Canada’s Immigration levels plan: What to Expect from the 2026–2028 Plan

Canada is preparing to unveil its next three-year immigration levels plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2028. This announcement, expected by November 2025, is highly anticipated by immigrants, policymakers, and employers alike. The plan will outline how many permanent and temporary residents the country intends to welcome, and it comes at a time when the government is trying to balance economic growth with housing, labour, and infrastructure challenges.

For the past decade, Canada has been steadily increasing its immigration targets to address an aging population and growing labour shortages. However, the upcoming plan is expected to mark a strategic shift — moving from rapid expansion to a more sustainable and managed approach. Instead of simply increasing numbers, the government now aims to ensure that newcomers can integrate successfully and that infrastructure and services can keep pace.

Permanent Residence: Slowing Down for Sustainability

Canada’s permanent residency numbers have seen record highs in recent years, but policymakers are signalling that it may be time to slow the pace. The current target of just under 400,000 new permanent residents per year is likely to hold steady or even decrease slightly in the new plan. Officials have emphasized that permanent resident admissions should remain under one percent of the total population annually — roughly around 400,000 to 415,000 people based on current population levels.

This does not mean that immigration will become less important to Canada’s economy. Rather, it reflects a desire to manage growth responsibly. The government recognizes that large population increases, while beneficial for filling job gaps, also strain housing supply, healthcare systems, and public infrastructure. A slower pace allows the country to adapt and invest in settlement support programs, ensuring that newcomers can thrive once they arrive.

For prospective immigrants, this means competition for permanent residence will likely remain strong. Economic and skilled immigration programs will continue to prioritize applicants with high-demand skills, Canadian work experience, and strong language proficiency. Family reunification and refugee programs are also expected to remain stable, but overall, the focus will shift to maintaining quality over quantity.

Temporary Residents: A New Era of Balance

A major development in this immigration cycle is the introduction of explicit targets for temporary residents — including international students, temporary foreign workers, and visitors under various mobility programs. This marks a first for Canada, reflecting growing concern over the rapid rise in temporary populations in recent years.

The federal government has set a goal to reduce the number of temporary residents so that they make up less than five percent of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027. This will likely continue into the 2026–2028 plan. The objective is not to shut the door on temporary migration but to ensure that it remains aligned with labour needs and housing capacity. For instance, new rules are being considered to manage the number of international student permits, limit low-wage temporary foreign worker positions, and prioritize employers who can demonstrate a genuine shortage of Canadian workers.

For temporary workers and students, this may translate into tighter eligibility requirements but also more opportunities for those who meet Canada’s long-term needs. Those already living and working in Canada could see more streamlined pathways to permanent residency. The government wants to reward individuals who have proven their ability to integrate, work, and contribute to the economy.

The Role of Provinces and Territories

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have long played a vital role in Canada’s immigration system, allowing provinces to select candidates who match their specific labour market needs. These programs will likely remain central in the new plan, though with refined allocations. Some provinces have been advocating for higher quotas to attract skilled workers, while others are prioritizing sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction.

Expect to see more regional flexibility — provinces with critical skill shortages could be granted additional nominations. For newcomers, this means that keeping an eye on individual provincial updates will be crucial. Many smaller provinces and territories, including those in Atlantic Canada, are eager to attract immigrants who are willing to settle outside the big cities.

Francophone Immigration Beyond Quebec

Another important aspect of Canada’s evolving immigration policy is the push to increase French-speaking immigration outside Quebec. The government has set incremental targets to ensure that French-speaking newcomers make up a greater share of total immigration. This supports the goal of strengthening Francophone communities across the country and promoting bilingualism. For applicants who speak both French and English, this presents a unique advantage — they may find more dedicated programs and incentives encouraging them to settle in regions with French-speaking populations.

Why the Shift Is Happening

The reasons behind Canada’s new approach are both practical and political. The past few years have seen Canada experience one of the fastest population growth rates in its history, largely driven by immigration. While this has helped fill labour shortages and boosted economic activity, it has also created pressures in housing, transportation, and healthcare systems. Public concern over affordability has grown, prompting the government to adopt a more measured tone.

Moreover, the balance between economic needs and integration capacity has become a central theme in policymaking. Canada remains committed to being a welcoming nation, but it wants to ensure that newcomers have access to the resources they need to succeed — jobs, affordable homes, and strong community support. By managing immigration levels more carefully, the government aims to maintain public confidence and ensure long-term sustainability.

What to Expect from the 2026–2028 Plan

While official figures won’t be released until November 2025, several trends are likely. Permanent resident admissions are expected to stabilize around 380,000 to 400,000 per year. Temporary resident entries, particularly for students and low-wage workers, will be capped or moderately reduced. The share of permanent residents coming from within Canada — people transitioning from temporary to permanent status — is expected to rise, as this group tends to integrate more smoothly into Canadian society.

Programs such as the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program will continue to be major gateways for skilled workers. However, expect more focus on specific occupations facing shortages, such as healthcare professionals, tradespeople, and those in technology and green energy sectors. Francophone and regional immigration streams will also receive more attention.

On the settlement side, the government is likely to invest further in language training, employment support, and credential recognition. These efforts aim to help newcomers find suitable employment faster and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

What This Means for Applicants

For prospective immigrants, the key takeaway is to stay informed and plan strategically. Those with Canadian work experience, strong language skills, or expertise in high-demand occupations will have the best chances of success. International students should research institutions carefully, as only designated and compliant schools will be prioritized for study permits. Temporary foreign workers should ensure their employers meet the latest regulatory standards.

Additionally, being open to settling outside major cities like Toronto or Vancouver can be advantageous. Smaller provinces often have less competition and offer faster processing through regional programs. Francophone applicants may benefit from specialized pathways that encourage settlement in bilingual or French-speaking communities.

Canada’s upcoming immigration plan is not about cutting back on newcomers — it’s about ensuring that immigration continues to strengthen the country in a sustainable way. The focus is shifting toward stability, regional growth, and better integration outcomes. For those dreaming of making Canada their new home, preparation and awareness will be key. The opportunities remain vast, but success will depend on aligning your skills and goals with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities.