Canada Announces Plans for Up to 622,000 Permanent Residents in 2027 Under New Immigration Levels Plan

Canada has announced major immigration plans for 2027, with figures indicating the possibility of up to 622,000 permanent residence admissions, including special measures for temporary residents already living in the country.

On November 5, 2026, the Canadian government released Budget 2026 and the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, outlining new permanent residence targets, temporary resident admissions, and additional pathways for foreign workers and protected persons.

One of the biggest announcements is a new measure that could allow up to 200,000 temporary residents already in Canada to transition to permanent residence by the end of 2027.

These changes could create new opportunities for eligible foreign workers, Express Entry candidates, and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants.

Canada Plans for Up to 622,000 Permanent Residents in 2027

According to the newly released Immigration Levels Plan, Canada has established a regular permanent residence admissions target of 380,000 for 2027, with an upper range of 422,000.

In addition, the federal government has announced special transition measures for up to 200,000 temporary residents currently living in Canada.

The combined upper-range figures are:

• 422,000: Maximum projected permanent residence admissions under the regular 2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
• 200,000: Additional temporary residents who could transition to permanent residence under the new time-limited measures.
• 622,000: Combined potential admissions based on these upper-limit figures.
  
  

However, 622,000 is not Canada's regular immigration target. It represents a potential upper figure that combines the highest admissions range with the separate transition measures.

Actual permanent residence admissions will depend on the implementation of these policies and the number of eligible applicants.

New PR Opportunities for Up to 200,000 Temporary Residents in Canada

One of the most important announcements in Budget 2026 is the government's plan to help temporary residents already living in Canada obtain permanent residence.

Under the proposed 2027 Temporary-to-Permanent Residence Transition Measures, up to 200,000 eligible individuals could become permanent residents by the end of 2027.

The government intends to support people who have already established themselves in Canada and contribute to the country's economy and communities.

Of these opportunities:

• Up to 100,000 spaces will support eligible workers and their families, including those connected to Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program pathways.
• The remaining spaces will support a humanitarian cohort of eligible people already living in Canada.
  
  

The measures are intended to recognize the contribution of temporary residents while supporting Canada's labour market and existing humanitarian commitments.

100,000 Permanent Residence Opportunities for Skilled Workers

The federal government has announced plans to transition up to 100,000 eligible workers to permanent residence through arrangements involving Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and cooperation with provinces and territories.

This initiative aims to help provinces retain skilled foreign workers who can meet local labour market needs.

The government will work with provincial and territorial authorities to identify eligible workers and support their transition to permanent residence.

These measures could be particularly important for temporary foreign workers already employed in Canada.

However, specific eligibility requirements and application procedures will depend on the government's implementation of the measures.

Canada Announces Permanent Residence Targets for 2027–2029

Canada's new Immigration Levels Plan establishes a stable annual permanent residence target of 380,000 for 2027, 2028, and 2029.

The planned admissions for all three years are as follows:

These figures represent the government's regular annual permanent residence admissions targets and do not include the separately announced time-limited measures.

The government intends to maintain stable immigration levels while addressing Canada's economic and labour market priorities.

Breakdown of Canada's Permanent Residence Targets

The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan divides the annual target of 380,000 permanent residents into four main immigration categories.

1. Economic Immigration – 244,700 Admissions

Economic immigration will remain Canada's largest permanent residence category.

This category includes several immigration pathways, such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and other economic immigration programs.

The government aims to attract and retain skilled workers who can address labour shortages and support economic growth.

2. Family Reunification – 81,000 Admissions

Canada plans to welcome 81,000 permanent residents annually through family reunification programs.

These programs allow eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor certain family members, including spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

3. Refugees and Protected Persons – 49,300 Admissions

Canada has allocated 49,300 annual permanent residence admissions for refugees and protected persons.

These admissions reflect the government's continuing humanitarian commitments and support for people seeking protection.

4. Humanitarian and Compassionate and Other – 5,000 Admissions

An additional 5,000 admissions have been allocated to humanitarian and compassionate considerations and other immigration categories.

These pathways address specific circumstances under Canada's immigration system.

Additional PR Measures for Protected Persons and Foreign Workers

Apart from the newly announced 2027 transition measures, Canada is also continuing two previously announced one-time immigration initiatives covering 2026 and 2027.

These earlier initiatives were introduced to grant permanent residence to:

• Up to 115,000 protected persons.
• Up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers already living in Canada.
  
  

Together, these measures account for up to 148,000 permanent residence opportunities across 2026 and 2027.

According to the figures reported for January through August 2026, Canada had already admitted 46,330 permanent residents under these initiatives.

This suggests that approximately 100,000 admissions could remain under the earlier commitments between September 2026 and December 2027.

However, the exact number of remaining admissions has not been confirmed in the latest Immigration Levels Plan.

These earlier initiatives are separate from the newly announced 2027 transition measures.

Canada Increases French-Speaking Immigration Targets Outside Quebec

The new Immigration Levels Plan also includes higher targets for French-speaking permanent residents settling outside Quebec.

Canada aims to increase the percentage of French-speaking admissions over the next three years.

These targets support the growth of Francophone communities outside Quebec and encourage French-speaking newcomers to settle in other provinces and territories.

French language proficiency may therefore remain an important consideration for candidates exploring certain Canadian immigration pathways.

Canada Announces Temporary Resident Targets for 2027

Along with permanent residence changes, Canada has announced its temporary resident admissions targets for 2027.

The government plans to welcome 370,000 new temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students.

The breakdown is as follows:

These figures represent planned new arrivals under temporary worker and international student programs rather than all temporary residents already present in Canada.

The same annual targets have also been established for 2028 and 2029.

Work Permit Targets Under TFWP and IMP

Of the 220,000 planned temporary foreign worker arrivals, Canada has divided the target between two major work permit programs.

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – 50,000

Canada has allocated 50,000 arrivals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

This program generally requires employers to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before hiring a foreign worker.

An LMIA is used to assess the impact of hiring a foreign worker on Canada's labour market.

2. International Mobility Program (IMP) – 170,000

Canada has allocated 170,000 arrivals under the International Mobility Program.

The IMP allows eligible foreign nationals to obtain LMIA-exempt work permits under various categories.

These programs support Canadian employers and certain foreign workers while addressing specific economic and policy objectives.

Temporary Resident Targets to Remain Stable Until 2029

The government has maintained the same annual temporary resident targets for all three years of the Immigration Levels Plan.

These targets are consistent with the previously announced 2027 projections under Canada's 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

The government intends to maintain predictable immigration levels while balancing labour market requirements and pressure on housing, infrastructure, and public services.

What Do the New Immigration Changes Mean for Foreign Workers in Canada?

The newly announced measures could be significant for temporary foreign workers who are already living and working in Canada.

The proposed transition of up to 100,000 workers to permanent residence may create additional opportunities for eligible candidates.

Foreign workers should consider reviewing:

• Their current immigration status and work permit validity.
• Their eligibility under Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs.
• Their National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and employment experience.
• Provincial immigration pathways available in their location.
• Official updates regarding the new temporary-to-permanent residence measures.
  
  

However, the announcement does not mean that every temporary resident will automatically qualify for permanent residence.

Candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the applicable immigration pathway.

What Should Express Entry and PNP Candidates Know?

Canada's latest Immigration Levels Plan continues to place strong importance on economic immigration.

With 244,700 regular economic immigration admissions planned annually and additional transition measures for eligible workers, Express Entry and PNP candidates should monitor upcoming immigration announcements carefully.

The new measures may offer opportunities for workers already contributing to Canada's economy, particularly those whose skills match provincial and regional labour market needs.

Candidates should keep their immigration profiles updated and ensure that their employment records, language results, and other supporting documents are accurate.