What International Students Need to Know About Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028

Canada has released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, and one of the biggest changes is a major cut in the number of international students the country plans to admit. The new plan has reduced student admissions by nearly half for 2026 and continues with lower targets through 2028.

This plan also outlines Canada’s approach to both permanent and temporary immigration over the next three years, including study permits, work permits, and pathways to permanent residence (PR). Below is a clear breakdown of what international students should know.

Significant Reduction in International Student Targets

Canada is planning much lower student admissions compared to previous years. The chart below compares the new targets with last year’s plan:

For students already living in Canada, this reduction may be beneficial. Fewer new arrivals could mean less competition for part-time jobs, post-graduation jobs, and PR pathways.

How This Impacts PGWP Holders and PR Pathways

Many international students rely on the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain Canadian work experience and later apply for PR through pathways such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). With fewer students entering in 2026 and beyond, the number of PGWPs issued in future years will naturally decrease.

This means PGWP holders in those years may face less competition for jobs and PR invitations. Additionally, since federal economic immigration targets remain stable, applicants inside Canada continue to be prioritized.

Canada Continues to Prioritize In-Canada PR Applicants

Economic immigration remains the largest category in the new plan, accounting for 64% of all PR admissions in 2026. The plan clearly states that Canada intends to transition more temporary residents already inside the country into permanent residents.

Federal High Skilled admissions (which include CEC) are set at:

• 109,000 in 2026
• 111,000 in 2027
• 111,000 in 2028
  
  

This is positive news for international students who complete their studies, obtain a PGWP, and build the required Canadian work experience for PR.

Strong Increase in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Targets

PNPs are one of the most important PR pathways for international students, and the federal government has increased PNP admissions by 66% in 2026 compared to 2025.

Many provinces have dedicated streams for international student graduates. With higher PNP allocations, provinces will have more nomination spots and may reopen paused streams. For instance, British Columbia paused several student-focused streams until new allocation numbers were released. These are expected to restart in 2026.

International Students Still Form a Large Share of Temporary Resident Admissions

Even with reduced numbers, students remain a major portion of temporary resident admissions:

International students are projected to make up about 40% of all temporary resident admissions in each of these years. Although slightly lower than 2025 (where the share was 45%), students remain a central part of Canada’s temporary immigration strategy.

Why the Targets Are Being Reduced

Although the cuts may seem drastic, they reflect current admission patterns. Canada is on track to fall well short of its 2025 student target.

From January to August 2025, only 89,430 new study permits were issued—about 30% of the yearly goal of 305,900. This trend suggests that reduced targets are more realistic for 2026–2028.

The revised student targets therefore align more closely with actual processing and admissions capacity.

New Study Permit Exemptions

IRCC recently announced important changes that benefit certain advanced-degree students:

Exemptions starting January 1, 2026:

• Students in Master’s programs
• Students in doctoral (PhD) programs
  
  

These groups will no longer be part of Canada’s overall study permit cap. This will make it easier for them to obtain study permits.

Faster processing for PhD students

IRCC will also provide expedited processing for doctoral students and their family members, with processing times as fast as two weeks.

Key Takeaways for International Students

1. Student admissions will drop by nearly 50% in 2026, reducing competition for those already in Canada.
2. In-Canada PR pathways remain strong, especially CEC and PNP.
3. PNP allocations are increasing significantly, which may reopen or expand provincial graduate streams.
4. International students still make up a large share of temporary resident admissions, even with lower caps.
5. Master’s and PhD students will benefit from exemption from the study permit cap and faster processing.