Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 marks one of the most significant shifts in immigration policy in recent years.
Following record-breaking permanent resident (PR) admissions and a rapid increase in temporary residents (TRs), IRCC has announced a plan focused on stabilization, sustainability, and selectivity.
At first glance, it appears Canada is hitting pause. But a closer look at the numbers reveals a more complex story, one that might actually signal hidden growth under the surface.
What Is the Immigration Levels Plan?
Mandated under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan outlines the number of new immigrants the country aims to welcome each year, and how those spots are distributed across key categories:
- Economic (e.g., Express Entry, PNPs, business programs)
- Family Reunification (spouses, parents, children)
- Refugees and Protected Persons
- Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C)
The Immigration Levels Plan also sets targets for temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers, allowing the government to balance short-term labour needs with long-term population growth.
Key Highlights of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan
IRCC says this plan will “restore control and clarity” to Canada’s immigration system, but the fine print tells a different story.
Lower Numbers or Hidden Increases?
Officially, IRCC is keeping permanent resident admissions stable at 380,000 per year from 2026 through 2028. But behind the scenes, two one-time initiatives could add a large number of new PRs that are not counted in the official plan:
- Protected Persons Initiative: Up to 115,000 asylum claimants already in Canada will transition to permanent residence between 2026 and 2027.
- TR to PR Pathway: Approximately 33,000 work permit holders are expected to become permanent residents over the same period.
Both of these programs are outside the official PR targets. That means actual permanent resident admissions could be up to 148,000 higher than what the plan states.
In other words, while IRCC is publicly framing this as stabilization, the numbers reveal a quiet expansion in permanent residency.
Economic Immigration: The Clear Winner
Economic immigration remains the backbone of the new Immigration Levels Plan. The government is boosting the share of economic migrants from 59% to 64% of all PRs by 2028, even as overall totals stay flat.
2026 Economic Breakdown
The biggest winner is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), up nearly 49%. Provinces now have more control to meet regional labour needs.
Express Entry, on the other hand, is taking a hit. Its 2026 target has dropped from 122,830 to 109,000, and IRCC has stopped distinguishing between CEC (Canadian Experience Class) and category-based draws, blending them into one group.
Business immigration has been cut in half, signaling a shift away from investor-driven pathways toward labour-market-focused programs.
The New TR→PR Pathway
One of the most talked-about changes is the new TR→PR pathway, expected to help 33,000 work permit holders transition to permanent residence in 2026–2027.
What We Know:
- It will focus on workers already in Canada, with established roots and tax contributions.
- It’s likely to use existing systems (like Express Entry or the 2021 TR→PR model) rather than a new platform.
- The budget allocation is small, $19.4 million over four years, indicating a low-cost, fast-track mechanism.
The government is targeting highly skilled, tax-paying workers and research professionals who already contribute to the economy.
This pathway could open with little notice and fill quickly, just like 2021’s TR→PR program.
Temporary Residents: The Biggest Cuts
The most dramatic change in the Immigration Levels Plan is the reduction in temporary resident admissions, a move meant to address housing, healthcare, and labour market strain.
IRCC plans to bring Canada’s temporary population down to less than 5% of the total population by 2027.
For international students, this means nearly half as many new study permits compared to previous years.
Private colleges and smaller DLIs will feel the squeeze, while programs aligned with healthcare, tech, or Francophone mobility are more likely to be prioritized.
Temporary workers under the LMIA-based TFW Program will also face fewer opportunities as the government restricts low-wage and non-essential work permits.
Francophone Immigration: A Subtle Shift
There’s also a strong focus on Francophone immigration, but with a quieter tone than before.
The government’s long-term goal is to reach 12% Francophone admissions by 2029, yet short-term targets have been lowered:
- 2026: 9% (≈30,000 people) down from 9.5% in the last plan.
- 2027: 9.5% (≈31,800 people) down from 10%.
- 2028: 10.5% (≈35,000 people), a modest increase toward 2029.
Even with smaller quotas, French-speaking applicants remain at a major advantage. In 2025, Francophone-only draws represented 41% of all Express Entry invitations, and when bilingual points are included, that figure rises to about 62%.
Winners and Losers
Should You Apply Now or Wait?
If you’re ready, apply now.
The 2026 Immigration Levels Plan still heavily favours applicants already in Canada, especially those with Express Entry profiles, work experience, and strong language results. With fewer temporary applications, processing times are expected to stabilize.
Future plans may introduce stricter eligibility as IRCC moves toward greater selectivity. Delaying your application could mean missing the next TR→PR program, which may open suddenly and fill within days.
If you’re still building your profile, focus on language tests, work experience, and education now. The stronger your credentials, the better you’ll stand out in an increasingly competitive pool.
Final Takeaway
The Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 isn’t about cutting immigration; it’s about redefining it.
IRCC is slowing the pace of new arrivals, prioritizing economic integration and permanent transitions from within Canada.
- PR admissions look stable, but may rise quietly through “one-time” initiatives.
- Economic class dominance (64%) is now official policy.
- Temporary residents and students are being scaled back dramatically.
For those already in Canada, this Immigration Levels Plan creates new opportunities. For those applying from abroad, it signals the need to be strategic, prepared, and ready to act fast when new pathways open.
The new immigration plan is all about selectivity. Make sure you’re ready before the next draw or pathway opens.
Book your consultation today and get a clear action plan for your Canadian PR journey.
