Canada has announced its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, which clearly shows how it will manage permanent and temporary immigration over the next 3
Canada has announced its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, which clearly shows how it will manage permanent and temporary immigration over the next 3 years. This plan mainly focuses on the continuous growth of the country, supporting the economy, and better planning for housing, public services, as well as infrastructure.
Overall, Canada plans to admit 380,000 permanent residents each year for 2026, 2027, and 2028, with a range of 350,000 to 420,000.
Canada’s Immigration Targets for 2026 to 2028
Breakdown for 2026:
- Economic Class: 239,800
- Family Sponsorship Programs: 84,000
- Refugees, Protected Persons, Humanitarian, and Other: 56,200
Breakdown for 2027 and 2028:
- Economic Class: 244,700 each year
- Family Reunification: 81,000 each year
- Humanitarian and Other: 54,300 each year
French-Speaking Admissions Outside Quebec:
- 2026: 9% (approx. 30,267 people)
- 2027: 9.5% (approx. 31,825 people)
- 2028: 10.5% (approx. 35,175 people)
Temporary Residents Projections:
- 2026: 385,000 in total (230,000 workers and 155,000 students)
- 2027: 370,000 in total (220,000 workers and 150,000 students)
- 2028: 370,000 in total (220,000 workers and 150,000 students)
Moreover, 33,000 people on work permits are expected to become permanent residents in 2026 and 2027. They are already part of Canadian communities, help the economy, and play a key role in the workforce.
Permanent Resident Admissions
| Year | Total Permanent Residents | Economic Class | Family Reunification | Refugees & Protected Persons | Humanitarian & Other | Francophone Outside Quebec* |
| 2026 | 380,000 (range 350,000 – 420,000) | 239,800 | 84,000 | 46,800 | 9,400 | 9% (≈ 34,200) |
| 2027 | 380,000 (range 350,000 – 420,000) | 244,700 | 81,000 | 45,800 | 8,500 | 9.5% (≈ 36,100) |
| 2028 | 380,000 (range 350,000 – 420,000) | 244,700 | 81,000 | 45,800 | 8,500 | 10.5% (≈ 39,900) |
Temporary Residents
| Year | Total | Workers | Students |
| 2026 | 385,000 | 230,000 | 155,000 |
| 2027 | 370,000 | 220,000 | 150,000 |
| 2028 | 370,000 | 220,000 | 150,000 |
Key Focus Areas of the Plan
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A Shift Toward Stabilization
Canada is changing its approach to immigration. Instead of growing the numbers every year, it will now keep them stable. By doing this, the country can follow the developing phase in a better way and can build more housing and infrastructure for everyone.
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Economic Priorities
The plan focuses on economic immigration. Skilled workers and professionals, especially in healthcare, technology, construction, and other needed areas, will have more opportunities to get permanent residence.
Main Economic Immigration Pathways:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Francophone Immigration Program
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Balanced Temporary Immigration
The plan aims to balance the arrival of new temporary residents with helping people who are already in Canada become permanent residents. This way, Canada can use skilled workers effectively and rely less on short-term visas.
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Francophone and Regional Diversity
Canada plans to slowly increase the number of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, from 9% in 2026 to 10.5% in 2028. This supports diversity and helps fill job shortages in smaller provinces and territories.
Implications of the Plan
- By this new plan, it is possible that the employers may experience less labour supply in certain industries if limits on temporary foreign workers are applied more strictly.
- Universities and colleges may have fewer international students, encouraging a focus on quality rather than the number of enrolments.
- Provinces and territories will need to plan housing, services, and infrastructure according to the more stable number of newcomers.
- Skilled workers, especially those nominated by a province or who speak French, will have good chances to get permanent residence.
Why This Plan Matters
Immigration is important for Canada’s future. As the population gets older and the number of workers decreases, the country needs newcomers to continue to flourish the economy and services. But fast growth has caused problems with housing and public services. By looking at these problems, the Canadian government announced its new plan to balance everything. It is not about lowering the number of immigrations, but about making sure immigration helps the economy while keeping life good for everyone.
What to Expect Next
- Gradual implementation of new targets across provinces and territories.
- Possible updates to the Express Entry system and regional programs to attract workers in priority sectors.
- Continued emphasis on transitioning temporary residents to permanent status.
- Increased focus on Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Conclusion
The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 focuses on steady and manageable growth. It keeps Canada open to newcomers while making sure housing, services, and community support can keep up. For skilled workers, students, and families, the message is clear that Canada welcomes new people but wants to make sure they can contribute and settle successfully over the long term. For professional immigration services, contact CWC immigration solutions.