What to Expect from Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028

If you’re planning to move to Canada, work there, study there or aim for permanent residence, the newly released Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028 is one of the most significant documents you’ll want to understand. It doesn’t just set numbers — it signals how the country views immigration for the next few years, which pathways are likely to open, which will tighten, and what you as an individual applicant need to focus on.

In simple terms: the game is changing.

Knowing the rules ahead of time gives you a clear advantage. Let’s dive in and unpack what it means — especially if you’re a skilled worker, an international student, or someone hoping to make Canada your home for good.

What the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028 Means for Skilled Workers & International Students

Skilled Workers

For a skilled worker eyeing Canada, the message is: your skills matter more than ever. The plan stabilises near-term permanent resident targets but puts stronger emphasis on economic immigration — meaning those with sought-after skills, work experience, and integration potential will be prioritised.

For example, the economic immigration category is set to make up about 64% of all permanent resident admissions by 2027-28.

Your strategy: if you’re applying via a skilled worker route (like under the Express Entry system or a provincial nominee stream), focus on building relevant work experience, in-Canada ties if possible, and staying aligned with sectors of demand.

International Students

If you’re pursuing a study permit in Canada , here’s where things shift. The plan sets more modest targets for new student intakes and emphasises bridging to work and then PR rather than large influxes of new students alone.

For instance: the target for new international student arrivals is set at about 155,000 in 2026, down from higher volumes previously.

What this means for you: Studying in Canada remains a valid path — but you’ll need to treat it as a stepping stone to work and then to permanent residence.

Choosing programs aligned with labour-market needs, working during/after your studies, and positioning yourself for a PGWP → PR route will be more important than ever.

Breaking Down Canada’s Immigration Targets: 2026 to 2028 in Focus

Here are the key numbers you should know:

Temporary Residents (Students & Workers)

• Target for new temporary resident arrivals: ~385,000 in 2026 (range ~375,000–395,000) and ~370,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
• Within that:

• Temporary workers: ~230,000 in 2026; ~220,000 in 2027/28.
• International students: ~155,000 in 2026; ~150,000 in 2027/28.

Permanent Residents (PR)

• The target for new PRs is ~380,000 annually for 2026-2028.
• Of that number:

• Economic category (skilled workers, PNPs etc) will make up ~64% by 2027-28.
• Francophone outside Québec target: ~9% in 2026, ~9.5% in 2027, ~10.5% in 2028.
• Family category (~21-22%) and Refugee/Protected Persons (~13%) will remain stable.

Why these numbers matter

• The drop in temporary places and steady PR intake shows Canada is shifting from “volume” to “stability and quality”.
• If you’re entering Canada as a temporary student or worker and planning for PR, this plan rewards those who stay, work, integrate, rather than treat it as a one-off stay.
• Skilled worker targets matter: if you’re planning now, you’ll want to align with the sectors and routes that are likely to be open under the economic category.

How the 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan Impacts Express Entry, PNPs & Study-to-PR Pathways

Express Entry & Federal Skilled Worker Streams

Under the economic immigration category, the federal skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs under Express Entry remain pivotal. The plan confirms that admissions via these routes are a key part of the overall target. For example: the supplementary info mentions that the federal high-skilled category (including FSWP, CEC) is included in the economic immigration bucket.

Now, here’s the thing: because there are fewer new temporary entries, and the focus is on people already in Canada or with strong skills, competition may become tougher. Having Canadian work experience, strong language scores and a targeted occupation will work in your favour.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) & Regional Pathways

A major shift: more emphasis will be placed on PNPs and regional routes. For instance, the plan mentions increases in admissions under provincial nominee programs .

If you’re considering moving via a specific province, this is good news. Often PNPs allow applicants already working/studying in-Canada to transition to PR more quickly. Make sure you investigate streams aligned with your occupation and region.

Study-to-PR & Temporary to Permanent

One of the biggest take-aways: the plan emphasises transitioning temporary residents (students, workers) to permanent residence. For instance:

• A one-time initiative to accelerate PR for up to 33,000 temporary workers already in Canada during 2026 and 2027.
• Emphasis on leveraging study permits and work permits as stepping stones rather than just entry permits.

For international students: make sure your study plan leads to a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) , then work experience, then PR application. Treat your time in Canada as building credibility and roots.

From Temporary to Permanent: Canada’s Shift in Immigration Strategy for 2026-2028

Let’s be real: if you were planning to come to Canada temporarily (study, work) without real plans to stay, this plan signals you’ll need to consider your long-term roadmap. Canada is shifting its strategy.

Key strategic changes

• The plan states that temporary and permanent residents’ targets are “developed in tandem, with a focus on transitioning to permanent residence those who are already in Canada with needed skills and experience”.
• Temporary resident population target: the government wants the temporary resident share to fall to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by end of 2027.
• This demonstrates a clear pivot: reduce large new temporary inflows + convert more of existing population into stable residents.

What that means for applicants

• Your Canadian experience counts: years of work, ties, community involvement will matter more than ever.
• If you enter as a student or worker, you’re better off if you have a pathway in mind to PR from the start.
• Don’t assume being a temporary resident automatically leads to PR — you must plan, align with labour shortage sectors, and pick the right route.

Top Sectors, Regions & Pathways: Navigating Canada’s 2026-28 Immigration Roadmap

Sectors & Labour-Market Priorities

Canada’s plan emphasises economic immigration to fill “critical labour gaps in high-demand occupations that complement the domestic workforce”.

Some of the targeted sectors include:

• Emerging technologies and innovation
• Health care and allied professions
• Skilled trades and manufacturing
• Regional/rural labour markets

If you’re a professional in one of these sectors, you may be in a stronger position. Align your skill set, certification, and Canadian experience (if possible) to one of these areas.

Regions & Francophone Focus

• The Francophone immigration target outside Québec will increase to 10.5% by 2028.
• That means if you speak French (or are willing to live in Francophone-minority communities), you could have an edge.
• Also, regional settlement (outside major metros) is being highlighted — provinces and territories will play more of a role via PNPs and regional programs.

Key pathways to watch

• Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class)
• Provincial Nominee Streams (especially those for temporary residents already in-Canada)
• Study route → PGWP → work experience → PR
• Francophone or bilingual pathways in minority communities
• Regional/rural immigration programs

What International Graduates and Temporary Workers Need to Know About Canada’s Immigration Plan 2026-2028

If you’re in Canada (or planning to go) as an international student or temporary worker, here are the things you need to keep front of mind:

For international students:

• The student intake target is lower (155,000 in 2026) compared to previous years.
• Study permits remain a viable route, but your path should be: study → PGWP → Canadian work experience → PR.
• Choose study programs aligned with labour-market needs (tech, healthcare, skilled trades), as that will strengthen your future PR application.

For temporary workers:

• The sector of your work, years of Canadian experience, and ability to integrate into Canadian life matter more than sheer occupation alone.
• The plan includes a one-time transition for up to 33,000 temporary workers already in Canada to PR (2026-27) which signals weight being given to those already contributing.
• Make sure your employer is reputable, your job is in a demand area, and you are building long-term settlement prospects.

Bottom line for both groups: treat your time in Canada as a launch pad for settlement — not just a temporary stay.

Canada’s Labour-Market Priorities in the 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan – A Guide for Applicants

Here are the labour-market signals you should interpret and act on:

What Canada is looking for

• Skills and experience that fill actual labour-market gaps. Generic occupations may struggle.
• Canadian work experience is increasingly important — both for integration and for being a strong applicant.
• Regional or Francophone settlement is giving additional leverage (regions, bilingual ability).
• Permanent resident intent — you’ll be evaluated not just on “can you enter Canada” but “can you settle and contribute”.

What you should do

1. Choose an occupation in demand: research labour shortages in your target province or region.
2. Gain Canadian experience if possible — either through job, co-op, internships or study-to-work transitions.
3. Consider region and community: big cities are still competitive; smaller regions may have less competition and more support.
4. Build bilingual or Francophone skills: if you’re open to it, this gives you an edge.
5. Plan your settlement: understand housing, cost of living, regional opportunities — immigration is not just entry but long-term living.
6. Stay aware of policy changes: with fewer temporary spots and changing priorities, timing your move matters.

Canada Immigration 2026-2028: Key Changes, Opportunities & Strategy for PR Seekers

Key Changes

• Stable PR target of ~380,000 per year for 2026-28.
• Temporary resident new arrivals (students + workers) significantly reduced: e.g., 385,000 in 2026 compared to higher pre-planning levels.
• Economic category becomes larger share of PR admissions (~64%) emphasising skilled worker targets.
• Francophone and regional settlement strategies strengthened.
• Temporary-to-permanent transitions emphasised (e.g., 33,000 workers, 115,000 protected persons) – these are one-time or limited initiatives.

Opportunities

• If you're already in Canada, you’re in a better position than someone planning to land fresh from abroad with no Canadian ties.
• If you’re in a high-demand occupation, or open to a regional/Francophone community, you may have less competition and better chances.
• If your study plan is aligned with the labour-market and leads to work experience, you’re positioning smartly.
• If you plan for PR early (while you’re studying or working), you give yourself time to build the profile the system is now favouring.

Strategy for PR seekers

• Start by evaluating your credentials: do your skills/occupation align with Canadian demand?
• Plan your pathway: Are you going via student → PGWP → work → PR? Or via federal skilled worker or PNP? Pick the right route for your situation.
• Build Canadian work experience: job, volunteering, networking in Canada will help your profile.
• Choose your region wisely: Some provinces have faster PNP processes or need specific occupations.
• Language matters: Good scores in English (and French, if you have them) strengthen your case.
• Readiness to settle: Demonstrate in your application that you’re ready for life in Canada (housing, job market, community).
• Stay updated: Policies will evolve — staying informed about changes to PGWP, study permit rules, Express Entry draws etc is critical.

Conclusion

The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028 is more than just a set of numbers — it’s a roadmap. If you’re considering Canada as your future home, this plan tells you what the Canadian government values: skills, experience, contribution, integration, and settlement. Less emphasis on large temporary inflows, more emphasis on converting talent already here into permanent residents.

So what should you focus on right now?

Align your skills with demand. Build Canadian experience. Choose a pathway and region that match your profile. Make your study or work move a smart step towards long-term settlement — not just a short-term stop-over.