The Canadian government has released its 2026–2028 immigration levels plan, charting a new course to balance economic growth with sustainable population management.
Under the three-year framework announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the government will maintain permanent resident admissions at 380,000 annually from 2026 through 2028, while tightening the entry of temporary residents.
According to the plan, temporary resident arrivals will be reduced from 385,000 in 2026 to 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
The government’s objective is to ensure temporary residents account for less than five per cent of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.
The adjusted targets, IRCC said, are designed to meet labour market demands without overburdening infrastructure and housing.
The numbers cover international students and workers entering through the International Mobility Program and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
On the permanent residency front, economic immigration will remain the driving force, making up about 64 per cent of total admissions by 2028.
The Federal High Skilled and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams are being expanded to attract skilled global talent and meet regional workforce needs.
Read Also:
- Onyenezide’s brace, Olise, lead Nigeria’s fightback in 3-1 win against Canada
- Olu of Warri presented with key to city in Canada
- Super Falcons get boost for Canada rematch
Humanitarian and family categories will also be preserved, with refugees and protected persons accounting for roughly 13 percent of total admissions and family reunification steady at around 22 percent.
In a major humanitarian gesture, Canada plans to fast-track permanent residence for about 115,000 protected persons already living in the country, along with 33,000 temporary workers transitioning to permanent status in 2026 and 2027.
The plan further boosts Canada’s Francophone immigration goals, raising the target for French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec from nine percent in 2026 to 10.5 percent by 2028 — a move aimed at strengthening Francophone minority communities across the nation.
IRCC described the 2026–2028 plan as “a reflection of Canada’s commitment to restoring balance and sustainability to the immigration system, while maintaining compassion and ensuring economic competitiveness.”
