Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028: Key Changes to PR and Temporary Resident Targets

Canada has released its Supplementary Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, and it brings several important updates for people hoping to immigrate, study, or work in Canada. Whether you are planning to apply for permanent residence (PR), considering a study permit, or already living in Canada as a temporary resident, these changes may affect your pathway.

In this blog, we'll break down the most important updates in simple language so you can understand what's changing and how it may impact your immigration plans.

1. Canada's Permanent Resident Targets: Stability and Predictability

One of the biggest takeaways from the 2026–2028 plan is that Canada is keeping its permanent resident admissions stable. The government plans to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents each year during this period. This stability is meant to help provinces, employers, and newcomers plan better for the future.

👉 You can read the official announcement at Canada.ca.

Breakdown of PR Admissions

The plan continues to focus on three main immigration categories:

• Economic Class – including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Family Class – such as Spousal Sponsorship and Parents & Grandparents Program
• Humanitarian and Refugee Class – including protected persons and resettled refugees

The Economic Class remains the largest category, reflecting Canada's long-term goal of attracting skilled workers who can support the labour market.

What This Means for Applicants

Stable PR targets mean:

• More predictable processing
• Better planning for applicants and employers
• Continued opportunities for skilled workers, especially those already in Canada

If you're preparing for Express Entry, PNP, or family sponsorship, this stability is good news. It suggests that Canada is committed to maintaining strong pathways for permanent immigration.

2. Canada Plans to Reduce Temporary Residents Below 5% by 2027

One of the most significant changes in the new plan is Canada's goal to reduce the share of temporary residents to below 5% of the total population by 2027. This is a major shift and will affect several groups, including international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors who hope to transition to work or study permits.

👉 You can read more at Canada.ca.

Why Is Canada Reducing Temporary Resident Numbers?

The government has stated several reasons:

• Housing pressures in major cities
• Labour market adjustments after the pandemic
• System sustainability and reducing reliance on temporary labour

This means Canada wants to balance the number of temporary residents with available resources and long-term economic needs.

Programs Affected

The reduction will impact:

• International students (study permit approvals may be capped or limited)
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) pathways
• Visitors seeking to change status inside Canada

What This Means for Newcomers and Employers

For newcomers:

• Study permit approvals may become more competitive
• Work permit options may be more limited
• Stronger documentation and financial proof will be essential

For employers:

• LMIA approvals may face stricter rules
• Caps on low-wage positions may tighten
• More focus on hiring permanent residents or citizens

This shift signals that Canada wants to reduce temporary flows while strengthening pathways for those who can transition to PR.

3. Economic Immigration Priorities: Express Entry and PNP Take Centre Stage

Canada continues to prioritize economic immigration, especially through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs will play a major role in meeting PR targets from 2026 to 2028.

👉 You can read more at Canada.ca.

Focus on In-Demand Skills

Canada will continue using category-based Express Entry draws, targeting applicants with:

• Healthcare experience
• STEM occupations
• Skilled trades
• Transport and agriculture roles
• Strong French-language skills

The PNP will also expand, giving provinces more control to select candidates who meet local labour needs.

Transitioning Workers Already in Canada

To reduce reliance on temporary residents, Canada plans to transition more workers already in the country to permanent residence. This includes:

• PGWP holders
• LMIA-based workers
• International graduates with Canadian experience

What This Means for Applicants

If you are already working or studying in Canada, this is a positive development. It means:

• More opportunities to qualify for PR
• Higher chances through PNP streams
• Continued demand for skilled workers

For those outside Canada, it remains important to build strong profiles, improve CRS scores, and align with provincial needs.

4. International Students: New Arrival Targets and Stricter Controls

International students have been a major part of Canada's immigration system, but the new plan introduces stricter controls and possible caps on new study permit approvals.

👉 You can read more at Canada.ca.

Caps on International Student Intake

Canada aims to manage the number of new international students to ensure:

• Better housing availability
• Higher program quality
• Stronger support for genuine students

This means study permit approvals may be limited based on province, institution, or program type.

Focus on Genuine Students

IRCC will continue strengthening requirements such as:

• Proof of financial capacity
• Acceptance from designated learning institutions (DLIs)
• Clear study plans
• Strong ties to home country

What This Means for Students

Students will need to:

• Prepare stronger applications
• Choose programs with clear career pathways
• Ensure financial documents meet updated requirements

Those hoping to transition to PR should also consider programs that align with in-demand occupations.

5. Humanitarian and Francophone Immigration: Continued Growth

Canada remains committed to supporting humanitarian immigration and increasing Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

👉 You can read more at Canada.ca.

Protected Persons and Refugees

Canada plans to transition more protected persons to permanent residence, helping individuals who are already in the country and need long-term stability.

Francophone Immigration Targets

Canada aims to increase the share of French-speaking newcomers to 10.5% by 2028. This supports:

• Economic growth in Francophone communities
• Cultural diversity
• Labour market needs in bilingual regions

What This Means for Applicants

French-speaking applicants may benefit from:

• Priority processing
• Additional points in Express Entry
• Dedicated PNP streams

Conclusion: What Should You Do Next?

The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 brings important changes that will affect many people—students, workers, families, and employers. While PR targets remain stable, temporary resident numbers will decrease, and pathways will become more competitive.

If you're planning to apply for PR, a work permit, or a study permit, it's important to understand how these changes affect your situation.

Need Help with Your Immigration Plans?

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), I help clients navigate:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Programs
• Study permits
• Work permits and LMIA
• Restoration of status
• Family sponsorship

Contact New Moon Immigration today for personalized support and expert guidance.

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