Canada has shared its updated plan for immigration over the next three years, and it offers a clear message: newcomers continue to play a vital role in building the future of this country. At the same time, the government is working to make sure communities and services can support everyone who comes here to study, work, and build a home.
If you are hoping to come to Canada or already here and dreaming of permanent residency, here’s a simple breakdown of what the latest changes mean for you
How Many New Permanent Residents Will Canada Welcome?
Canada will continue welcoming a large number of new permanent residents:
| Year | Permanent Resident Admissions |
| 2025 | 395,000 |
| 2026 | 380,000 |
| 2027 | 365,000 |
Most newcomers will continue to be welcomed through economic immigration programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, caregiver pathways, and business immigration.
Reuniting families and continuing Canada’s humanitarian leadership also remain strong priorities.
Temporary Residents: A New Target
For the first time, Canada is also setting intake targets for temporary residents, including international students and temporary foreign workers.
| Year | Temporary Resident Intake Target |
| 2025 | 673,650 |
| 2026 | 516,600 |
| 2027 | 543,600 |
There is a growing focus on sustainability, ensuring enough housing, healthcare access, education resources, and good job opportunities for everyone. Because of this, Canada plans to gradually reduce the number of temporary residents to about 5% of the national population by the end of 2026.
You may have already noticed recent updates like:
- Stricter approval rules for study permits
- Program-specific eligibility for PGWPs
- Reduced spousal work permit eligibility depending on the study program
- Closer monitoring of employers hiring temporary workers
What Does This Mean for You?
Here’s how these changes could impact different groups:
International Students
- Stronger emphasis on high-quality, career-relevant programs
- Clearer pathways for graduates with skills in high-demand fields
- Financial readiness and ties to home country remain key, especially for first-time applicants
Temporary Foreign Workers
- Opportunities remain strong in jobs Canada truly needs
- Compliance and genuine labour shortages will be closely assessed
- Permanent pathways will increasingly reward Canadian experience and skill level
Applicants Already in Canada
- More PR spots are designated for students and workers who are already contributing to Canada’s economy and communities
- Be proactive in improving your CRS points, work experience, language scores, or employer support
Support for French-Speaking Applicants
Canadian communities outside Quebec deeply value Francophone newcomers.
Targets for French-speaking PR applicants outside Quebec will grow from:
| 2025 | 2026 | 2027 |
| 8.5% | 9.5% | 10% |
A wonderful opportunity for French-speaking candidates and bilingual families.
Canada’s Message: “We Still Want You Here”
Canada isn’t closing doors; it’s planning smartly for long-lasting success. The more prepared you are, the stronger your application and future pathway will be.
Every story is different. Every dream matters.
If you would like support in planning your pathway, whether it’s a study permit, work permit, or permanent residency, I would be honoured to guide you. Let’s build your future in Canada, together.