Canada Immigration Update 2026–2028: Pathways, Opportunities, and What You Need to Know
Canada has long been a top destination for people seeking safety, education, employment, and a better life. From skilled workers and international students to refugees and those needing protection, newcomers have been central to Canada’s growth and prosperity.
As the country adapts to recent pressures on housing, healthcare, and education, the government is introducing a series of updates to its immigration strategy to ensure a sustainable, fair, and economically focused system.
Whether you are a skilled worker, temporary resident, student, or researcher, understanding these updates is essential to planning your Canadian immigration journey.
Understanding the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan
In recent years, Canada has experienced unprecedented growth in temporary residents, with the population of foreign workers, international students, and other temporary arrivals increasing faster than the country could accommodate.
By 2024, temporary residents accounted for 7.5% of Canada’s population, up from just 3.3% in 2018. The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, announced as part of Budget 2025, aims to stabilize permanent resident targets at 380,000 per year while focusing on economic immigration.
At the same time, the plan reduces temporary resident admissions to more manageable levels:
2026: 385,000
2027: 370,000
2028: 370,000
This includes both temporary foreign workers and international students, with new arrivals expected to decline compared to 2025.
What You Need to Know
The federal government has outlined ambitious yet sustainable immigration targets over the next three years:
Permanent Residency (PR) Targets: 380,000 PR admissions annually from 2026–2028, with 64% focused on economic immigration.
Temporary Resident Targets: 385,000 in 2026 (down from 673,650 in 2025), including:
International students: 155,000
Temporary foreign workers: 230,000
Transition to PR for Work Permit Holders: Up to 33,000 temporary foreign workers can transition to PR over 2026–2027.
Protected Persons: Eligible individuals in Canada will be granted permanent residency over the next two years, ensuring integration and access to services.
Regional & Sectoral Considerations: Policies will prioritize sectors affected by tariffs and the unique needs of rural and remote communities.
These measures aim to stabilize admissions, restore system efficiency, and maintain Canada’s compassionate approach to immigration.
International Students: Opportunities and Changes
Canada continues to welcome international students, but recent policy changes and system limits have significantly reduced admissions. From January to August 2025, the federal government issued only 89,430 study permits, just 29% of the 305,900 annual target. Overall, international student admissions declined by 70% compared to the same period in 2024. These reductions reflect measures to manage system capacity and resources, including:
· Caps on study permit applications
· Restrictions on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility for certain programs
· Language test requirements for PGWPs
· Limits on spousal open work permits
Looking ahead, the 2026 Immigration Levels Plan sets a target of 155,000 international student admissions, a 49% reduction from 2025, while still supporting pathways to gain Canadian work experience and transition to permanent residency.
Note: These changes, along with stricter eligibility rules and program caps, mean that obtaining a study permit will be more competitive and challenging. Students will need to carefully meet all requirements to maximize their chances of approval.
Initiatives like the International Talent Attraction Strategy and the Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund continue to help students integrate into the workforce and build long-term careers in Canada.
Express Entry Trends: Insights for Skilled Workers
Recent data from Express Entry draws in 2024–2025 reveal important patterns for prospective immigrants:
Work Experience Matters: While Canadian work experience is valuable, foreign experience is equally important. Over one-third of ITA recipients in 2024 had no Canadian work experience, but virtually all had relevant foreign experience.
Program Highlights (2024 ITAs):
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): 26,500 ITAs
French-language proficiency: 23,000 ITAs (lowest CRS cutoff at 409 points)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): 15,483 ITAs (highest CRS cutoff at 725 points)
Occupational Trends: IT, STEM, healthcare, and administrative roles were most commonly invited, though human capital factors (education, age, language skills) often outweigh specific occupation requirements.
Top Countries of Citizenship: India, Cameroon, Nigeria, China, and the Philippines lead, reflecting the growing impact of French-language draws and global diversity initiatives.
Tip: Combining foreign and Canadian work experience, gaining French-language proficiency, and maximizing education and skills can improve your CRS score and likelihood of receiving an ITA.
New Programs and Initiatives (2025)
Canada is also launching several new programs and measures to attract global talent and make immigration pathways more accessible:
1. Accelerated Pathway for H-1B Visa Holders
Designed to attract top international professionals impacted by the U.S. H-1B fee changes.
Focuses on sectors such as healthcare, research, advanced technology, and innovation.
2. International Talent Attraction Strategy
Goal: Recruit 1,000+ highly qualified researchers to Canada.
Investments include:
$1 billion for Research Chairs over 13 years
$400 million for research infrastructure and equipment
$133.6 million to relocate PhD students and postdoctoral fellows
$120 million to recruit international assistant professors
3. Foreign Credential Recognition Action Fund
$97 million over five years to improve foreign credential recognition, especially in healthcare and construction.
Enables internationally trained professionals to enter the workforce more efficiently.
4. Transition to PR for Temporary Residents
Up to 33,000 work permit holders will have the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in 2026–2027.
Focuses on candidates with strong community ties, tax contributions, and work experience.
5. PR for Protected Persons
Eligible individuals currently in Canada will be granted permanent residency, allowing full integration and access to Canadian services.
Strategic Considerations for Immigrants
To maximize your chances in the evolving immigration landscape:
Optimize Work Experience: Leverage both Canadian and international work experience.
Consider French-Language Proficiency: French draws provide lower CRS thresholds and unique opportunities.
Monitor New Programs: Researchers, H-1B visa holders, and temporary residents should explore targeted initiatives.
Stay Updated: Official updates will follow the 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s immigration landscape is evolving, with new policies, reduced temporary resident targets, and targeted programs shaping who can study, work, and settle in the country. For prospective immigrants, international students, and temporary workers, this means careful planning, informed decisions, and strategic action are more important than ever. By understanding the latest Immigration Levels Plan, emerging pathways to permanent residency, and the changes to study and work programs, applicants can position themselves for success. With the right guidance and preparation, Canada’s doors remain open to those ready to contribute, innovate, and build a future in one of the world’s most welcoming and dynamic countries.
About the Author: Lauren Shannan is a Senior Immigration Consultant with 10 years of experience helping foreign nationals navigate their journey in Canada. With her extensive knowledge of immigration processes and policies, Lauren provides valuable insights to those looking to make Canada their new home.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized advice, please consult with a licensed immigration professional.