Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028: What It Means for Students, Workers & PR Applicants

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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially released the Supplementary Information for the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, and this update is extremely important for anyone planning to study, work, or settle permanently in Canada.


At APJ Overseas, we believe immigration information should be clear and easy to understand. In this blog, we explain the full plan in simple words, so you know exactly how it affects international students, temporary workers, and PR applicants.

What Is the Canada Immigration Levels Plan?

Every year, the Canadian government releases an Immigration Levels Plan. This plan shows how many people Canada will invite:

  • International students

  • Temporary foreign workers

  • Permanent residents (PR)

The 2026–2028 plan focuses on controlling numbers while still welcoming skilled, genuine, and long-term contributors to Canada’s economy.



Main Goal of the 2026–2028 Immigration Plan

The biggest goal is to reduce Canada’s temporary population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.

To achieve this, IRCC will:

  • Reduce new temporary resident arrivals

  • Keep PR numbers stable

  • Focus more on skilled workers already in Canada


Temporary Residents: Students & Workers Targets

Canada will reduce the number of new arrivals of students and temporary workers over the next three years.

Overall Temporary Resident Arrivals

  • 2026: 385,000

  • 2027: 370,000

  • 2028: 370,000

These numbers include new study permits and new work permits only. Visitors, extensions, and in-Canada applications are not included.


IRCC has clearly reduced the intake of new international students.

  • 2026: 155,000 students

  • 2027: 150,000 students

  • 2028: 150,000 students

This means competition will be much higher. Students must now focus on:

  • Strong academic background

  • Clear course relevance

  • Proper financial proof

  • Genuine study purpose

At APJ Overseas, we strongly guide students to choose career-oriented programs that improve both visa success and PR chances.



Canada will continue inviting workers, but with a more controlled approach.

Worker Targets

  • 2026: 230,000

  • 2027–28: 220,000

Most opportunities will be under:

  • International Mobility Program (IMP) – LMIA-exempt

  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) – LMIA-based

Seasonal workers are mostly excluded, while skilled, long-term workers are prioritized.


Big Opportunity: Temporary to Permanent Residency


One of the strongest messages in this plan is clear:


Canada prefers people who are already in Canada and contributing.

IRCC will actively support:

  • International graduates

  • Skilled workers with Canadian experience

  • Tax-paying workers settled in communities

This is excellent news for those planning PR after study or work.


Permanent Resident (PR) Targets

Canada will admit 380,000 permanent residents every year from 2026 to 2028. The numbers will remain stable, not increasing.

The focus is not on quantity, but on quality and skills.


Economic immigration will make up 64% of all PR admissions by 2027 and 2028.

This includes:

  • Express Entry (FSW, CEC, Trades)

  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Atlantic Immigration Program

  • Caregiver, Agri-Food, and Community Pilots

Skilled workers are the backbone of Canada’s future immigration policy.


Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Strong Growth

PNP targets will increase slightly every year, giving provinces more control to invite workers based on local job needs.

This is a powerful pathway for:

  • Students studying in provinces

  • Workers in in-demand occupations

  • Applicants with provincial job offers


Family & Humanitarian Commitments Continue

Canada continues to value family reunification and humanitarian responsibility.

  • Family class will remain around 21–22%

  • Refugees and protected persons will make up 13%

  • Special focus on vulnerable groups and global crises

Canada remains one of the world’s most welcoming countries.

Special One-Time Measures (Very Important)


IRCC will introduce special measures to rebalance the system:

  • 115,000 protected persons will receive PR over two years

  • 33,000 temporary workers will be fast-tracked to PR in 2026–27

These steps help people already contributing to Canada settle permanently.




APJ Overseas

The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 clearly shows that Canada wants:

  • Skilled people

  • Genuine students

  • Long-term contributors

  • Sustainable immigration

If you plan smartly, Canada is still full of opportunities.

At APJ Overseas, we help you choose the right course, right pathway, and right strategy for study, work, and PR in Canada.

📞 Contact APJ Overseas today to plan your Canada journey the right way.





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