IRCC Releases Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028: What It Means for PR and Temporary Residents

Canada has released the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, and the message is clear: permanent resident (PR) numbers will stay high and relatively stable, while temporary resident numbers will be tightened. For people already in Canada on a study or work permit, especially in B.C., this plan could open more doors to PR. For applicants abroad, it likely means tougher competition and a greater need for strategy.

This article walks you through what changed, who is affected, and how to adjust your immigration plan—whether you’re a PGWP holder in Vancouver, a skilled worker on an LMIA, or applying for Express Entry from overseas.

What Changed?

IRCC has tabled the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan (announced in early November 2025), setting out how many new permanent residents Canada expects to welcome and how it plans to manage temporary residents.

Key themes in this levels plan:

• Stable PR targets: Canada is keeping annual permanent resident admissions high—around 380,000 per year

• Reduced temporary resident share: Ottawa is committed to lowering the proportion of temporary residents in Canada over the next few years.

• Priority for in-Canada PR transitions: People already in Canada—PGWP holders, CEC candidates, and temporary foreign workers—will remain a central focus.

• Targeted selection via Express Entry and PNPs: Category-based draws will keep focusing on priority sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture.

• Ongoing control of international student intake: Caps and attestation mechanisms for student visas will continue, tied to housing and institutional capacity.

  

In short: Canada is not closing the door to immigration, but it is shifting from “more temporary residents” to “more permanent, better-planned immigration,” with a big emphasis on people already here.

Permanent Resident Targets for 2026–2028: What’s Stable, What Could Shift

IRCC signalled that annual PR admissions will remain approximately 380,000 per year under the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, roughly in line with recent levels plans.

While detailed category breakdowns (economic, family, refugee/protected persons) come directly from the official plan, the overall direction is:

• Economic immigration remains the backbonePrograms like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will continue to receive a large share of overall spots to address Canada’s labour market needs.

• Stronger emphasis on in-Canada candidatesExpect continued preference for:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) profiles

  • PGWP holders with Canadian education and work experience

  • Temporary workers with LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt jobs

  • Candidates nominated by provinces through PNPs, including BC PNP

• Family and humanitarian streams continue, but steady rather than dramatically expanding

For you, this stability means you can plan ahead. Canada is not planning a dramatic cut to PR; instead, it is rebalancing who gets those spots and how they are selected.

Temporary Residents: Reductions, Student Caps, and Work Permit Implications

The other side of the plan is a clear push to reduce the temporary resident share of Canada’s population.

International Students

IRCC has already introduced measures like:

• Intake caps for new international students

• Attestation letters from provinces/territories confirming institutional capacity

• Closer links between study permits, housing availability, and quality of education

Under the 2026–2028 plan:

• Expect these controls to continue or tighten, not disappear.

• Institutions may have fewer spots for new students, especially in highly saturated regions or less-regulated programs.

• The focus is on quality, housing, and outcomes, not just volume.

This doesn’t mean Canada is closing to students, but new international student cohorts will be smaller and more controlled. At the same time, recent graduates already in Canada may benefit from increased emphasis on in-Canada PR transitions.

Temporary Foreign Workers and Other Temporary Residents

For workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP), the federal direction is to:

• Control the number and duration of work permits

• Look more closely at extensions

• Increase compliance scrutiny for employers

• Encourage transition to PR where appropriate

If you are on a work permit, this likely means:

• Less certainty about long-term renewals

• More pressure to move to PR as soon as you qualify

• Employers needing to plan earlier and better—possibly using PNP or other PR pathways to retain you

Express Entry and Category-Based Draws: Priorities and CRS Outlook

Under the 2026–2028 levels plan, Express Entry remains a primary tool to manage economic immigration, but with continued emphasis on category-based selection.

Expected Priorities

IRCC has indicated it will continue focusing on:

• Healthcare occupations (nurses, physicians, allied health)

• STEM occupations (tech, engineering, sciences)

• Skilled trades and construction

• Transport (truck drivers, transit, logistics)

• Agriculture and agri-food

These align closely with Canada’s economic needs and will shape Express Entry 2026 outlook and beyond.

What About CRS Scores?

The levels plan doesn’t set CRS cut-offs, and it’s important not to guess exact scores. But we can speak to the direction:

• More category-based draws mean:

  • Some candidates in priority occupations could get invitations with lower CRS scores than in all-program draws.

  • Others outside those categories may face higher CRS cut-offs in the fewer general draws that remain.

• If IRCC continues to favour in-Canada profiles, CEC and PGWP holders may benefit, while FSW/O candidates abroad may need higher CRS and stronger profiles to compete.

The main takeaway: Your occupation, Canadian experience, and provincial ties matter more than ever, not just your raw CRS score.

BC PNP and Regional Impacts: Who Benefits in B.C.’s Priority Sectors

For people in British Columbia, the BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) is a key pathway—and it’s likely to become even more strategic under this plan.

With stable national PR targets and a push to match immigration with regional labour market needs, provinces like B.C. can:

• Advocate for robust PNP allocations to fill shortages in critical sectors

• Fine-tune their draws to prioritize occupations that match both federal and provincial priorities

In B.C., that typically means:

• Healthcare: nurses, allied health professionals, care aides, and other medical staff

• Tech: software developers, IT managers, systems analysts (e.g., BC PNP Tech-like streams)

• Construction and trades: electricians, plumbers, carpenters, heavy equipment operators

• Hospitality and tourism in some regions, depending on local needs

If you’re working in one of these sectors in B.C. on a PGWP, LMIA-based work permit, or LMIA-exempt permit, the levels plan suggests BC PNP will remain a strong, and perhaps strengthened, option.

Who Is Affected?

In-Canada Candidates (PGWP, CEC, LMIA Holders)

You are front and centre in this levels plan.

• PGWP holders and recent graduates:

  • More attention to in-Canada PR transitions is good news.

  • Canadian education + Canadian work experience remains a very strong combination.

• CEC candidates in Express Entry:

  • Likely to benefit from ongoing use of CEC and category-based draws.

• LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt workers:

  • You may be favoured through both Express Entry and BC PNP if you’re in an in-demand occupation.

International Students (Future and Current)

• Future students:

  • Caps and attestation requirements mean getting an offer and study permit may be more competitive, especially in popular programs.

• Current students and recent graduates:

  • While new intakes are controlled, those already in Canada may find better PR opportunities through in-Canada pathways.

Applicants Outside Canada (FSW/O and Others)

If you’re applying from abroad under FSW/O or other economic streams, you may face:

• Increased competition for a smaller share of PR spots if more spaces go to in-Canada transitions

• A greater need for:

  • Higher CRS scores

  • Strong language results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)

  • Canadian job offers and PNP nominations to stand out

Employers Using TFWP/IMP

For Canadian employers—especially in B.C.:

• Tighter rules for temporary residents mean you may have:

  • A harder time relying solely on temporary work permits

  • More scrutiny on LMIA applications and compliance

• On the positive side, you can:

  • Use PR pathways (Express Entry + PNP) to retain valuable workers long-term

  • Position yourself as an employer of choice by supporting PR for existing staff

Key Details You Need to Know

• Annual PR levels: Stable at about 500,000 new permanent residents per year under the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028.

• Temporary resident share: Federal goal is to reduce the share of temporary residents in Canada’s total population over several years.

• Selection tools:

  • Express Entry remains central, with category-based draws targeting priority fields.

  • PNPs, including BC PNP, continue as key tools to address regional labour needs.

• International student policy:

  • Caps and attestation remain in place.

  • Focus on housing, institutional capacity, and outcomes.

Why This Matters Now

This levels plan is not just a policy document—it directly affects:

• Processing trends: More priority for in-Canada applicants and targeted sectors can shift how quickly different profiles get invitations.

• Draw patterns: More category-based Express Entry draws and targeted PNP rounds mean not all occupations are treated equally.

• Program choices:

  • Staying in or coming to Canada as a temporary resident without a PR strategy is becoming riskier.

  • Applicants who plan early and align with priority sectors have a clear advantage.

For people in B.C. and across Canada, these changes underscore:

• The importance of timing (especially for PGWP and expiring work permits)

• The value of provincial ties and in-demand occupations

• The need for professional planning, not just hoping for a low CRS cut-off

How This Affects Your Immigration Plan

If You’re in Canada on a PGWP or as a CEC Candidate

This plan generally favours you, but only if you act strategically:

• Don’t wait until your PGWP is close to expiring to think about PR.

• Build your Express Entry profile early, once eligible.

• Improve language scores to boost CRS.

• Consider BC PNP if you’re working in B.C., especially in priority sectors.

If You’re a Temporary Worker (LMIA or LMIA-Exempt)

With tighter management of temporary residents:

• Expect more scrutiny on extensions and duration limits.

• Use your time in Canada to:

  • Gain Canadian work experience relevant to Express Entry and BC PNP

  • Strengthen language proficiency and education

  • Explore provincial nomination options

• Encourage your employer to support a PR strategy rather than relying on indefinite renewals.

If You’re Applying from Outside Canada

You may need a more aggressive strategy:

• Maximize CRS score:

  • Higher language scores

  • Educational credential assessments (ECAs)

  • Spousal points (if applicable)

• Target category-based draws:

  • Focus on priority occupations like healthcare, STEM, trades, and transport.

• Consider ways to build Canadian connections:

  • Job offers

  • PNP pathways

  • Study plans aligned with realistic PR outcomes (bearing in mind the student caps)

What You Should Do Next

1. Assess Your Current Position

• Are you in Canada on a PGWP, work permit, or study permit?

• Are you abroad but in a priority occupation?

• Do you have ties to B.C. (job offer, work experience, study, family)?

Understanding your starting point is critical.

2. Map Out Your PR Pathway

Depending on your situation, this might include:

• Express Entry (CEC or FSW)

• BC PNP (for those with B.C. connections)

• Employer-backed pathways where a job offer or LMIA can strengthen your case

3. Upgrade Your Profile

Given the direction of the 2026–2028 plan, focus on:

• Language scores: Aim for CLB 9 or higher where possible.

• Canadian work experience: Stay in eligible occupations where you gain high-value experience.

• Occupation alignment: If feasible, position yourself in one of the priority categories IRCC and B.C. are targeting.

4. Don’t Wait Until Your Status Is About to Expire

If your PGWP or work permit expires in 2026 or 2027, you are directly affected by this plan’s timelines:

• Start planning at least 12–18 months in advance.

• Consider backup routes (PNP, employer support, bridging work permits) where available.

5. Get Professional Advice

With more moving pieces—PR targets, student caps, temporary resident reductions, category-based draws—DIY strategies are riskier. A tailored plan can make the difference between a smooth transition to PR and finding yourself out of options.

At Ansari Immigration in Vancouver, we specialize in helping:

• PGWP holders and CEC candidates

• BC PNP applicants

• Employers and foreign workers

navigate exactly these kinds of changes.

FAQ: Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028

1. Are PR targets changing under the 2026–2028 levels plan?

IRCC has signalled that annual permanent resident admissions will remain stable, around 500,000 per year. Instead of big changes to the total number of PR spots, the focus is on who gets those spots—with more emphasis on in-Canada candidates and priority occupations through Express Entry and PNPs.

2. Will CRS cut-offs go up or down with more category-based draws?

It depends on your situation. Category-based draws can result in lower CRS cut-offs for candidates in targeted occupations (like healthcare, STEM, trades), but may mean higher or more competitive cut-offs in the fewer general/all-program draws. Overall, occupation, Canadian experience, and provincial ties will matter more than just your raw CRS number.

3. How does this plan impact international students and PGWP holders?

For new international students, caps and attestation requirements will continue to limit intake, making it more competitive to start studies in Canada. For current students and PGWP holders, the plan is more positive: IRCC is clearly prioritizing in-Canada PR transitions, so your Canadian education and work experience can be a strong advantage—if you plan your Express Entry or PNP strategy early.

4. What should I do if my work permit is expiring in 2026?

If your PGWP or work permit expires in 2026, you should act now:

• Check if you’re already eligible for Express Entry (CEC or FSW).

• Explore BC PNP or other PNP options, especially if you’re in an in-demand occupation.

• Talk to your employer about supporting your PR or an LMIA if needed.

• Get professional advice on options like bridging open work permits (if applicable) and other temporary options while your PR application is in process.

5. How will BC PNP change under the new plan?

The levels plan supports provinces in tailoring immigration to local needs. For BC PNP, that likely means continued—and possibly expanded—focus on priority sectors such as healthcare, tech, and skilled trades. While specific allocations and streams are set by the province, the federal plan reinforces the importance of PNPs, so B.C.-based workers and graduates remain well-positioned.

6. Is it harder to get PR from outside Canada under this plan?

For many out-of-country applicants, it may become more challenging, because:

• IRCC is prioritizing in-Canada PR transitions.

• A greater share of PR spots may go to people with Canadian experience or provincial ties.

However, strong candidates abroad can still succeed—especially in priority occupations and with high CRS scores, job offers, or PNP nominations. The key is to build a competitive profile and, if possible, create a clear connection to a province like B.C.

If you’re unsure how the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 affects your situation, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Book a consultation with Ansari Immigration in Vancouver to review your profile, explore Express Entry and BC PNP options, and design a clear PR strategy before policy changes or status expiry limit your choices.