The Government of Canada has released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, outlining a major shift toward long-term immigration and regional economic growth. The new plan emphasizes stability and sustainability by expanding permanent residency programs and scaling back temporary resident admissions such as work and study permits.
1. Provincial Nominee Program takes the spotlight
In 2026, Canada plans to welcome 91,500 new permanent residents through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), representing a 66 percent increase from the previous target. This significant boost gives skilled workers more opportunities to qualify for permanent residency through provincial pathways.
This expansion will particularly benefit candidates who are waiting in provincial Expression of Interest pools, individuals with lower CRS scores under Express Entry, and those employed in semi-skilled or lower TEER occupations. Entrepreneurs and investors exploring provincial business immigration streams may also find new openings as provinces receive higher allocations.
This is a clear reversal from the 2025 reduction in PNP targets, which had limited nomination opportunities across most provinces. With restored capacity, provinces are expected to broaden eligibility criteria and reopen suspended categories, offering more diverse immigration options.
2. Reduced reliance on temporary programs
While Canada increases its focus on permanent immigration, temporary resident admissions are being reduced sharply. This change supports the federal goal of lowering the temporary resident share to about 5 percent of the total population by 2027.
| Program | 2026 Target | 2025 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Workers (TFWP + IMP) | 230,000 | 367,750 |
| International Students | 155,000 | 305,900 |
| Total | 385,000 | 673,650 |
This move aims to balance population growth with housing, infrastructure, and labour market realities while maintaining pathways for genuine economic contributors.
3. Work permit pathways under the new plan
Canada issues work permits through two main programs: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP). The 2026–2028 plan changes the balance between these two systems.
| Program | LMIA Required | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Yes | Employer-driven recruitment for labour shortages |
| International Mobility Program (IMP) | No | Economic, cultural, and reciprocal purposes |
The TFWP target drops from 82,000 to 60,000, reflecting reduced access to LMIA-based hiring, especially in regions with unemployment rates above six percent. Employers depending on foreign labour may need to adjust recruitment strategies and explore provincial or LMIA-exempt alternatives.
Meanwhile, the IMP target rises from 128,700 to 170,000, covering categories such as Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP), Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP), Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP), and International Experience Canada (IEC). These changes allow the federal government to maintain oversight of work permit issuance while prioritizing cultural exchange and transition-to-PR opportunities.
4. Significant reductions to international student intake
The most notable decrease in the new plan concerns study permit holders. For 2026, the target is set at 155,000—almost half the previous plan’s goal.
Recent regulatory changes will continue to shape the international student landscape:
- Caps on the total number of study permits issued
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) restrictions for programs offered through curriculum licensing agreements
- New language proficiency and program-type requirements for PGWP eligibility
- Limited spousal open work permits to spouses of master’s, PhD, or select professional students
These measures are designed to ensure that international students entering Canada have stronger academic and economic integration prospects and that their transition to permanent residence is sustainable.
5. Stable permanent residence targets
Although temporary admissions are decreasing, Canada’s permanent residence targets remain stable at around 380,000 annually from 2026 to 2028.
| Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic (excluding Quebec) | 239,800 | 244,700 | 244,700 |
| Family Reunification | 84,000 | 81,000 | 81,000 |
| Refugee and Humanitarian | 56,200 | 54,300 | 54,300 |
| Total | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
The federal government continues to rely on economic immigration as the foundation of its immigration strategy. There is also a gradual increase in French-speaking immigration outside Quebec—from nine percent in 2026 to 10.5 percent by 2028.
6. What this means for applicants and employers
For newcomers, the new plan highlights the importance of planning for permanent residence rather than relying solely on temporary programs. Prospective immigrants should explore pathways through the Provincial Nominee Program or Express Entry as early as possible.
Employers who depend on LMIA-based hiring may face tighter conditions and should consider alternative options, such as international mobility categories or PNP-supported hiring, to meet labour needs.
The long-term trend suggests that Canada is prioritizing permanent settlement, economic contribution, and regional balance over temporary entry.
7. Key takeaways for 2026–2028
| Area | Direction | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Provincial Nominee Program | Expanded by 66% | More nomination opportunities |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | Reduced | Limited LMIA approvals |
| International Mobility Program | Increased | More open and LMIA-exempt permits |
| International Students | Nearly halved | Stricter study permit and PGWP rules |
| Permanent Residence | Stable | Continued focus on economic streams |
8. Final thoughts
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan reflects a thoughtful recalibration of the immigration system. It aims to maintain economic momentum while ensuring that growth remains sustainable and regionally balanced.
At Alexander Immigration Services, we continue to monitor federal and provincial updates closely. Whether you are planning to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program, an Express Entry profile, or transitioning from a work or study permit, we can guide you toward the most effective and compliant pathway to Canadian permanent residence.
Book a consultation with us at www.alexanderimmigration.ca using the “Book an appointment” tool for all your immigration related questions.