Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: New Pathways for Work Permit Holders and Reduced Temporary Resident Targets

The Government of Canada’s upcoming Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028) will introduce new initiatives aimed at transitioning temporary residents to permanent status. According to the 2025 Federal Budget, up to 33,000 work permit holders will be granted permanent residency between 2026 and 2027.

Key Highlights of the Plan

1. Permanent Residence Pathway for Temporary Residents
   A new transition program will help eligible temporary foreign workers become permanent residents. The government aims to make this pathway accessible to around 33,000 individuals.
   
   
2. Reduced Temporary Resident Targets
   Canada plans to reduce the number of temporary resident admissions in 2026:
• Total temporary residents: 385,000 (a 43% reduction from 673,650 in 2025)
• International students: 155,000 (down 49% from 305,900 in 2025)
• Temporary foreign workers: 230,000 (down 37% from 2025’s 367,750 target)

Despite this decline, the government notes that actual 2025 admissions have fallen short of targets, meaning the practical impact in 2026 may be limited.

3. Stable Permanent Residence Targets
   The permanent residence admissions target will remain unchanged at 380,000 for 2026.
• Economic immigration will now make up 64% of total PR admissions, an increase from 59%.
• Family reunification and refugee/humanitarian categories will see modest reductions to 84,000 and 56,200 respectively.
  
  
4. Focus on Economic and Regional Needs
   The Plan emphasizes aligning immigration with labour market needs, particularly in strategic industries and rural or remote communities that face workforce shortages.
   
   

Update on Work Permit Programs

The government is reviewing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to make it more targeted.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that the TFWP will focus on specific sectors and regions where labour shortages are most critical.

In 2025, the International Mobility Program (IMP) accounted for the majority of work permits (285,750 out of 367,750). The new Plan will likely raise both TFWP and IMP targets compared to last year’s combined 210,700, setting a new total of 230,000 for 2026.

What to Expect Next

The 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration will provide further details about how these policy changes will be implemented.

Overall, the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan reflects Canada’s ongoing effort to balance temporary and permanent immigration, ensuring the system supports long-term economic growth while managing population pressures from temporary programs.