2026–2028 Immigration Targets in Canada: What Really Changes for Your Expatriation Project

Canada has just released its new immigration levels plan. As every year, this official document outlines the admission targets for temporary and permanent residents, as well as the government’s strategic priorities.

If you are planning to move to Canada, it is essential to understand what these numbers actually mean. At first glance, the announcements may seem alarming or unclear, but a clear breakdown will help you understand how to adjust your strategy.

In this article, I offer a comprehensive, practical, and easy-to-understand explanation of the new plan so you can better assess your chances and prepare a strong application.

What Is the Immigration Levels Plan?

Every year, in late October or early November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases a three-year plan outlining admission targets for the upcoming years. Its purpose is twofold: to give immigration candidates visibility on future opportunities and to clarify Canada’s priorities related to newcomer integration, labour needs, and demographic objectives. The plan covers two main categories of newcomers: temporary residents and permanent residents.

Temporary Residents: What Will Change in 2026

A temporary resident is someone who comes to Canada to study, work, or visit for a limited period. Only two groups are included in the immigration plan: new international students and new temporary workers.

The plan sets the following targets:

• 385,000 admissions in 2026

• 370,000 admissions in both 2027 and 2028

For 2026, the breakdown is

• 60% of temporary workers (230,000 admissions)

• 40% of international students (155,000 admissions)

In the previous plan, the projected number for 2026 was 516,600 admissions. The new target of 385,000 therefore represents a reduction of just over 25%.

This decrease reflects the government’s intention to bring the temporary resident population down to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027. The goal is to reduce pressure on public services, infrastructure, and housing.

Should You Be Worried?

Not necessarily. Canada is recalibrating its levels—much like a tightrope walker trying to find balance. A few figures help illustrate the situation:

• In 2018, temporary residents made up 3.3% of the population.

• In 2024, they represented 7.5%.

• The new target aims to bring this down to a maximum of 5%.

So, what does this mean for you? It does not mean that opportunities are disappearing. They are simply becoming more competitive. To succeed, you will need a clear strategy, a solid understanding of immigration programs, and a strong application.

Permanent Residents: Stability and Strengthened Priorities

The plan outlines three pathways to permanent residence:

• economic immigration

• family reunification

• refugees and protected persons

The government intends to admit 380,000 permanent residents per year in 2026, 2027, and 2028. This is about 4% lower than the target for 2025 (395,000), but it matches the figure already announced last year. The decrease is therefore not unexpected.

A Notable Shift Toward Economic Immigration

The most significant trend in the new plan is the growing share allocated to economic immigration:

• 59% in 2025

• 63% in 2026

• over 64% in 2027 and 2028

For qualified candidates, this translates to more opportunities.

Projected Distribution in 2026

Out of 380,000 new permanent resident admissions:

• 239,800 will be for economic immigration

• 84,000 for family reunification

• 56,200 for refugees and other humanitarian admissions

In population terms, these admissions represent just under 1% of Canada’s total population per year.

What Profiles Is Canada Looking For?

Canada wants to attract talent that can support its economic growth, especially in:

• emerging technologies

• skilled trades

• healthcare

• sectors facing chronic labour shortages

The government also aims to:

• attract more entrepreneurs

• improve processing times

• clarify pathways to permanent residence

• retain students and temporary workers already in Canada

What Should You Keep in Mind for Your Project?

Canada is not closing its doors. It is refining its priorities. Your expatriation project remains entirely possible, but it now requires

• a clear understanding of the new expectations

• a strategy tailored to your profile

• a well-aligned immigration program

• a strong, coherent, and competitive application

For a deeper analysis—and the audio version—listen to Episode 15 of my podcast, Welcome to Canada.