The plan also identifies targeted measures for protected persons and skilled temporary workers, alongside a stronger emphasis on economic immigration. Its central population objective is to bring temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
For international students, skilled workers and other prospective immigrants, preparation remains essential. Understanding the applicable program requirements, keeping documentation accurate and monitoring official policy updates can help applicants make better-informed decisions.
Looking to explore immigration options for Canada?** New Jain Immigration Services can help you understand relevant immigration pathways, review program requirements and identify the next steps appropriate to your circumstances. Immigration eligibility and outcomes depend on the applicable rules and individual circumstances.
