Breaking News! Canada targets 2 million TRs and PRs under 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan!

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 is the government’s official roadmap outlining how many new permanent and temporary residents will be welcomed each year. It sets annual admission targets across key categories — Economic, Family, Refugee, and Humanitarian. The plan aims to maintain stability, strengthen in-Canada transitions, and ensure sustainable population growth. For the 2026–2028 period, Canada will continue to welcome about 380,000 permanent residents annually, focusing on skilled workers, family reunification, and humanitarian commitments. It also introduces formal targets for temporary residents, such as international students and workers.

Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada will maintain steady permanent resident admissions at approximately 380,000 per year. This represents about 1.5 million new permanent residents over three years. The government aims to balance immigration with labour market needs and housing capacity. Most of these admissions will fall under the Economic Class, which includes Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. The plan continues Canada’s strategy of stable, predictable immigration to support economic growth, regional development, and family reunification, ensuring newcomers can successfully integrate into Canadian society.

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan includes four main categories: Economic, Family, Refugee, and Humanitarian. The Economic Class—which includes Express Entry, PNPs, and the Canadian Experience Class—accounts for about 60% of total admissions. The Family Class, including spousal and parental sponsorships, makes up around 24%. Refugees and Protected Persons represent about 14%, while Humanitarian and Other programs account for roughly 2%. This distribution highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to skilled migration, family unity, and global humanitarian responsibility, ensuring a balanced approach to both economic and social goals.

The 2026–2028 plan is especially beneficial for Indians, who make up the largest share of Canada’s immigrants. Skilled professionals from India can access increased opportunities through programs such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and work-to-PR pathways. The plan also formalizes temporary resident targets, helping Indian students and work permit holders in Canada transition more easily to permanent residency. Family sponsorship numbers remain strong, allowing more families to reunite. Overall, the plan provides Indians with more predictable, transparent, and long-term pathways to settle and grow in Canada.

Yes. For the first time, Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan introduces formal targets for temporary residents, which include international students and work permit holders. The government aims to maintain a responsible balance between permanent and temporary populations. Temporary resident admissions are projected at around 370,000–385,000 per year. Canada also plans to reduce the share of temporary residents to approximately 5% of the total population by 2026. This ensures that international students and workers continue contributing to the economy while maintaining manageable levels of temporary migration.

The Economic Class, representing about 60% of total admissions, includes the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Other programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, and Agri-Food Pilot also fall within this category. These programs are designed to attract skilled professionals who can fill labour shortages in sectors such as IT, healthcare, construction, and engineering. The Economic Class remains the cornerstone of Canada’s immigration policy, aligning with the country’s goal to strengthen its workforce and support economic growth.

Over 30,000 work permit holders are expected to transition to permanent residency under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan. This shift is part of Canada’s broader strategy to retain skilled temporary workers already contributing to its economy. Work permit holders who gain Canadian work experience are prioritized under programs like the Canadian Experience Class and certain Provincial Nominee Program streams. This approach helps address labour market needs and ensures that temporary residents who have successfully integrated into Canada’s workforce have a clear pathway to permanent settlement.

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 maintains strong targets for family reunification, with around 81,000–84,000 admissions per year under the Family Class. This includes spousal, partner, dependent, parent, and grandparent sponsorships. The goal is to ensure families can reunite and build stable lives in Canada. The government recognizes family unity as a key component of successful integration and community building. By maintaining these levels, Canada continues to uphold its humanitarian and family values alongside its economic immigration objectives.

Indian applicants can boost their chances by aligning their profiles with Canada’s immigration priorities. Improving CRS scores through higher English or French test results, gaining additional work experience, or securing a provincial nomination can significantly enhance eligibility. Those already in Canada on study or work permits can take advantage of in-Canada transition pathways. Staying updated on Express Entry draws and new PNP streams also helps. With strong demand for skilled professionals, Indian applicants who prepare strategically and meet program requirements stand excellent chances of securing Canada PR.

Canada updates its Immigration Levels Plan annually, usually in October or November. Each plan provides a three-year projection outlining immigration targets by category and program. The next plan, covering 2029–2031, is expected to be announced in late 2028. These annual updates allow the government to adjust admission levels based on economic needs, population goals, and global trends. Applicants are advised to monitor official IRCC announcements regularly to stay informed about changes in quotas, eligibility requirements, and application timelines.