Canada's New Immigration Plan for 2026-2028
The country is stabilizing the intake of permanent residents and reducing the number of temporary residents by 43%.
The Government of Canada has introduced an updated immigration plan for 2026-2028, which includes significant changes in how the country manages immigration flows. The new plan aims to stabilize the number of permanent residents and substantially reduce the number of temporary residents in the country.
Key Changes in the 2026-2028 Plan
Under the new immigration plan, Canada has set a target of 380,000 permanent residents annually for three consecutive years. This represents stabilization compared to the previous plan, which called for 380,000 in 2026 and a further reduction to 365,000 in 2027. The new plan maintains a steady admission level throughout the entire 2026-2028 period.
Major changes will affect temporary residence programs. While 673,650 new temporary residents were planned for 2025, that number will drop to 385,000 in 2026, and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028. This represents a decrease of nearly 43% compared to 2025. These targets will help reduce the share of temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada's population by the end of 2027.
2026-2028 Targets
| Year | Permanent Residents (PR) | PR Range | Temporary Residents (TR) | TR Range |
| 2026 | 380,000 | 350,000–420,000 | 385,000 | 375,000–395,000 |
| 2027 | 380,000 | 350,000–420,000 | 370,000 | 360,000–380,000 |
| 2028 | 380,000 | 350,000–420,000 | 370,000 | 360,000–380,000 |
Source: IRCC, 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration (Annex: Canada's 2026-2028 Levels Plan), Canada.ca, November 4, 2025.
Comparison with the Previous 2025-2027 Plan
The previous immigration plan, released in October 2024, called for a gradual reduction in permanent residents: 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027. The new plan maintains the 380,000 target for 2026 but increases the targets for 2027 and 2028 to 380,000, instead of the previously planned 365,000 for 2027. This means the new plan sets a stable target of 380,000 for all three years.
As for temporary residents, the previous plan projected 673,650 new arrivals in 2025, 516,600 in 2026, and 543,600 in 2027. The new plan calls for a much steeper reduction: 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028, which is significantly lower than the previous plan's targets.
Comparison with 2025-2027 Plan
| Year | PR (2025-2027 plan) | PR (new 2026-2028 plan) | TR (2025-2027 plan) | TR (new 2026-2028 plan) |
| 2025 | 395,000 | — | 673,650 | — |
| 2026 | 380,000 | 380,000 | 516,600 | 385,000 |
| 2027 | 365,000 | 380,000 | 543,600 | 370,000 |
| 2028 | — | 380,000 | — | 370,000 |
Focus on Economic Immigration
One of the main priorities of the new plan is increasing the share of economic immigrants. While the economic category made up about 59% of all permanent residents in 2025, this figure will grow to 64% by 2027-2028.
In 2024, Canada admitted 281,615 immigrants through economic programs, which represented 58.2% of total permanent residents. For comparison, 272,744 people were admitted through economic programs in 2023, reflecting a 3.3% increase.
Breakdown by Permanent Residence Category
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According to the new plan, economic immigration will remain the largest category with targets of 239,800 in 2026 and 244,700 in 2027 and 2028. This includes federal skilled worker programs, provincial nominee programs, pilot programs, and the caregiver category. The share of economic immigration increases to approximately 64% by 2027-2028.
Family immigration will receive 84,000 spots in 2026 and 81,000 spots in 2027 and 2028, representing about 21-22% of total permanent residents. This category includes reunification with spouses, partners, children, as well as parents and grandparents.
For refugees, protected persons, and the humanitarian and other category, a combined target of 56,200 has been set for 2026 and 54,300 for 2027 and 2028. This demonstrates Canada's continued humanitarian commitment at approximately 14-15% of total permanent residents.
Permanent Residence by Category
| Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | Range |
| Economic Immigration | 239,800 | 244,700 | 244,700 | ≈ 224,000–268,000 |
| Family Reunification | 84,000 | 81,000 | 81,000 | ≈ 75,000–92,000 |
| Refugees, Protected Persons, Humanitarian & Other | 56,200 | 54,300 | 54,300 | ≈ 46,000–64,000 |
Economic immigration share increases to ~64% by 2027-2028.
Note: Under the Canada-Quebec Accord, the province independently selects economic immigrants destined for Quebec.
Temporary Residence: Workers and Students
The new plan sets clear targets for temporary residents, reflecting projections for new entry permits to Canada (this refers to new study/work permits for those entering; status extensions are not included). It's important to understand that these numbers represent new study and work permits for people entering the country.
For workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker and International Mobility programs, 230,000 new permits are planned for 2026 and 220,000 for 2027 and 2028. For international students, 155,000 new study permits are planned for 2026 and 150,000 for 2027 and 2028.
Temporary Residence: New Permits Projection
| Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
| Workers (TFW IMP) | 230,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| Students | 155,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
TR targets reflect new study/work permits for those entering and do not include status extensions.
In 2024, 516,275 people held valid study permits (including new and renewals), down 24% from 682,889 in 2023. This trend reflects the restrictions on international student admissions that began in January 2024.
Under temporary worker programs, 905,440 new work permits were issued in 2024, a 4.3% decrease from 946,259 in 2023. Of these, 191,630 were issued through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and 717,405 through the International Mobility Program.
Francophone Immigration
Canada continues to prioritize attracting French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. The government has set a strategic goal to reach 12% Francophone arrivals by 2029. The new plan includes a gradual increase in the share of French-speaking permanent residents: 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027, and 10.5% in 2028.
Francophone Admissions Outside Quebec (Targets)
| Year | Share | Estimated Number |
| 2026 | 9% | ≈ 30,267 |
| 2027 | 9.5% | ≈ 31,825 |
| 2028 | 10.5% | ≈ 35,175 |
The target to reach 12% by 2029 remains in place.
In 2024, this figure reached 7.2%, exceeding the 6% target. A total of 30,550 French-speaking permanent residents arrived outside Quebec. Of these, 25,195 were admitted through economic programs, 1,680 through family reunification, 1,530 as refugees and protected persons, and 2,145 through other categories. This shows that Francophone immigration is primarily focused on the economic category.
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Measures to Transition Temporary Residents to Permanent
The 2025 budget includes a one-time initiative to recognize eligible protected persons as permanent residents over the next two years. This is a practical step that acknowledges the fact that the vast majority of these individuals cannot return to their country of origin.
Additionally, a one-time measure is planned to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders to permanent resident status in 2026 and 2027. These workers have put down roots in their communities, pay taxes, and help build the strong economy that Canada needs.
In 2024, 160,100 temporary work permit holders obtained permanent residence, up 2.3% from 156,580 in 2023. Of these, 74,170 were women and 85,925 were men. As for students, 25,580 study permit holders obtained permanent residence in 2024 compared to 25,605 in 2023.
Rationale for Changes
According to Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab, the new plan aims to restore control over the immigration system and bring immigration to sustainable levels. In 2018, temporary residents made up 3.3% of Canada's population, but by 2024 that figure more than doubled to 7.5%, creating unprecedented growth rates and strain on housing, healthcare, and schools.
The government has committed to reducing the share of temporary residents to less than 5% of the population by the end of 2027. The results of the government's focus are already becoming clear: asylum claims have dropped by a third, and new temporary foreign worker arrivals have decreased by approximately 50% this year. New international student arrivals have also declined by approximately 60% compared to 2024.
Impact on the Economy and Communities
The new plan recognizes the role of temporary foreign workers in certain sectors of the economy and in specific parts of the country. The plan takes into account industries and sectors affected by tariffs, as well as the unique needs of rural and remote communities.
Immigration remains the main driver of Canada's population growth. In 2024, Statistics Canada estimated that Canada's population grew by 744,324 people, representing a growth rate of 1.8%. International migration accounted for 97.3% of this growth. While Canada recorded a modest natural increase with approximately 19,738 more births than deaths for the year, this alone would have only led to minimal growth.
According to Statistics Canada, as of January 1, 2025, Canada's population reached 41,528,680 people. First-generation immigrants made up 23% of the population in 2021, highlighting the important role of immigration in the country's demographic development.
Regional Economic Immigration Programs
Regional economic immigration programs, including the Provincial Nominee Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, and rural and Francophone community pilot programs, accounted for 45% of economic arrivals in 2024. These programs are designed to respond to diverse and evolving regional labor market needs, stimulate population growth outside major urban centers, and promote long-term integration and retention.
The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot admitted 4,070 permanent residents in 2024 to eleven rural and remote communities across Canada. The program concluded in 2024 after five years and was replaced by the Rural and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot programs.
Sector-Specific Pilot Programs
Under the Home Child Care and Home Support Worker category, 6,095 permanent residents and their family members were admitted in 2024. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot accepted applications from June 18, 2019 to June 17, 2024 and provided clear and direct pathways to permanent residence for workers who helped meet the needs for home care for seniors, children, and people with disabilities in Canada.
The five-year Agri-Food Pilot, which expired on May 14, 2025, tested a sector-specific approach to immigration to address long-standing labor needs in Canada's agri-food sector. In 2024, 1,840 people were admitted as permanent residents through this program.
Super Visa Program
Parents or grandparents can also apply for a super visa — a multiple-entry temporary resident visa that allows them to reunite with family in Canada for up to five years per entry. In 2024, 53,695 super visa applications were approved, down 26.6% from 73,113 in 2023.
Settlement Program
IRCC's Settlement Program funds services that help newcomers integrate into the Canadian labor market and society. In 2024, 694,640 unique clients received settlement services. Among the 98% of clients for whom gender data was available, 385,260 identified as women (55%), 309,320 as men (45%), and 62 as another gender.
The share of French-speaking newcomers served by Francophone service providers continued to grow: 69% in 2024 compared to 63% in 2023. This reflects the government's efforts to support the vitality and economic development of minority Francophone communities outside Quebec.
Top Countries of Origin
In 2024, India remained the main country of origin for permanent residents across all categories. For economic immigration, 94,105 people came from India, making up a significant portion of the total. The Philippines came in second with 22,675 people, followed by Cameroon (19,820), China (17,775), and Nigeria (15,440). These five countries accounted for 60.3% of all economic immigrants.
In the family reunification category, India also led with 31,425 people, followed by the Philippines (9,500), China (8,320), the United States (4,665), and Pakistan (4,355), representing 55% of the total.
Among resettled refugees and protected persons, the leading countries of origin were Eritrea (15,675), Afghanistan (9,970), Syria (6,775), Somalia (5,130), and Ethiopia (3,185), accounting for 53.1% of the total.
Practical Aspects of the New Plan
The new immigration plan aims to restore Canadians' confidence in the immigration system and show that the country is moving in the right direction. It will help attract the best and brightest talent to build the economy and drive growth within the capacity that communities and services can handle.
The targets for temporary and permanent residents were developed together. It's expected that more than 40% of all permanent resident arrivals in 2025 will be students or workers already in Canada. This reflects the government's strategy to prioritize people who are already established in Canadian communities and have work or study experience in the country.
How the New Plan Will Affect Potential Immigrants
For potential immigrants, the new plan means a more predictable system with clear targets for the next three years. Stabilizing at 380,000 permanent residents annually provides planning certainty for both applicants and provinces and employers.
Increasing the share of economic immigration to 64% means more opportunities for skilled workers, especially those with experience in critical sectors like healthcare and skilled trades. The focus on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status also creates advantages for those already in Canada as students or workers.
However, the reduction in new temporary residents means tougher competition for spots in international student and temporary worker programs. Candidates will need more thorough application preparation and must meet all program requirements.
Help with Immigration to Canada
Canada's new immigration plan for 2026-2028 brings significant changes to the immigration process, requiring more careful planning and preparation from potential applicants. Increased competition for spots in economic programs and reduced quotas for temporary residents make professional consultation especially important.
Our company's licensed immigration consultants will help you navigate the complexities of the new plan, assess your chances of success, and choose the best immigration program for your circumstances. Professional help is especially important when the share of economic immigration is growing to 64% and priority is given to candidates with work experience in critical sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.
If you're considering immigration to Canada and want a personalized assessment of your chances under the new immigration plan, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant. A specialist will conduct a detailed analysis of your profile, explain available programs and immigration pathways, help develop an application strategy, and avoid common mistakes that can lead to rejection.
During the consultation, you'll get answers to all your questions about program requirements, application processing times, necessary documents, and prospects for successfully obtaining permanent resident status. The consultant will also explain opportunities for transitioning from temporary to permanent status, which is especially relevant given the government's new measures for the accelerated transition of up to 33,000 work permit holders in 2026-2027.
Studying in Canada
For those planning to study in Canada, it's important to understand the new restrictions on international student admissions. With the quota reduced to 155,000 new study permits in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027-2028, competition for spots at Canadian educational institutions has increased significantly. Professional consultation will help you choose the right study program, prepare a strong application, and increase your chances of getting a study permit.
