Ottawa has set the course for the next three years of immigration, and the direction matters for anyone planning a move to Canada or a path to permanent residence.
Under the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the government holds permanent resident admissions steady at 380,000 for 2026, with the same notional target for 2027 and 2028. At the same time, it is reducing the arrival of new temporary residents, workers and students, from roughly 673,650 in 2025 to about 385,000 in 2026.
The plan also tilts firmly toward economic immigration. The share of economic admissions is set to rise to 64 percent by 2027, the highest proportion in decades. There is a notable in-Canada focus too: the government intends to move up to 33,000 established temporary workers into permanent residence across 2026 and 2027, alongside a one-time initiative to recognise certain protected persons already in Canada.
What this means for you
Stable permanent resident targets with a stronger economic focus mean that a well-prepared, well-documented application matters more than ever. If you are already in Canada on a work or study permit, the emphasis on in-Canada transitions may open a pathway worth planning for now rather than later.
Every situation is different. If you would like to understand where you stand under the current plan, we are glad to talk it through and map out your options honestly.
Sources
- Supplementary Information for the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada.ca
- Canada’s immigration levels, Canada.ca
This article is general information, not legal advice. For advice on your own matter, please contact the firm.