Canada has unveiled its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026-2028, outlining clear targets for both permanent and temporary resident admissions. The three-year plan confirms a sustained commitment to welcoming newcomers but signals a significant strategic shift, prioritizing economic immigration while substantially reducing the number of temporary residents.
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Permanent Immigration Targets: Stability with a Focus on Economics
The overall target for permanent residents will remain stable at approximately 1 million over the three-year period, with minor annual adjustments. The annual target is set at 380,000, a slight decrease from the previous goal of 395,000.
The most notable change within the permanent resident stream is the increased allocation for economic immigrants. This category, which includes individuals selected through regular draws for their skills and ability to contribute to the economy, will see its share rise from 59% to 64% of the total.
Here is the detailed breakdown of permanent resident admissions:
- 2026 Target: 380,000
- Economic Immigration: 243,980
- Family Reunification: 84,000
- Refugees and Humanitarian: 56,200
- 2027 Target: 380,000
- Economic Immigration: 244,700
- Family Reunification: 81,000
- Refugees and Humanitarian: 54,300
- 2028 Target: 380,000
- Economic Immigration: 244,700
- Family Reunification: 81,000
- Refugees and Humanitarian: 54,300
The targets for family reunification and humanitarian streams have seen a slight reduction but remain consistent with adjusted levels from past years.
A Major Reduction in Temporary Residents
The most dramatic aspect of the new plan is the planned reduction in temporary residents, which includes international students and temporary foreign workers. After a record high in previous years, the government aims to bring the temporary resident population down from nearly 7% of the population to below 5%.
The targets for temporary resident admissions reflect this new direction:
- 2026: 385,000 (a nearly 50% reduction from 2025)
- 2027: 370,000
- 2028: 370,000
This overall reduction is broken down further:
- Temporary Workers:
- 2026: 230,000
- 2027: 220,000
- 2028: 220,000
- International Students:
- 2026: 155,000 (a drastic cut from 360,000)
- 2027: 150,000
- 2028: 150,000
This represents a major policy shift and will likely have a significant impact on educational institutions and sectors reliant on temporary foreign labor.
Key Initiatives and the Overall Strategy
To mitigate the impact of these reductions and support integration, the plan includes two key initiatives:
- One-Time Pathway to Permanent Residency: In 2026 and 2027, a special measure will provide 33,000 work permit holders already in Canada a direct opportunity to obtain permanent residency.
- Attracting Top Talent: A new Multi-Recruitment Initiative aims to attract 1,000 international researchers in engineering, natural sciences, amenities, and health with an investment of $1 billion.
Conclusion: A Clear Change in Direction
Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan sends a clear message. The government is rebalancing its system to favor highly-skilled economic immigrants and Francophone speakers while actively working to decrease the number of temporary residents. The goal is to create a more sustainable and balanced immigration system that directly supports long-term economic growth.
This strategic pivot underscores Canada’s intent to be more selective, prioritizing individuals who are poised to make an immediate and lasting contribution to the country’s prosperity.
