On November 4, 2025, Canada unveiled its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, outlining a balanced approach that focuses on steady economic immigration growth while moderating temporary resident inflows.
The plan has been released as part of the 2025 federal budget. The plan confirms a consistent intake of 380,000 permanent residents annually over the next three years, as we predicted in our October analysis article.
This announcement provides crucial predictability for prospective immigrants, Canadian employers, and communities. It signals a period of stability and strategic refinement in Canada’s immigration system, ensuring it continues to fuel economic growth while managing pressures on housing and infrastructure.
Immigration Levels Plan 2026: Key Figures At A Glance
The government is maintaining its commitment to immigration as a key driver of Canada’s future, with a clear and steady target:
· 2026: 380,000 permanent residents
· 2027: 380,000 permanent residents
· 2028: 380,000 permanent residents
This three-year plan provides a stable foundation for long-term planning, contrasting with the more significant year-over-year increases seen in previous plans.
What The Plan Signals
The 2026-2028 Levels Plan is more than just numbers; it’s a statement of intent. Here are the key takeaways:
- A Focus on Stability: After years of increasing targets, this plan indicates a “steady-as-she-goes” approach, allowing the system to integrate newcomers effectively.
- Economic Immigration is King: The core of the plan continues to be economic immigration, with programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) receiving strong support to address labour market needs.
- Managing Temporary Residence: The plan is explicitly linked to efforts to moderate the number of temporary residents in Canada. This creates a more balanced overall migration system and addresses public concerns about rapid population growth.
- Long-Term Planning: By setting a three-year trajectory, the government provides certainty for provinces, territories, and employers to plan their own workforce and settlement strategies.
New Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028: Category-By-Category Breakdown
While the overall number is stable, the distribution across immigration categories reveals the government’s priorities. The majority of spots are consistently allocated to economic programs.
Category 2026 Target 2027 Target 2028 Target Focus
Economic + 250,000+ ~ 250,000+ ~ 250,000+ Express Entry, PNPs, Business, Caregivers, etc.
Family ~ 100,000+ ~ 100,000+ ~ 100,000+ Spouses, Partners, Children, Parents & Grandparents
Refugees & Humanitarian ~ 80,000 ~ 80,000 ~ 80,000 Resettled refugees, protected persons, and other humanitarian streams
Note: Exact figures for sub-categories will be detailed in the official government release. The above reflects the proportional breakdown seen in recent years.
Key Economic Program Highlights:
· Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Will remain a cornerstone, allowing provinces to select immigrants who meet their specific local economic needs.
· Express Entry: Targets for Federal High Skilled workers (including the Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Worker Program) will be maintained, with a continued focus on candidates with specific in-demand skills, French proficiency, and STEM backgrounds.
Implications
What does this mean for you?
· For Skilled Workers: Competition for spots, particularly in popular Express Entry draws, will remain high. Having a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, a provincial nomination, or skills in a targeted sector will be more advantageous than ever.
· For Prospective Students: The link to managing temporary residents underscores the importance of having a solid long-term plan. Studying in Canada remains a strong pathway, but students should be strategic about their program choice and post-graduation work plans.
· For Families: The stable targets for family sponsorship provide reassurance that the government remains committed to family reunification, with consistent processing times expected for spousal and parent sponsorships.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does this mean it’s getting harder to immigrate to Canada? A: Not necessarily harder, but more strategic. The focus is on selecting the right candidates for Canada’s economic needs. Having a clear profile, strong credentials, and professional guidance is increasingly important.
Q: Why are the targets not increasing? A: The government is balancing the need for skilled workers with the capacity to welcome and settle newcomers successfully, including considerations for housing, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Q: How does this affect the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)? A: The PGP falls under the Family Class targets, which remain stable. This suggests the popular program will continue at its current levels, likely with a similar lottery or interest-to-sponsor system.
Q: When should I start my application? A: The best time to start is now. A stable levels plan means the system is predictable. Preparing a strong application ahead of time positions you to submit as soon as you are eligible.
Plan Your Canadian Future with Confidence
The new Immigration Levels Plan provides a clear map for Canada’s future. Understanding how you fit into this plan is the first step to a successful application.
At Extreme Performance Travel Consult, we do more than book flights; we help you navigate your journey to a new life. Our immigration specialists are here to help you:
· Determine Your Best Pathway: Analyze your profile against the 2026-2028 targets to find your optimal immigration program.
· Strengthen Your Application: From Express Entry profiles to PNP applications, we ensure your submission stands out.
· Navigate the Process: We provide end-to-end support, keeping you informed and prepared at every step.
Your dream of living in Canada is within reach. Let us help you make it a reality under this new, stable immigration plan.
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