Taking a New Approach to Immigration
Canada is shifting gears when it comes to immigration. The newly published Immigration Levels Plan 2026‑2028 by IRCC outlines a more focused, calibrated approach to managing immigration — one that puts labour-market needs, economic growth and community sustainability front and centre.
Whether you’re a temporary worker, a student, someone already in Canada with an eye on permanent residence, or an employer looking for talent — this plan has implications that you need to understand.
What’s Changing — Key Highlights of the Plan
Here’s a breakdown of the major changes you should know about:
Temporary Resident Arrivals
For 2026, IRCC targets 385,000 new temporary resident arrivals (which include both students and temporary workers) — a substantial reduction compared to previous years.
For 2027 and 2028, the plan sets targets of 370,000 new temporary residents each year (range 360,000–380,000).
Of the 2026 total:
Workers (both under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)) are targeted at 230,000.
Students: 155,000 for 2026.
These targets reflect the government’s objective of reducing the non-permanent resident (NPR) population to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by end of 2027.
Permanent Resident Admissions
The overall target for permanent resident admissions is 380,000 each year from 2026 through 2028.
The economic category will account for 64% of all permanent resident admissions in 2027 and 2028 — the highest proportion in decades.
A stronger emphasis on the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For 2026, the PNP target is slated at 91,500, up from 55,000 under the previous plan.
Other notable shifts:
The number for the humanitarian & compassionate category drops to approximately 1,100 admissions in 2026.
The target for the (federal) business immigration programs is being cut to around 500 admissions (about half of previous levels).
The Express Entry target drops to 109,000 for 2026 and IRCC will no longer break down separately the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) vs category-based draws.
One-Time Initiatives
In addition to the standard targets, the government has put in place two special measures over a two-year period (2026 & 2027):
Up to 115,000 eligible protected persons (already recognized under Canada’s protection system) will be granted permanent resident status. These are in addition to the usual permanent resident targets.
Up to 33,000 skilled temporary workers (already living and working in Canada, especially in rural/remote or key sectors) will be fast-tracked to permanent residence. Also in addition to the standard targets.
What This Means for You – and What You Should Do
Here’s how to interpret this plan (and how we at Pivot North Immigration can help you navigate it):
For Temporary Workers & Students
If you’re currently on a work permit or study permit (or planning to obtain one), the lowered intake of new arrivals means the environment is getting more competitive. Some implications:
Study permit and post-graduation pathways may become more selective (given fewer new student arrivals).
Transitioning from temporary status to permanent residence will increasingly depend on being in a high-priority economic sector or having skills that align with labour-market gaps.
Already being in Canada may offer advantages, especially with the one-time initiative for skilled workers.
What you should do:
Engage with a qualified immigration advisor (like Pivot North Immigration) early to assess your current status and planning horizon.
If you’re a student, align your program of study with labour-market needs (skilled trades, health care, emerging technologies) so that you increase your eligibility for pathways to permanent residence.
If you’re a temporary worker, ensure your employer, job duties and permits are solid and that your eventual transition to PR is part of your roadmap.
For Permanent Residence Applicants
With the overall PR target stabilized (not sharply increasing) and more emphasis placed on economic immigration, here’s what to keep in mind:
The “traditional” route via Express Entry (especially for candidates outside of Canada) may become more selective, since more weight is being placed on PNP and those already in Canada.
The increased quota for PNPs (91,500 in 2026) presents an opportunity for candidates who are eligible via provincial nomination.
For family-class, humanitarian, business-class applicants: the reductions in some program quotas mean longer wait times or more limited openings — you’ll need a realistic timeline and backup plan.
Being proactive and keeping your profile current (language scores, work experience, NOC alignment) will matter even more in this environment.
What you should do:
Evaluate which immigration stream suits you best, given your profile (skills, job offer, provincial ties, etc.).
For PNP-eligible candidates: start discussions with provinces early, especially if you have relationships, a job offer or work history in a particular province.
Work with your RCIC (that’s us!) to stay updated on any draw changes or criteria shifts.
Prepare contingency options: if one path becomes less viable (e.g., business or humanitarian), identify alternative streams.
For Employers / Key Sectors
Since the Plan emphasizes labour-market gaps and key sectors (emerging technologies, health care, skilled trades, rural/remote communities), employers will need to adjust:
If you rely on temporary foreign workers (TFWP/IMP), anticipate tighter quotas and more scrutiny — ensure labour market impact assessments (LMIA) and job offers are robust.
Plan mid- to long-term: pool of available workers may shrink, so upskilling, retention and leveraging immigration-friendly programs will be critical.
Engagement with provincial nomination streams (PNPs) may offer a more stable path to fill vacancies.
What you should do:
Develop workforce planning that aligns with federal priorities (key sectors, skilled trades, rural/remote).
Connect with immigration consultants to explore employer-sponsored nomination possibilities.
Stay abreast of labour‐market announcements and NOC updates, because changes in eligible occupations may respond to this plan.
Why This Shift Matters
The government’s emphasis on “where immigration delivers the greatest impact” (labour gaps, key sectors, sustaining communities) signals a move away from large volume broad-based intake toward more targeted, measurable outcomes.
By reducing the number of new temporary residents and stabilizing permanent resident admissions, Canada aims to ease pressure on housing, infrastructure and services while strengthening the domestic workforce.
For immigrants and prospective immigrants, it means that quality, alignment and strategic fit will increasingly matter — your profile needs to match the labour-market and economic priorities of Canada, not just generic eligibility.
For Canada’s economy and communities, the increased role of PNPs reinforces the importance of provincial/territorial collaboration and local economic development.
What to Do Next
If you or someone you know is planning to study in Canada, work temporarily, or transition to permanent residence — don’t wait. The landscape is shifting. At Pivot North Immigration, we’re here to help you navigate this new era of Canadian immigration.
Here’s your next step:
Book a consultation with our RCIC-led team to review your profile (education, work experience, language ability, location) and map out a tailored plan under the 2026-2028 Levels Plan environment.
Stay current: Follow us on social media for regular updates, insights and practical tips as IRCC implements new measures, draws and pathways.
Prepare early: If you’re a student or worker looking to transition to permanent residence, start gathering documents (job offers, language results, work experience) now — when rules tighten, early preparation makes a difference.
Book your consultation today to secure your spot and strategy, or email info@pivotnorthimmigration.ca.
Final Thoughts
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan marks a clear pivot by Canada — fewer new temporary arrivals, stabilized permanent residence numbers, stronger emphasis on economic impact, and concrete one-time initiatives to support those already contributing on the ground.
For applicants, students, workers, employers and provinces alike, the message is: prepare early, align with labour-market priorities, and strategize with an advisor who understands the system. At Pivot North Immigration, we are ready to help you navigate this changing environment — let’s map your pathway together.
Ready to get started? Book your consultation today and take proactive steps rather than reacting to change.