Canada’s 2026-2028 Plan Introduces New PR Pathway for Temporary Residents
Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Plan Unveils New Permanent Residency Pathway for Temporary Residents
New PR Pathway for Temporary Workers
The new pathway will probably give priority to those employed in high-demand industries and essential occupations, reflecting the government’s desire to reward those supporting Canada’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
Sharp Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Temporary Foreign Workers | 367,750 | 230,000 | ↓ 37% |
Address a More Focused Labour Strategy.
Permanent Residence Targets Remain Steady
| Immigration Class | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Class | 229,750 | 239,800 | ↑ |
| Family Reunification | 88,000 | 84,000 | ↓ |
| Refugee & Humanitarian | 62,250 | 56,200 | ↓ |
Special Provisions for Protected Persons and Remote Regions
A Recalibration, Not a Retraction
While the drastic reduction of temporary resident admissions has divided opinion, many experts have labeled it more of a “recalibration” than a reduction. Canada remains committed to maintaining an immigration system that is in balance with economic realities, housing availability, and labor market needs.
Full details of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan will be made available in the Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, due later this month.
Key Takeaways
- Up to 33,000 temporary workers will be granted PR between 2026–2027.
- Temporary resident targets to decrease by 43%, with major reductions in student and worker admissions.
- Permanent residence admissions shall remain pegged at 380,000.
- Greater emphasis on rural needs, Protected Persons, and strategic sectors.
- Canada's immigration policy is constantly developing, balancing growth and sustainability.
In the 2025-2027 framework, the federal target for the PNP (where provinces nominate immigrants) was cut significantly – e.g., set at 55,000 per year for 2025-2027, down from higher levels previously.
Key Questions for the Upcoming Plan
The commitment suggests yes, but actual numbers will reveal how strictly it is enforced.
With pressure to bring the share below 5% of the population, will student and worker permit caps tighten further?
Provinces may argue for greater allocations reflecting regional labor and demographic needs.
In particular, under Express Entry or provincial nomination, emphasizing skills, region, and language.
Housing, healthcare, and labor market absorption remain critical constraints. Reports flagged risks of population decline and housing gaps under previous levels.
Important Changes in Immigration Policy
The newly released Immigration Levels Plan doesn’t simply outline numbers- it is a calculated change in the way Canada goes about balancing the economy, demographics, and social goals. Some significant changes stand out, and they all have considerable implications for future immigrants.
1. Percentage Reduction of Temporary Resident Population
Looking Ahead
