2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan

Jun 11, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan sets IMP targets at 170,000 and TFWP targets at 60,000, with the TR-to-PR pathway open work permit extended to December 31, 2026 for eligible 2021 applicants.

The TR-to-PR open work permit extension to year-end 2026 provides temporary relief for thousands of long-waiting applicants, but the December 31 hard deadline means eligible workers must act before year-end.

Jun 11, 2026

IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan confirms the department's overarching priorities of managed migration, digital modernization, and regional alignment with provinces, consistent with the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan framework.

The emphasis on digital infrastructure and provincial collaboration suggests further automation of application processing and expanded province-specific streams are likely over the next two fiscal years.

Jun 11, 2026

The In-Canada Workers Initiative — announced under the 2026–2028 levels plan to transition 33,000 workers to PR — has been clarified as an acceleration of existing applications under regional and pilot programs, not a new Express Entry draw mechanism.

Since this initiative is limited to workers who already have PR applications in IRCC's system under specified programs, most temporary workers without a submitted PR application will not benefit and should focus on other available pathways.

Jun 8, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan reduces temporary resident arrivals, stabilizes PR admissions, raises economic immigration to 64% of all admissions by 2027–2028, and sharply increases PNP targets to 91,500.

The strong pivot toward economic and employer-driven immigration means humanitarian and family class applicants will face proportionally smaller admission shares, and candidates without labour market ties to Canada may find pathways more competitive.

Jun 8, 2026

The new levels plan raises PNP nomination targets to 91,500 in 2026, a 66% increase from the prior plan's 55,000, giving provinces significantly more capacity to select candidates.

With nearly double the PNP allocation, provinces are likely to open more streams and conduct more draws throughout 2026. Applicants should monitor their target province's draw schedule closely.

Jun 4, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan targets 385,000 new temporary resident arrivals in 2026, declining to 370,000 in 2027–2028, and commits to reducing Canada's temporary population to under 5% of total population by end of 2027.

Continued reductions in temporary resident targets over the three-year plan suggest permanent residence will become the primary immigration pathway for those seeking long-term residence in Canada.

Jun 4, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan sets total new temporary resident arrivals at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027–2028, with the worker mix shifted heavily toward LMIA-exempt IMP at 170,000.

The plan's goal of reducing Canada's temporary population to under 5% by end of 2027 suggests further tightening of temporary resident pathways in future planning cycles.

Jun 1, 2026

The In-Canada Workers Initiative, announced in the November 2025 federal budget, is now being implemented as an acceleration of existing PR application inventories — not a new Express Entry stream — targeting up to 33,000 workers in regional and pilot programs over 2026 and 2027.

The clarification that this initiative operates outside Express Entry is important: it will not affect CRS cutoffs or Express Entry pool dynamics, but will reduce backlogs in specific regional and pilot programs.

Jun 1, 2026

The 2026–2028 Levels Plan sets new temporary resident arrival targets of 385,000 in 2026, falling to 370,000 in 2027 and 2028, with an explicit goal of shrinking Canada's temporary population to below 5% of the total population by end of 2027. The plan prioritizes economic immigration and humanitarian cases.

The continued reduction in temporary resident targets means pathways to permanent residence will be increasingly important for those already in Canada. Temporary workers and students should proactively explore PR options now rather than relying on future temporary status renewals.

May 30, 2026

The 2026–2028 Levels Plan caps new temporary resident arrivals at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028, with a goal to reduce the temporary resident share of Canada's population to below 5% by end of 2027. The plan also raises IMP targets while cutting TFWP targets.

Continued reductions to temporary resident targets mean that pathways to permanent residence — especially category-based Express Entry draws and the new TR-to-PR initiative — will become increasingly important for temporary residents already in Canada.

May 29, 2026

The In-Canada Workers Initiative, first announced with Budget 2025, will transition up to 33,000 temporary workers to PR in 2026–2027 by accelerating existing applications from regional and pilot programs — operating entirely outside Express Entry.

Because this initiative pulls from existing inventories rather than opening new intakes, eligible applicants could see unexpected PR approval notices with no new application required; however, the 33,000 cap means most temporary residents will not benefit.

May 29, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan cuts new temporary resident arrivals from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, stabilizes PR admissions at up to 416,500, and sets a goal of reducing the temporary resident share of the population to below 5% by end of 2027. Economic immigration will make up 64% of all PR admissions by 2027–2028.

The sharp reduction in temporary resident targets combined with a higher proportion of economic PR admissions signals that pathways favoring skilled workers already in Canada (CEC, PNP, in-Canada initiatives) will become increasingly competitive and prioritized.

May 28, 2026

The new levels plan restructures temporary worker admissions by significantly increasing LMIA-exempt permits to 170,000 and reducing LMIA-based permits to 60,000, totalling 230,000 new work permit holders.

The shift toward LMIA-exempt permits could benefit skilled workers under international agreements but reduce opportunities for lower-wage occupations that typically rely on LMIA approvals.

May 28, 2026

Multiple April 2026 policy changes — including flexible super visa income requirements and new TR-to-PR open work permit extensions — reflect IRCC implementing specific provisions from the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.

The pace of policy changes flowing from the Levels Plan suggests further implementation announcements are likely throughout 2026, particularly around the TR-to-PR intake process.

May 28, 2026

The In-Canada Workers Initiative — first announced in November 2025 as part of the Levels Plan — is being implemented by accelerating existing PR applications for up to 33,000 workers in smaller communities, not through new Express Entry draws.

IRCC's clarification that this initiative operates outside Express Entry is significant: it means these 33,000 spots will not reduce invitation counts in regular Express Entry draws.

May 25, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan caps new temporary resident arrivals at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027–2028, and targets reducing Canada's temporary population to below 5% of total population by end of 2027.

The continued reduction in temporary resident targets across students and workers signals that competition for all temporary pathways will remain tight through 2027.

May 25, 2026

The In-Canada Workers Initiative, announced with Budget 2025 and clarified on May 4, 2026, will accelerate PR processing for up to 33,000 workers in smaller communities over 2026–2027 through existing regional/pilot program inventories — not through new Express Entry draws.

Workers in urban centres are excluded from this initiative; those in smaller communities with pending regional program applications should see faster outcomes in 2026–2027.

May 21, 2026

The In-Canada Workers Initiative, first announced November 2025, was clarified on May 4, 2026: IRCC will accelerate processing of up to 33,000 existing PR applications from workers in smaller communities over 2026–2027, outside of Express Entry.

This initiative benefits workers already in Canada who applied through regional or pilot programs and are waiting in IRCC's inventory — it does not create new spots or new application opportunities.

May 21, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan sharply cuts new temporary resident arrivals from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, targeting a temporary resident population share below 5% of Canada's total population by end of 2026. Permanent resident admissions are to stay below 1% of the population annually beyond 2027.

The dramatic reduction in temporary resident targets will create significant pressure on workers and students currently in Canada on temporary status, increasing urgency to transition to PR before quotas tighten further.

May 18, 2026

IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan confirms sharp reductions in temporary resident admissions, a goal to reduce Canada's temporary population to under 5% of total population by end of 2027, and significant budget cuts across the department.

The combination of reduced temporary resident targets, employer compliance transfer to ESDC, and budget cuts signals a more constrained immigration environment ahead — applicants and employers should expect more scrutiny and fewer available spots across temporary programs.

May 18, 2026

The 2026–2028 Levels Plan allocates approximately 16,500 TR-to-PR transitions per year in 2026 and 2027, targeting temporary workers with established community ties, while stabilizing overall permanent resident admissions.

With millions of temporary residents in Canada and only 33,000 TR-to-PR spots over two years, competition will be intense — eligible candidates should prepare documentation well in advance and be ready to apply the moment intake opens.

May 18, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan sets total temporary worker arrivals at 230,000 (170,000 IMP + 60,000 TFWP), representing a structural rebalancing away from LMIA-based hiring and toward LMIA-exempt international mobility.

The shift in work permit targets is part of a broader plan to reduce Canada's temporary resident population to under 5% of the total population by end of 2027, signaling continued tightening of overall temporary resident volumes.

May 14, 2026

The 2026 PNP allocation is set at 91,500 nominations — a 66% increase from 2025's 55,000 — reflecting a deliberate expansion of provincial pathways after a year of constraint.

With 91,500 PNP spots available, provincial programs will be under pressure to fill allocations. Candidates who may not score high enough for Express Entry draws should proactively explore direct provincial streams, which don't require Express Entry pool CRS scores.

May 14, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan significantly cuts temporary resident admissions, raises the LMIA-exempt IMP target to 170,000 (up 32%), slashes the TFWP to 60,000 (down 27%), and introduces structural changes including transfer of employer compliance to ESDC.

The combination of lower temporary resident targets, tighter TFWP access, and increased ESDC compliance scrutiny signals a more restrictive and regulated environment for employers hiring foreign workers. Businesses should audit their work permit portfolios now to assess exposure.

May 14, 2026

Canada has announced two new 2026 PR pathways: a 33,000-spot stream for compliant temporary foreign workers transitioning to PR, and a new pathway for US H-1B holders. Neither has a confirmed launch date.

Given that a similar temporary resident to PR program in 2021 reached capacity on day one, eligible applicants should prepare all documentation in advance and be ready to apply the moment the program opens.

May 11, 2026

The revised levels plan restructures the mix of temporary workers: IMP rises to 170,000 while TFWP drops to 60,000, for a combined total of 230,000 temporary workers in 2026, up from a planned 210,700.

The reduction in LMIA-based permits will likely create pressure on sectors that rely heavily on low-wage TFWP workers, particularly in food service, agriculture, and hospitality.

May 11, 2026

The 2026-2028 Levels Plan targets 385,000 new temporary resident arrivals in 2026, dropping to 370,000 in 2027-2028, as part of a commitment to reduce Canada's temporary population below 5% of the total population by end of 2027.

The aggressive temporary resident reduction targets will have downstream effects across work permits, study permits, and PR pathways — applicants currently in Canada on temporary status should monitor conversion pathways closely, particularly the announced transition of up to 33,000 temporary workers to PR in 2026-2027.

May 11, 2026

The 2026 PNP allocation of 91,500 represents a 66% increase from 2025 but remains 17% below 2024 levels, reflecting a partial recovery after the 2025 cap reduction.

The gap between provincial requests (e.g., BC requested 9,000 but received 5,254) suggests federal allocations may continue to constrain provincial growth even as the overall cap rises.

May 7, 2026

A new one-time TR-to-PR pathway for up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers was soft-launched in early 2026 as part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, targeting workers in rural areas and in-demand sectors.

Full eligibility criteria and application procedures have not yet been released; workers in rural Canada and in-demand occupations should prioritize monitoring IRCC announcements, as spots are limited to 33,000 across two years.

May 7, 2026

PNP nomination allocations have risen 31.3% across all provinces that have publicly announced 2026 totals, consistent with the federal government's plan to increase economic immigration.

If the four Atlantic provinces follow the same 31% increase trend, the total PNP allocation across Canada for 2026 will be substantially higher than 2025, increasing pathways for skilled workers in smaller regions.

May 7, 2026

The new levels plan significantly restructures the temporary worker mix, increasing LMIA-exempt targets by 32% and cutting LMIA-based targets by 27% to reflect Canada's strategic pivot toward attracting globally mobile talent.

Employers in sectors that typically relied on LMIA-based hiring (e.g., agriculture, food service, construction) will face greater competition for fewer TFWP spots and higher recruitment burden, potentially accelerating automation or wage adjustments in those sectors.

May 7, 2026

IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan confirms the government's target to reduce Canada's temporary resident population to below 5% of total population by end of 2027, with new temporary resident arrival targets of 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027–2028.

Significant IRCC budget cuts alongside reduced temporary resident targets may lengthen processing times for some application types even as the government aims to streamline services digitally.

May 4, 2026

The new Levels Plan restructures temporary worker targets significantly, with total temporary worker admissions rising to 230,000 (up from 210,700) but shifting composition heavily toward LMIA-exempt streams.

The overall increase in worker targets combined with the LMIA-exempt emphasis suggests Canada is trying to grow its labor supply while reducing bureaucratic friction — LMIA-exempt eligible workers are in the strongest position.

May 4, 2026

The 2026-2028 Levels Plan sets new temporary resident arrival targets at 385,000 for 2026 and 370,000 for 2027-2028, aiming to reduce Canada's temporary population to under 5% of the national total by end of 2027.

The continued tightening of temporary resident targets across all streams means competition for available spots will intensify — applicants should pursue PR pathways proactively rather than relying on temporary status extensions.

May 4, 2026

The 2026-2028 Levels Plan stabilizes permanent resident admissions while aggressively reducing temporary resident targets, with economic immigration prioritized and the TR-to-PR fast-track targeting up to 33,000 existing applicants.

Stabilized PR targets mean overall admission volumes won't drop sharply, but the mix is shifting — in-Canada temporary workers with existing PNP or pilot applications are best positioned for the accelerated pathway.

May 4, 2026

The TR-to-PR fast-track under the In-Canada Workers Initiative targets PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, community pilots, caregiver pilots, and Agri-Food Pilot applicants already in the system for accelerated PR — at least 20,000 to be processed in 2026.

This is an acceleration of existing applications, not a new intake portal; temporary workers who have not yet applied through an established PNP or pilot stream will not benefit from this wave.

Apr 30, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan commits to transitioning up to 33,000 temporary residents to permanent residence over 2026–2027, targeting workers with established community ties, tax contributions, and Canadian work experience.

With an estimated 16,500 spots per year and millions of temporary residents in Canada, competition for the TR to PR pathway will be intense — early preparation and a rapid application submission will be critical.

Apr 30, 2026

IRCC's 2026–27 Departmental Plan confirms the government's focus on sustainable, regionally-aligned migration and digital modernization, with the 2026–2028 Levels Plan as the overarching framework guiding admissions targets across all categories.

The emphasis on digital infrastructure modernization signals that online application portals will see upgrades — applicants using paper-based processes should anticipate being pushed toward digital channels.

Apr 30, 2026

The 2026–2028 plan sets IMP at 170,000 and TFWP at 60,000, a deliberate structural shift away from employer-driven LMIA routes toward internationally-agreed or Canadian-interest exemptions.

This structural shift may reduce processing backlogs for work permits overall, but candidates relying on LMIA-based streams face tighter competition for a smaller pool of available spots.

Apr 27, 2026

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan underpins multiple April 2026 policy changes including increased IMP targets, reduced TFWP targets, a lower international student cap, and a planned TR-to-PR pathway for up to 33,000 temporary residents over 2026–2027.

The Levels Plan represents a deliberate pivot toward quality over quantity in temporary migration and a preference for in-Canada transitions to PR — expect further policy instruments to emerge throughout 2026 to operationalize these targets.

Apr 27, 2026

The Levels Plan includes a TR-to-PR pathway for up to 33,000 temporary workers transitioning to PR over 2026–2027, targeting those with strong community roots and employment history in Canada. Launch details are not yet announced.

Given that the previous TR-to-PR pathway in 2021 was oversubscribed within hours, demand for this new pathway is expected to be extremely high — applicants who prepare documents in advance will have the best chance of securing a spot.

Apr 23, 2026

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan has shifted targets significantly: LMIA-exempt IMP permits increased by 32% to 170,000, LMIA-based TFW permits reduced by ~27%, and a one-time TR-to-PR pathway of 33,000 spots over two years has been introduced.

The levels plan reflects a deliberate rebalancing away from low-wage temporary workers toward higher-skill, LMIA-exempt, and permanent resident pathways. Temporary workers in lower-skilled roles face a narrowing window of options.

Apr 16, 2026

The 2026–2028 Levels Plan sets IMP targets at 170,000 and TFWP targets at 60,000 for temporary workers, reflecting a deliberate rebalancing of Canada's temporary workforce pathways.

The plan's emphasis on reducing total temporary residents to below 5% of Canada's population by end of 2027 suggests further tightening of TFWP access is likely in the 2027–2028 period.

Apr 16, 2026

The 2026–2028 Levels Plan caps new temporary resident arrivals at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027–2028, prioritizing economic immigration and aiming to bring Canada's temporary resident share below 5% of total population by end of 2027.

The plan's multi-year downward trajectory for temporary residents signals that temporary-to-permanent pathways (e.g., CEC, PGP) will face more competition; candidates should focus on building strong PR-eligible profiles now.

Apr 15, 2026

The 2026-2028 plan sharply increases PNP targets to 91,500, up from 55,000, reflecting a federal strategy to shift immigration selection toward provinces.

As PNP targets grow, candidates who struggle to compete in general Express Entry draws may increasingly find PNP the most viable route to PR.

Apr 15, 2026

IRCC's 2026-27 Departmental Plan confirms the government's stabilization phase: sharp reductions in temporary residents are anticipated, with a goal of bringing the temporary resident population below 5% of Canada's total population by 2027.

Temporary residents without a clear pathway to PR face increasing pressure to transition; the window for TR-to-PR conversions and new PR pathways in 2026 should be treated as time-sensitive opportunities.

Apr 14, 2026

Canada's immigration plan focuses on reducing temporary residents to below 5% of population by 2027 while maintaining permanent resident targets around 390,000-395,000 annually.

The emphasis on temporary population reduction will continue to shape policy decisions throughout 2026-2027.