Canada has unveiled a strategic shift in its immigration policy, with the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan placing significant emphasis on granting permanent residence to temporary residents already living and contributing to the country. The new approach prioritizes international students, skilled workers, and other temporary residents who have established themselves in Canadian communities.
Key Targets and Economic Focus
Under the leadership of Immigration Minister Lena Diab, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will implement a policy that rewards those already settled in Canada. The plan sets specific targets: 109,000 permanent residents in 2026, followed by increases to 111,000 in both 2027 and 2028. This represents a slight decrease from the 124,680 target set for 2025.
Economic immigration forms the backbone of this strategy, with approximately 64% of all permanent residence spots in 2026 allocated to economic streams. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) emerges as a primary beneficiary, catering to candidates who already possess valuable Canadian work experience. These applicants are considered particularly well-positioned to integrate into the labour market seamlessly.
Enhanced Pathways Through Express Entry and PNPs
The Express Entry system continues to serve as a crucial pathway for high-skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Candidates with Canadian work experience can leverage the CEC stream, which constitutes a substantial portion of economic immigration admissions.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will see remarkable growth under the new plan. Admissions are projected to jump from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, with further increases anticipated in subsequent years. PNPs empower individual provinces to nominate temporary residents who are already working, studying, or residing within their jurisdictions, effectively retaining talent that contributes to local economies.
Fast-Track Initiatives and Beneficiary Groups
IRCC has introduced several one-time measures to accelerate permanent residence for specific groups. Between 2026 and 2027, up to 33,000 skilled foreign workers in high-demand sectors, particularly those serving rural areas, will receive fast-tracked processing.
Additionally, a separate humanitarian initiative will grant permanent residence to up to 115,000 Protected Persons already residing in Canada. This measure ensures Canada meets its humanitarian obligations while integrating these individuals into the workforce productively.
International students and temporary skilled workers stand to gain significantly from these policy changes. Those already living in Canada can utilize the enhanced pathways under Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs to transition smoothly from temporary status to permanent residence. The comprehensive plan reflects Canada's strategic approach to immigration management while simultaneously supporting labour market needs and community development.
