Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029: New Targets Explained

On 5^th November 2026, IRCC released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2027 to 2029. Canada will welcome 380,000 permanent residents and approximately 370,000 temporary workers and students annually over the next three years.

If you are planning to apply for PR, sponsor a family member, or study or work in Canada, this article will guide you to understand the latest immigration updates, requirements, and available pathways.

What Is the Immigration Levels Plan?

Every year, the Canadian government announces a 3-year immigration plan showing how many permanent and temporary residents it plans to welcome. IRCC uses these targets to manage applications, issue Express Entry invitations and allocate nomination spots to provinces.

The plan shows how many people will Canada allow to enter, but your eligibility determines whether you qualify for immigration or not.

Permanent Resident Targets

Immigration Class	2027	2028	2029
Economic	244,700	244,700	244,700
Family	81,000	81,000	81,000
Refugees and Protected Persons	49,300	49,300	49,300
Humanitarian, Compassionate and Other	5,000	5,000	5,000
Total	380,000	380,000	380,000

Economic Immigration

Almost two-thirds of Canada’s immigrants are accepted through economic programs. The main pathways are Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Economic Program	2027	2028	2029
Federal High Skilled (Express Entry)	100,000	100,000	100,000
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	95,000	95,000	95,000
Economic Pilots (Home Care Workers, Agri-Food, EMPP, Francophone programs)	7,900	6,175	7,400
Atlantic Immigration Program	6,000	6,000	6,000
Rural Community Immigration Program	5,500	6,000	6,500
Federal Business (Start-Up Visa, Self-Employed)	1,500	2,725	1,000
Quebec Skilled Workers and Business	Set by Quebec	Set by Quebec	Set by Quebec

Express Entry: With 100,000 spots available each year, competition will remain high. Express Entry draws will likely continue to favour people with in-demand skills, French language ability and Canadian work experience.

PNP: At 95,000 spaces, provincial nomination remains almost as important as Express Entry. For candidates with modest CRS scores, a nomination from BC, Ontario, Saskatchewan or another province is often the most realistic route to PR.

Rural immigration: The Rural Community Immigration Program grows each year, from 5,500 to 6,500. If you are open to living outside major cities, this is one of the few streams with rising targets.

Family Sponsorship

Family Program	2027	2028	2029
Spouses, Partners and Children	66,000	66,000	66,000
Parents and Grandparents	15,000	15,000	15,000
Total	81,000	81,000	81,000

Spousal and dependent child sponsorship remains the larger share. Parent and grandparent spaces stay limited, so the Super Visa continues to be a practical option for families who want to reunite sooner.

Refugees and Humanitarian Admissions

Canada plans to accept 49,300 refugees and protected persons each year. This includes 20,000 protected persons and their family members, 11,750 government-assisted refugees and 17,550 privately sponsored refugees. An additional 5,000 places are reserved for people facing special or difficult situations on humanitarian grounds.

More Opportunities for French Speakers

Canada is planning to welcome more French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec each year:

• 2027: 9.5% (31,825 people)
• 2028: 10.5% (35,175 people)
• 2029: 12% (40,200 people)

These numbers are already included in Canada’s total immigration targets, not additional places. If you know French, even at an intermediate level, it can improve your chances of qualifying for immigration through Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Temporary Residents: Students and Workers

Temporary Resident Program	2027	2028	2029
International Mobility Program (IMP)	170,000	170,000	170,000
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)	50,000	50,000	50,000
Students	150,000	150,000	150,000
Total	370,000	370,000	370,000

These targets cover new arrivals only. Extensions, PGWPs, in-Canada permit applications, visitors and asylum claimants aren’t counted. This means Canada wants to reduce the number of new temporary residents and help more people already living in the country become permanent residents.

Why Canada Needs Immigrants?

As we all know the Canadian population is not enough to fulfil the demand for workers. So, Canada needs immigrants to keep its economy growing and meet the demand for workers. The country has an ageing population and a low birth rate, which means more people are retiring and fewer young people are entering the workforce. This is why Canada effectively needs foreign workers to release the pressure on the economy and public services like healthcare and education. It also helps the country manage the challenges of an ageing population and maintain its standard of living.

What This Means for You?

International students: New study permits remain capped at 150,000 a year, so admission to Canada will stay competitive. Graduates already here should plan their PGWP-to-PR pathway early.

Applicants outside Canada: Spaces exist, but competition is strong. A strong CRS score, French ability, a job offer or a provincial nomination will make the difference.

Families: Spousal sponsorship stays steady. For parents and grandparents, spaces remain limited, so a Super Visa may be the faster option.

Employers: The TFWP target of 50,000 a year means LMIA-based hiring will stay tight. Plan ahead and look at PR pathways for workers you want to keep.

Not Sure Where You Fit? Talk to CWC Immigration

The immigration plan clearly shows the available options, but you need to understand your situation first and then consider the program. Our CICC-licensed consultants in Surrey and Brampton help clients with Express Entry, PNP, family sponsorship, work permits and study permits. So, don’t apply blindly, contact us for professional help.