Canada announces new Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028

On November 4th, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028, marking a new phase in the country’s immigration strategy. The message is clear: Canada wants more permanent residents and boost economy!

In 2026, the government plans to admit around 380,000 new permanent residents each year. Of these, approximately 240,000 will come through economic streams, such as skilled worker programs and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This represents 64% of total immigration, an increase of nearly 60% compared to 2025. For 2027 and 2028, the projection remains stable, with around 245,000 new economic immigrants per year.

Another key highlight is the specific target for French-speaking immigrants: the plan reserves 30,267 spots for individuals who speak French, as part of Canada’s effort to strengthen Francophone communities outside Quebec.

Beyond the economic class, the plan also maintains 84,000 spots for the Family Class (family reunification) and 56,200 for refugees and other humanitarian categories.

But perhaps the most striking part of the announcement is the significant reduction in temporary residents, which includes international students and foreign workers. The government aims to cut that number from 673,000 to around 385,000 in 2026, and to about 370,000 in the following years.

Within this group, the biggest changes will affect Work Permits and Study Permits. The number of work permits is expected to drop from 367,000 to 230,000, while new study permits will be drastically reduced — from 305,000 to 155,000 in 2026, and around 150,000 per year between 2027 and 2028.

According to the government, the goal is to prioritize permanent immigration, reducing dependence on temporary programs and ensuring that newcomers have a clearer, more structured path to stay in Canada long-term.

For those dreaming of building a life in Canada, this new scenario reinforces the importance of planning ahead and choosing the right strategy. Permanent residence programs such as Express Entry and the PNP are expected to become even more relevant in the coming years.

At e-Visa, we closely follow every update in Canadian immigration policy to ensure our clients are always one step ahead. If you don’t have a solid immigration plan yet, now is the time to take action.

Book a consultation with our team and discover the best path for your profile — because in Canada’s new immigration landscape, every week counts.