The Canadian government has just released its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2027 to 2029. Temporary residents, foreign workers, international students, permanent residence, economic immigration: what are the government's main priorities? More importantly, what should you understand if you're considering moving to Canada over the next few years?
Temporary immigration: 370,000 new arrivals per year
Temporary residents come to Canada to work or study for a specific period of time, with a permit that has a limited validity period. For 2027, 2028 and 2029, the government is maintaining its target at 370,000 new arrivals per year.
For 2027, the expected breakdown is as follows:
Approximately 150,000 admissions for international students.
Approximately 220,000 admissions for foreign workers.
The government's objective is to stabilize the proportion of temporary residents at less than 5% of Canada's total population. But there's another detail worth looking at: how work permits are divided between the two main federal programs.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
To hire someone through the TFWP, a Canadian employer must first obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This requires demonstrating that no suitable local worker (a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) is available to fill the position, making international recruitment necessary.
The International Mobility Program (IMP)
This program includes various categories of work permits that are exempt from the LMIA requirement. This makes it easier and faster for employers to hire eligible foreign candidates.
Under the 2027 plan, out of the approximately 220,000 admissions allocated to foreign workers:
Approximately 25% will be through the TFWP.
Approximately 75% will be through the IMP.
What does this mean?
Canada isn't closing its doors to temporary foreign workers, but it is favouring certain immigration pathways over others. For someone considering moving to Canada from abroad to work, this distinction matters. Finding an interested employer isn't enough: the hiring process must also fall under an appropriate immigration framework.
Permanent residence: a target of 380,000 admissions per year
Unlike a work or study permit, permanent residence allows you to settle in Canada on a long-term basis, provided you meet the residency obligations associated with this status.
The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan maintains the target at 380,000 new permanent residents per year.
Economic immigration accounts for more than 64% of these admissions, representing 244,700 people.
Within this category, two major components account for a significant share:
Just over 40% for highly skilled workers.
Nearly 39% for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories to select candidates who meet their specific needs and selection criteria.
What does the new plan mean for your plans to move to Canada?
After looking at all these figures, let's come back to the most important question: what does this actually mean for you?
The new plan provides a clearer picture of Canada's overall immigration priorities for the coming years. It's a useful reference point, but there's more to consider: at the heart of your journey is your own life plan.
To move forward one step at a time, here are some important questions to ask yourself:
Does your plan align with the needs and priorities of your entire family?
Which province could you realistically see yourself building a life in?
What are your career prospects, and what about your partner's?
What budget will you need for the move and your first few months in Canada?
All these factors are interconnected. Immigration is just one piece of the puzzle.
Getting permission to come to Canada and successfully building a sustainable life there are two different things. That's why I always encourage my clients to take the time to develop a well-structured plan that considers every aspect of their future life in Canada, before rushing into the application process.
Planning a move to Canada?
Take the time to explore your options, weigh your expectations against real-world considerations and develop a strategy that doesn't rely on just one possibility. I'm here to help guide you through the process.
About this article: The information presented here relates to the federal Immigration Levels Plan for 2027–2029. Government targets and immigration policies may change. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. If you have questions about your eligibility or immigration process, please consult a regulated immigration professional.