The Canadian government has unveiled its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, signaling a fundamental move from high-volume growth to a “calibrated” approach focused on long-term sustainability, better economic integration, and easing pressure on public services.
The central policy mandate is clear: reduce the total temporary resident (TR) population to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
Here is a breakdown of the key numerical changes from the previous plan and the strategic policy pillars driving this shift.
🔢 1. The Numbers: Stabilizing PRs While Halving Student Intake
The new plan reveals a dramatic rebalancing of who is coming to Canada and on what status.
| Category | Year | 2025-2027 Plan (Previous Target) | 2026-2028 Plan (New Target) | Key Difference |
| Permanent Residents (PR) | 2026 | 380,000 | 380,000 | Stabilized at the same level. |
| 2027 | 365,000 | 380,000 | Increase of 15,000 | |
| 2028 | Not included in plan | 380,000 | New target set to maintain stability. | |
| Total Temporary Residents (TR) | 2026 | 516,600 | 385,000 | Reduced by 131,600. |
| 2027 | 543,600 | 370,000 | Reduced by 173,600. | |
| 2028 | Not included in plan | 370,000 | New target set for continued reduction/stabilization. | |
| International Students | 2026 | 305,900 | 155,000 | Sharply reduced by 150,900 (nearly a 50% cut). |
| 2027 | 305,900 | 150,000 | Sharply reduced by 155,900. | |
| Temporary Workers | 2026 | 210,700 | 230,000 | Increased by 19,300. |
| 2027 | 237,700 | 220,000 | Reduced by 17,700. |
🏗️ 2. Policy Pillar 1: Prioritizing the Talent Already Here
The focus shifts to retaining and integrating the talent already contributing to Canada:
- New PR Pathway for Workers: Plan to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 existing work permit holders to permanent residency over 2026-2027.
- Economic Class Priority: The share of Permanent Residents admitted under the Economic Class is set to increase to 64% of the total intake by 2027-2028.
🛡️ 3. Policy Pillar 2: Strategic Reduction & Quality Control
The dramatic cut to the International Student intake is backed by a push for higher standards:
- TR Population Cap: The overarching policy goal is to reduce the total TR population to below the 5% of Canada’s total population benchmark by the end of 2027, alleviating infrastructure strain.
🤝 4. Policy Pillar 3: Empowering Provinces
The federal government is increasing the power of provincial governments to meet regional labour needs:
- Massive PNP Boost: The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) target will significantly increase to 91,500 in 2026 and 92,500 in 2027/2028. This gives provinces and territories greater capacity to select immigrants who align with their local labour market needs (e.g., healthcare, skilled trades).
- Francophone Growth: The commitment to boosting Francophone immigration outside Quebec is maintained, setting rising targets to reach 10.5% of the overall permanent resident intake by 2028.
📢 5. Other Humanitarian Commitments
- Protected Persons Initiative: A one-time, two-year initiative will fast-track permanent residency for a number of eligible Protected Persons already in Canada.
Conclusion: A Shift to Sustainable Integration
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan is not about stopping immigration; it is about making it more sustainable, strategic, and targeted.
For businesses, this signals a more stable source of skilled workers transitioning quickly to permanent status. For prospective international students, it signals a more competitive landscape focused on quality institutions. For Canada, it is a significant policy reset that prioritizes long-term economic growth and social integration over sheer volume.
2026-2028 Immigration Level Plans
What do you think is the biggest impact of Canada moving to a “calibrated” immigration approach? Share your thoughts below!
Latest Post
November 7, 2025
November 4, 2025
Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: A Major Strategic Shift
October 15, 2025
