Additional details of Canada's immigration plan for 2026-2028

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released detailed additional information about the 2026-2028 immigration plan, revealing important details about quota allocation and special measures for different immigrant categories. The new data provides better insight into the government's priorities and opportunities for potential applicants.

Focus on Sustainable Immigration Levels

The 2026-2028 plan focuses on returning to sustainable immigration levels through ongoing reductions in temporary resident arrivals and stabilization of permanent resident admissions. The government is prioritizing economic immigration to attract the world's top talent and fill critical workforce gaps in in-demand occupations that complement the domestic labor market, while maintaining a focus on humanitarian cases and family reunification.

The government has committed to reducing Canada's temporary resident population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027. Targets for new temporary resident arrivals are set at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028. These numbers represent new temporary workers and students arriving in Canada.

Program-Specific Targets for Workers and Students

Temporary resident targets are clearly divided between temporary workers and international students. In 2026, the plan is to admit 230,000 new temporary workers and 155,000 new international students. In 2027 and 2028, these numbers will be 220,000 workers and 150,000 students annually.

Worker targets are split between the International Mobility Program (IMP) and the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. In 2026, 170,000 spots are allocated to IMP and 60,000 to the TFW Program. In subsequent years, the allocation will be 170,000 for IMP and 50,000 for the TFW Program annually.

The International Mobility Program includes streams that don't require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), including work permits issued under agreements with partner countries, or permits issued under economic, family, or humanitarian public policies.

It's important to note that post-graduation work permits are not included in these targets, as IRCC considers them extensions or changes of status rather than new arrivals.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is jointly managed with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and is based on employer demand to fill specific jobs when Canadians or permanent residents are not available to do the work. An LMIA is required for closed work permits. The TFW Program includes seasonal and non-seasonal agricultural streams. TFW Program targets include all non-seasonal workers who stay in Canada for more than one year, but exclude seasonal workers who enter and leave Canada within one year.

In recognition of the role that temporary foreign workers play in certain sectors of the economy, the plan will also take into account industries and sectors affected by tariffs, as well as the unique needs of rural and remote communities. This means certain regions and industries may receive special consideration when allocating temporary worker quotas.

Coordinating Temporary and Permanent Resident Targets

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Temporary and permanent resident targets were developed in parallel, with an emphasis on transitioning those already in Canada with the necessary skills and experience to permanent resident status. This strategic decision aims to retain talent that has already integrated into Canadian society and demonstrated its value to the country's economy.

Overall permanent resident admissions will stabilize at 380,000 from 2026 to 2028. However, it's important to understand that this is a baseline target, and actual admissions will be higher due to an additional 115,000 protected persons over two years (2026-2027). This means actual admissions will be approximately 437,500 in 2026 and 437,500 in 2027 (380,000 plus 57,500), returning to the baseline of 380,000 in 2028.

Since supporting the Canadian economy remains a key priority, the economic category represents the largest share of admissions each year, reaching 64% in 2027 and 2028.

Actual Permanent Resident Admissions Including All Measures

Overall Immigration Targets for 2026-2028

Increased Quotas for Federal High Skilled and PNP

The plan significantly increases admissions under the Federal High Skilled program and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), ensuring Canada's ability to attract the talent needed to deliver national projects, as well as respond to the distinct labor market needs of provinces and territories.

Detailed Breakdown of Economic Immigration for 2026-2028

The Provincial Nominee Program received a significant quota increase: from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, stabilizing at 92,500 in 2027 and 2028. This represents a 66% increase and a return to levels close to the record-breaking 2023 and 2024 years.

Provincial Nominee Program Quota Growth

This represents a return to levels close to the record-breaking 2023 and 2024 years, when the PNP was at its peak effectiveness. The Provincial Nominee Program has become the largest economic immigration stream in Canada, consistently outperforming federal programs. The 2026-2028 plan solidifies this dominance, making the PNP a central element of regional economic and demographic development.

Francophone Immigration Commitments

The plan also strengthens Canada's commitment to ensuring the vitality of Francophone minority communities. The plan increases the target for Francophone arrivals outside Quebec, reaching 10.5% by 2028, and supports the broader goal of achieving 12% by 2029.

This means a gradual increase: 9% in 2026 (30,267 people), 9.5% in 2027 (31,825 people), and 10.5% in 2028 (35,175 people). These targets reflect the government's commitment to strengthening Francophone communities across the country and promoting bilingualism, diversity, and regional balance in immigration distribution.

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The overall Francophone permanent resident admission targets outside Quebec listed here represent the number of admissions needed to achieve the established targets of 9% of total permanent resident admissions in 2026, 9.5% in 2027, and 10.5% in 2028. These targets are intended for admissions outside Quebec and are therefore calculated based on how many admissions under the levels plan will be necessary to reach the targets, based on the overall ranges for admissions outside Quebec. Once Quebec presents its 2026 immigration levels plan, these numbers may need to be updated.

Francophone Immigration Targets Outside Quebec

Stable Family Immigration and Leadership in Refugee Resettlement

The plan maintains Canada's global leadership in refugee resettlement and continues to prioritize family reunification. The overall share of family class admissions will remain relatively stable, between 21.3% and 22.1%, to support family reunification—a cornerstone of Canada's tradition as a welcoming country.

Canada will also continue to be a global leader in refugee resettlement, dedicating 13% of total admissions to refugee and protected persons programs. Additionally, extra spots are included to fulfill Canada's humanitarian commitments.

Permanent Resident Distribution by Category for 2026

The family class includes reunification of spouses, partners, and children (69,000 in 2026) and parents and grandparents (15,000 in 2026). The refugee and protected persons category includes spots for protected persons in Canada and their dependents abroad (20,000), government-assisted refugees (13,250), including streams for human rights defenders in need of protection and LGBTQI individuals, Blended Visa Office Referred refugees (50), and privately sponsored refugees (16,000).

One-Time Initiatives to Recalibrate the System

As part of broader recalibration efforts to bring the immigration system back to sustainable levels, the government is implementing two major one-time initiatives over a two-year period.

Special Measures for 2026-2027

It's important to understand the difference between these two initiatives. The transition of 115,000 protected persons is clearly stated in official IRCC documents as additional to the main permanent resident admission targets.

However, the situation with the 33,000 temporary workers is less clear. The official IRCC text doesn't include the phrase "in addition to" for this category. The government indicates it will accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent resident status in 2026 and 2027, but doesn't specify whether these workers represent additional spots beyond the 380,000 or will receive priority within existing economic quotas.

The most likely interpretation is that the 33,000 temporary workers will receive priority within existing economic programs rather than representing separate additional spots. This means they'll compete for spots within the allocated 239,800 economic immigration places in 2026, but with expedited processing and priority. Final clarity on this matter is expected after IRCC publishes more detailed information.

Transition of Protected Persons: Additional 115,000 Spots

As part of broader recalibration efforts to bring the immigration system back to sustainable levels, the government is implementing a one-time two-year initiative to facilitate the transition of approximately 115,000 protected persons in Canada who are already on the path to permanent residence and in accordance with their status as protected persons under domestic and international law.

These admissions are in addition to those indicated in the above-mentioned permanent resident admission targets.

Protected persons have recognized protected status in Canada and can remain in the country as long as they maintain this status. They're not temporary residents like workers or students who come to Canada on temporary permits with limited validity.

Prioritizing their admission as permanent residents over the next two years will ensure recognition of the permanent status of those who truly need Canada's protection, accelerate their full integration into Canadian society and path to citizenship, and fulfill Canada's international humanitarian obligations.

Accelerated Transition of Temporary Workers

The government will also accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent resident status in 2026 and 2027. This initiative targets workers who have established strong roots in their communities, pay taxes, and help build the strong economy Canada needs.

This measure is especially important for temporary workers who have already demonstrated their value to the Canadian economy and integrated into local communities. The accelerated transition will allow these workers to gain the stability and opportunities associated with permanent resident status, including access to a broader range of social services and the ability to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

The initiative will focus on workers in specific in-demand sectors with emphasis on those working in rural areas. While exact selection criteria haven't been published yet, priority is expected to go to workers with sustained work experience in Canada, tax contributions, and ties to local communities.

Targeted Measures and Overall Plan Goals

These targeted measures complement the broader goals of the 2026-2028 plan and aim to restore control, clarity, and consistency to the immigration system while maintaining compassion in selection and driving economic competitiveness.

The plan acknowledges that in recent years, the volume of arrivals, especially temporary residents, has exceeded Canada's capacity to provide housing, healthcare, and educational support. In response, the 2026-2028 plan sets new annual targets and priorities aimed at achieving a more sustainable balance.

Priority on Economic Immigration

The share of economic immigrants will increase from 59% in 2025 to 63% in 2026 and 64% in 2027 and 2028 of total admissions. Permanent resident admissions will remain below 1% of the population after 2027, reflecting the government's commitment to maintaining immigration at levels that the country's economy and infrastructure can effectively support.

Increasing the share of economic immigrants to 64% means that nearly two-thirds of all new permanent residents will be admitted through economic programs. This is the highest share of economic immigration in decades and reflects the government's priority on attracting skilled workers who can make an immediate contribution to Canada's economic growth.

Early Signs of Success

The government has reported early indicators of declining volumes in temporary streams. Asylum applications have decreased by one-third. Arrivals of new temporary foreign workers have dropped by approximately 50%. Arrivals of new international students have decreased by approximately 60% compared to 2024.

These figures show that the government's measures to reduce the number of temporary residents are already starting to pay off. However, the full impact of the new policy will only become clear over the next few years as the system fully adapts to the new targets.

Early Results of the New Policy

Definition of Temporary Residents and What's Not Included in the Targets

Targets are set only for new arrivals under temporary worker programs and the international student program. It's important to understand that targets are not set for the following categories: visitors arriving with temporary resident visas or electronic travel authorizations (eTA); permit extensions; study or work applications submitted from within Canada; asylum seekers. However, the volumes of asylum seekers and in-Canada study or work applications are included in the overall methodology and calculations to achieve the target of less than 5% temporary residents of the total population.

Study permits are issued to foreign nationals studying for six months or more in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which is approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students.

Impact on Different Immigrant Categories

For foreign workers already in Canada, the 2026-2028 plan offers both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, a one-time measure to fast-track the transition of 33,000 temporary workers to permanent resident status creates additional pathways for those already established in the country. On the other hand, the overall reduction in quotas for new temporary workers means tougher competition for spots in the programs.

For international students, the situation also requires careful planning. While targets for new students remain relatively stable at 155,000 in 2026 and 150,000 in 2027 and 2028, this is still significantly below peak levels from previous years. Students already in Canada may benefit from the government's focus on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status, especially if they've gained Canadian work experience and skills in in-demand sectors.

Regional Considerations and Special Needs

The plan specifically mentions that it will take into account industries and sectors affected by tariffs, as well as the unique needs of rural and remote communities. This recognizes that different regions of Canada have different labor needs and that rural and remote areas often face particular challenges in attracting and retaining immigrants.

Increased quotas for the Provincial Nominee Program also support regional distribution of immigration, allowing provinces and territories to select candidates who best match their specific economic needs. This may include workers for agriculture, construction, healthcare, and other sectors critical to regional economies.

Shift Toward a More Selective System

Overall, the 2026-2028 plan signals a shift toward a more selective and managed immigration system. The government aims to attract candidates who best fit the needs of the Canadian economy, with particular emphasis on those who already have Canadian experience and ties to local communities.

This approach reflects lessons learned from the period of rapid immigration growth in the post-pandemic era, when volumes exceeded the capacity of infrastructure and services. The new plan aims to achieve a more sustainable balance between economic needs, humanitarian obligations, and the country's capacity to integrate newcomers.

What This Means for Potential Immigrants

For those considering immigration to Canada, the 2026-2028 plan emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and understanding your best pathways. Candidates with Canadian work or study experience, skills in in-demand sectors, and willingness to relocate to regions outside major urban centers are likely to have the best chances of success.

Increased quotas for the Provincial Nominee Program make provincial pathways particularly attractive, especially for those willing to live and work in specific provinces or territories. French-speaking candidates also continue to benefit from special targets and programs aimed at strengthening Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Candidates working in Canada on temporary permits, especially in in-demand sectors and rural areas, may benefit from the initiative to fast-track 33,000 temporary workers. It's important to demonstrate sustained integration into the local community, tax contributions, and valuable skills for the Canadian economy.

Professional Help Navigating the New System

The new immigration plan, with its many nuances, one-time measures, and changing priorities, makes professional consultation more important than ever. Licensed immigration consultants can help potential applicants understand their options, assess their chances of success in different programs, and develop a strategy that maximizes their opportunities.

If you're considering immigrating to Canada and want a personalized assessment of your chances under the new immigration plan and all its details, book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant at this link. A professional consultant will help you navigate the complexities of the new system and find the best path to your goal.

If you're planning to study in Canada as a pathway to immigration, it's important to understand how the new student intake restrictions affect your options. A consultation with a Canadian education specialist is available at this link.