Canada is preparing for another major announcement that will shape its immigration landscape for years to come. The Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, expected to be released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on or before November 1, 2025, will set out how many newcomers, both permanent and temporary, will be welcomed into the country over the next three years.
While the final figures are not yet public, several policy directions, past targets, and government commitments give a clear sense of where things may be headed. The new plan is expected to reflect Canada’s growing emphasis on balance, maintaining immigration as a driver of growth while easing the pressure on housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Also Read 2026-2028 immigration levels plan
From Rapid Expansion to Strategic Growth
Over the past decade, Canada’s immigration policies have often focused on expansion, with record-breaking numbers of permanent residents admitted annually. However, that approach appears to be shifting toward a more measured strategy.
The government has already indicated that its long-term goal is to stabilize permanent resident admissions at below 1% of Canada’s total population per year. With the national population projected at around 41.6 million in mid-2025, that translates to a ceiling of roughly 416,000 permanent residents in 2027.
This would mark a continuation of the moderation trend seen in the 2025–2027 plan, which set progressively lower targets- 395,000 for 2025, 380,000 for 2026, and 365,000 for 2027- after scaling back from the earlier 500,000-per-year target proposed in 2023.
By adopting this stabilizing approach, Canada aims to sustain immigration’s economic and demographic benefits while ensuring that housing markets and public services can catch up with the rapid population growth of recent years.
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A New Chapter for Temporary Residents
For the first time, IRCC is expected to fully integrate temporary resident admissions, such as international students and foreign workers, into the formal immigration planning framework. This follows last year’s inclusion of temporary categories in the national plan, a move that signaled a more holistic approach to managing population inflows.
The government has set an ambitious goal: to reduce the non-permanent resident population to under 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027. This suggests stricter oversight of temporary programs and potentially tighter limits on new study permits and work authorizations.
In the 2025–2027 plan, temporary residents accounted for hundreds of thousands of entries annually. International students made up nearly half of these, with 305,900 arrivals targeted each year through 2027. The remainder consisted of temporary foreign workers and participants in mobility programs.
Looking forward, Canada’s 2026–2028 plan is expected to prioritize transitions- from temporary status to permanent residence- over simply increasing the number of newcomers arriving on short-term permits.
Provincial Programs Poised for Adjustments
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) remains central to Canada’s regional immigration strategy. Through this system, provinces and territories can nominate skilled workers who meet their local labor needs.
However, last year’s immigration plan slashed federal targets for the PNP by half, down to 55,000 per year from over 110,000 previously. The reduction drew pushback from several provinces, prompting discussions with IRCC about restoring higher nomination allocations.
Given these ongoing negotiations and growing regional labor shortages, experts expect the upcoming plan to feature modest increases in provincial allocations, particularly for smaller provinces that rely heavily on immigration to sustain economic growth.
Spotlight on French-Speaking Immigrants
Another major focus for 2026–2028 will likely be Francophone immigration outside Quebec. The federal government has repeatedly reaffirmed its goal of increasing the share of French-speaking immigrants settling in other provinces, aiming for 12% by 2029.
To support this, Ottawa is expected to expand category-based Express Entry draws that favor French proficiency, continue targeted recruitment through programs like the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot, and fund additional settlement services in French.
Such measures are designed not only to preserve Canada’s bilingual identity but also to encourage population growth in smaller, often rural, communities where French-speaking immigrants can play a key role in revitalization.
Express Entry to Become More Specialized
The Express Entry system- Canada’s primary pathway for skilled immigrants- will continue evolving. Recent changes replaced the older “Federal High Skilled” category with two new ones: Federal Economic Priorities and In-Canada Focus.
These categories reflect a more nuanced approach:
- Federal Economic Priorities targets candidates with experience in high-demand occupations such as healthcare, technology, and trades.
- In-Canada Focus gives preference to individuals already working or studying in Canada, making it easier for them to transition to permanent residency.
Future updates may include even more granular occupational streams and additional points for French-language ability or work in regional areas, aligning immigration policy closely with national and provincial labor needs.
What to Expect in the Numbers
While the final targets will only be known once the plan is released, immigration analysts predict:
- Permanent resident levels will remain stable around 380,000–410,000 annually.
- Temporary resident admissions will likely fall as Canada enforces caps and reforms programs to encourage long-term settlement.
- PNP nominations could rise slightly, with more flexibility for provinces.
- Francophone immigration targets will gradually climb toward the 12% goal.
What It Means for Future Immigrants
For those hoping to move to Canada, the 2026–2028 plan will likely bring both challenges and opportunities:
- More competition for limited PR spots, particularly for candidates applying from outside Canada.
- Greater advantage for those with Canadian work or study experience.
- Opportunities for bilingual applicants, especially French-speaking professionals.
- A clearer pathway from temporary to permanent status, though with stricter entry criteria.
Employers, meanwhile, can expect a more streamlined but selective system that prioritizes local hires and long-term settlement over short-term labor fixes.
Conclusion
The upcoming Immigration Levels Plan will do more than set admission targets- it will define Canada’s broader immigration philosophy for the rest of the decade. Policymakers appear committed to transitioning from a rapid-growth model to one that emphasizes sustainability, integration, and strategic outcomes.
If the 2026–2028 plan achieves this balance, it could mark a turning point for Canada, where immigration continues to drive prosperity, but in a way that strengthens communities, supports housing capacity, and sustains public confidence in one of the world’s most open immigration systems.
