Whether you are a skilled worker, temporary resident, international student, or employer, understanding these immigration policies and their broader implications is essential.
Understanding the Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028
The Immigration Levels Plan is more than just a set of targets; it’s a roadmap for sustainable population growth, thriving labor markets, and stronger communities. From Express Entry to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), from Francophone program outside Quebec to humanitarian pathways, the plan is engineered to meet both current demands and future challenges.
Immigration Trends: Targets and Pathways
| Year | Permanent Residents | Temporary Residents | Economic Class (%) | Francophone Outside Quebec (%) | Temporary to PR Pathways | Protected Persons to PR | Temp Resident Pop. Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 380,000 | 385,000 | 64 | 9.0 | Up to 33,000 | – | – |
| 2027 | 380,000 | 370,000 | 64 | 9.5 | – | Up to 115,000 | Under 5% |
| 2028 | 380,000 | 370,000 | 64 | 10.5 | – | – | – |
The government’s intent is clear: optimize immigration for economic benefits, manage growth sustainably, and invest in integration capacity across Canada.
Visualizing Flows: Permanent vs Temporary Residents
The above chart displays annual intake numbers. Shifting dynamics between permanent residents (PRs) and temporary residents (TRs) reflect the country’s careful balancing act. While PR admissions stabilize at 380,000 annually, TR entries decline, mirroring prioritization of integration.
Who Is Immigrating? Breakdown by Category
| Immigration Class | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|
| Economic | 64 |
| Family | 22 |
| Protected Persons | 10 |
| Other | 4 |
Francophone Program Growth Outside Quebec
| Year | Francophone (%) |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9.0 |
| 2027 | 9.5 |
| 2028 | 10.5 |
Strategic Recommendations for Immigration Success
- Monitor official IRCC updates and consult professionals for eligibility changes.
- Strengthen Express Entry profiles (work experience, language scores, education).
- Investigate PNP streams and in-demand occupation lists in target provinces.
- If international student, select compliant institutions and consider alternate pathways for post-graduation work permits.
- Stay prepared for operational shifts or targeted pilot programs (Francophone streams, rural/Atlantic immigration).
Conclusion: Immigration in Canada – Outlook and Action
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 stands as both an opportunity and a challenge for candidates, employers, and communities. With immigration at the core of national development, the plan offers stability, strategic direction, and transparency—but demands greater competitiveness and readiness from applicants.
For best outcomes in this new era:
- Start preparation early
- Use integrated platforms and professional consultations
- Target growth sectors and regional programs for higher success rates.
At Eiffel Immigration, we help you analyze your profile, identify optimal pathways, and prepare documentation to maximize your chances in Canada’s competitive immigration landscape.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Eiffel Immigration for expert guidance on your pathway to Canada.
