The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, in Plain English
Every year, the federal government publishes a roadmap for how many newcomers Canada plans to welcome — and the latest one signals a real shift. If you’re thinking about immigrating to Canada, or you are already here on a temporary permit, the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan will shape your options over the next three years.
Here is what it actually says – without the jargon.
What is the Immigration Levels Plan?
The Immigration Levels Plan is the government’s annual blueprint for immigration. Tabled in Parliament each year by the Minister of Immigration, it sets targets for how many people Canada will admit as permanent residents — broken down by category such as economic, family, and refugee and humanitarian — and how many new temporary residents, meaning students and workers, will arrive.
Think of it as the system’s volume dial: it tells you which doors the government is opening wider and which ones it is narrowing.
What is changing in the 2026–2028 plan?
The headline is a tale of two directions. Permanent resident admissions are holding steady, while new temporary resident arrivals are being cut sharply.
At the same time, the plan leans into economic immigration more than it has in decades. In short:
Permanent resident admissions stay flat at 380,000 per year through 2028;
New temporary resident arrivals drop to 385,000 in 2026 — down roughly 43% from the previous year's target — and to 370,000 in 2027 and 2028;
Economic immigrants will make up about 64% of all permanent admissions by 2027, the highest share in decades.
The government’s stated goal is to bring Canada’s temporary resident population below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027, easing pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.
How many permanent residents will Canada admit, and through which programs?
For 2026, the target is 380,000 permanent residents. That number is divided roughly as follows:
Economic immigration: about 239,800;
Family reunification: about 84,000;
Refugees and protected persons: about 49,300;
Humanitarian, compassionate, and other: about 6,900.
Within the economic category, two pathways stand out.
Express Entry accounts for roughly 109,000 admissions, while the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) rises to about 91,500 — a significant jump from the 55,000 planned under the previous version of the plan.
If you are weighing your options, that growth in the PNP is worth noting: Provinces are being given more room to select the workers their local economies need.
Why are temporary resident numbers falling so sharply?
This is where the biggest cuts land. The target for new temporary residents drops to 385,000 in 2026, then to 370,000 in each of 2027 and 2028.
International students feel it most: New student arrivals are set to fall by roughly half, from around 305,000 to 155,000.
New worker arrivals are coming down as well.
One important clarification: The 385,000 target counts new arrivals only. It does not include study or work permit extensions, or applications you submit from inside Canada.
If you’re already here and hoping to extend your status, you are not competing for one of those 385,000 spots — but you do need to keep meeting the conditions of your current permit.
What does this mean if you are hoping to immigrate?
If your path is economic, the plan is broadly encouraging — economic programs are clearly the priority. But “priority” also means “competitive.”
With a steady number of spots and a sharp focus on filling specific labour gaps, expect IRCC to scrutinize applications closely; small inconsistencies in work experience, language results, or job duties can sink an otherwise strong file. A few practical takeaways:
If you qualify for a provincial stream, the expanded PNP may be your strongest route;
Make sure your documents are complete, consistent, and current before you apply;
If you are applying through a family pathway, prepare for closer review and longer processing times.
What if you are already in Canada on a temporary permit?
The plan puts real weight on helping people already here transition to permanent status. Two one-time initiatives stand out:
Approximately 115,000 protected persons already on a pathway to permanent residence will be granted it over two years;
Up to 33,000 temporary workers will have their transition to permanent residence accelerated in 2026 and 2027, with a focus on in-demand sectors and rural communities.
If you have built roots here — working, paying taxes, and contributing to your community — these measures are designed with you in mind.
The key is confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific pathway that fits your situation.
Where to go from here
The Levels Plan is not just a set of numbers.
It is a signal of where Canada's immigration system is heading — toward fewer temporary arrivals, steady permanent admissions, and a strong tilt toward economic and provincial pathways. Where you fit depends on your status, your goals, and the details of your file.
If you have questions about how the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan affects your situation, book a consultation with our team — we will help you find the pathway that makes the most sense for you.