ENTRY CANADA NEWS

Canada's 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Key Changes for International Students and Temporary Workers

The Government of Canada has released its latest immigration levels plan for 2026–2028.

Despite the already anticipated decrease in overall immigration levels, Canada continues to encourage the arrival of temporary residents and, most importantly, permanent residence applications from those who are already in the country.

From 2026 to 2028, Canada will prioritize those who can drive the economy forward: skilled, experienced professionals with education aligned to market needs.

The economic immigration category will account for 64% of all immigration, the highest proportion in decades — an increase from 59% to 64% in this category.

The plan introduces a targeted measure to transition up to 33,000 temporary workers (with strong roots in Canada) to permanent residence in 2026-2027.

The plan strengthens the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by substantially increasing provincial and territorial nomination allocations with the plan to admit up to 91,500 applicants in 2026 and 92,500 in 2027 and 2028.

Arrival of new international students:

• 2026 → 155,000

• 2027 → 150,000

• 2028 → 150,000

Entry of new temporary workers:

• 2026 → 230,000

• 2027 → 220,000

• 2028 → 220,000

New permanent residents:

• 380,000 per year (2026, 2027, and 2028)

If you’re currently in Canada with a work or study permit, these changes reinforce that the pathway to permanent residence (PR) remains strong — and there may even be new opportunities.

Those with Canadian work experience are likely to have an advantage on the road to permanent residence.

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