The Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 brings major updates to how Canada will shape its immigration system over the next few years. Announced through Budget 2025, the immigration level plan 2026-2028 introduces new measures to transition temporary residents to Permanent Residency (PR), adjusts temporary resident targets, and signals a more balanced, sustainable approach to population growth and labour market needs.
This comprehensive Immigration level plan 2026-2028 demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to welcoming immigrants—while carefully managing the number of newcomers to align with housing, infrastructure, and economic priorities.
A New PR Pathway for Work Permit Holders under Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028
One of the most notable highlights from Budget 2025 is the introduction of a new one-time pathway to Permanent Residency for up to 33,000 work permit holders between 2026 and 2027.
This initiative aims to recognize temporary foreign workers who have already contributed to the Canadian economy by paying taxes, filling critical labour shortages, and establishing strong community ties. These individuals will now have an opportunity to transition more seamlessly to permanent status—building on the success of past programs like the 2021 TR to PR Pathway.
💰 The government has allocated $19.4 million over four years (starting in 2026–27) to support this transition, ensuring smoother processing and integration.
While specific eligibility details are yet to be released, it’s expected that more information will be shared when Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab tables the 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.
This development signals Canada’s growing focus on in-Canada transitions—prioritizing those who are already living and working here over new arrivals from abroad.
Reduced Temporary Resident Admissions: A Strategic Shift: Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028
Budget 2025 also proposes significant changes to temporary resident targets—reflecting a broader government goal to maintain manageable population growth while supporting essential sectors.
For 2026, the Immigration Levels Plan proposes the following targets:
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Temporary resident admissions: 385,000, down 43% from 673,650 in 2025
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International student admissions: 155,000, down 49% from 305,900 in 2025
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Temporary foreign workers: 230,000, down 37% from 367,750 in 2025, but up 8% compared to last year’s planned 2026 target of 210,700
This marks a substantial reduction—but it doesn’t necessarily mean that fewer people will arrive in practice. Many 2025 temporary admission targets were already underfilled, with actual numbers lagging behind expectations.
For instance, between January and August 2025, Canada admitted only 154,515 temporary foreign workers (42%) and 89,430 international students (29%) of their respective annual targets.
This suggests that while the government is officially lowering targets, real-world outcomes may align more closely with actual intake trends.
Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) under Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028
The upcoming Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 also ties into planned reforms for Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Prime Minister Mark Carney has emphasized the need for a more targeted and strategic approach—one that focuses on specific industries, critical skills, and regional needs, particularly in rural and remote communities.
During an address to the Liberal caucus in Edmonton (September 2025), Carney highlighted the importance of ensuring that temporary work programs directly address labour shortages in key economic sectors rather than serving as a broad entry route into the labour market.
While Budget 2025 does not break down the new targets between the TFWP and the International Mobility Program (IMP), past data shows that the IMP accounts for the majority of Canada’s work permits.
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In 2025, targets included 285,750 under the IMP and 82,000 under the TFWP.
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Last year’s plan projected 128,700 IMP and 82,000 TFWP admissions for 2026.
With the new combined 2026 target of 230,000, both programs are expected to see adjustments to meet economic and regional priorities.
Permanent Residency Admissions: Stability with Strategic Growth
While temporary resident targets are being reduced, Canada’s Permanent Residency admissions remain stable under Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028.
For 2026, the PR target is set at 380,000, consistent with last year’s plan. This decision underscores Canada’s goal to maintain a steady flow of permanent residents who can contribute to long-term growth and integration.
Here’s how the 2026 targets break down:
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Economic immigration: 239,800 (up from 229,750)
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Family reunification: 84,000 (down from 88,000)
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Refugee and humanitarian categories: 56,200 (down from 62,250)
Importantly, economic immigration will make up 64% of total PR admissions, compared to 59% in the previous plan. This marks a clear shift toward skilled workers, in-Canada applicants, and French-speaking immigrants—especially those outside Quebec.
By prioritizing economic pathways, the government aims to ensure newcomers are well-positioned for success in Canada’s labour market.
Permanent Residency for Protected Persons under Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028
In addition to the worker-focused PR program, the Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 also includes a one-time initiative to grant Permanent Residency to eligible Protected Persons already in Canada.
This policy recognizes individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries, offering them security and stability. The government has allocated $120.4 million over four years (beginning in 2026–27) to cover processing through IRCC and CBSA, helping reduce the current backlog and accelerate integration.
Economic and Regional Focus in Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028
A standout feature of the Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 is its emphasis on economic priorities and regional needs.
The plan explicitly notes that admissions will “consider industries and sectors impacted by tariffs and address the unique needs of rural and remote communities.”
This aligns with the federal government’s ongoing push to distribute immigration more evenly across Canada, ensuring that smaller provinces and regions benefit from population and workforce growth.
Why the Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 Matters
The Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 serves as a roadmap for the next phase of Canada’s immigration strategy. It aims to:
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Balance economic growth with population sustainability
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Prioritize in-Canada transitions from temporary to permanent status
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Maintain steady PR admissions while reducing short-term temporary entries
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Focus on labour market alignment and regional development
These adjustments reflect a more measured, long-term vision for Canada’s immigration future—one that responds to public concerns about housing, infrastructure, and affordability, without compromising the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for skilled newcomers.
What Happens Next
While Budget 2025 provides the framework, more detailed information will become available when Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab presents the 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.
That report will clarify eligibility rules, timelines, and implementation details for the new PR pathway and other upcoming initiatives.
For now, it’s clear that the Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 signals a new chapter — one focused on sustainability, economic opportunity, and rewarding those already contributing to Canada’s success.
Final Thoughts on Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028
Canada continues to fine-tune its immigration strategy to ensure it remains both inclusive and practical. The Immigration Level Plan 2026–2028 emphasizes long-term growth, labour market alignment, and fair opportunities for those already part of Canadian communities.
If you’re a temporary worker, international student, or professional hoping to make Canada your permanent home, now is the time to stay informed and prepare your profile for upcoming programs.
For expert guidance on Canada’s evolving immigration landscape, connect with Eiffel Immigration — your trusted partner in navigating every step toward Permanent Residency.
