Canada recently announced its immigration goals for the years 2026 to 2028. The policy keeps the same number of permanent residents coming in during this time. The number of temporary residents will drop significantly over the next three years.
This framework deals with big problems that affect Canadian infrastructure and public services. There needs to be less growth in housing, medical facilities, and schools. The plan carefully balances the number of people coming in with the number of jobs that need to be filled.
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Annual Goals for Permanent Residents
Canada has a set goal for the number of permanent residents it will accept each year. The goal stays at 380,000 each year from 2026 to 2028.
Year-by-Year Comparison of Permanent Admissions:
| Year | PR Admissions | Difference from 2025 | Population Growth |
| 2025 | 395,000 | Beginning point | About 1% |
| 2026 | 380,000 | 4% less | Less than 1% |
| 2027 | 380,000 | 4% lower | Less than 1% |
| 2028 | 380,000 | 4% less | Less than 1% |
How to Split Up Permanent Admissions?
Economic immigration is now the main reason for granting permanent residency in all categories. The share went up from 59% to 64%.
Allocation of Permanent Resident Categories for 2026–2028:
| Category | Annual Admissions | Percentage Share | Who is Eligible |
| Economic Programs | 240,000 | 64% | Professionals with skills, business owners, and nominees from the provinces |
| Family Sponsorship | 84,000 | 22% | Partners, spouses, children, and parents |
| Humanitarian Programs | 56,200 | 14% | Refugees and safe people |
| Total per year | 380,000 | 100% | Stable 2026–2028 |
Economic Category Details
Priority Areas Within Economic Immigration:
- Skilled professionals: Skilled professionals make up the majority of the 240,000 economic spots that are open.
- Provincial nominees: Regions get more money to help them hire people in their area.
- Business type: Includes investors and business owners looking for opportunities in Canada
- Francophone admissions: Goes up from 9% in 2026 to 10.5% in 2028, slowly
By 2028, the goal for Francophone immigration outside of Quebec is 30,000 to 35,000 people a year.
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Plan to Cut Temporary Residents
There will be huge cuts to the number of temporary residents who can get permits in all categories. Every year, there are a lot fewer study and work permits issued.
Goal: By 2027, temporary residents should make up less than 5% of the total Canadian population.
Plan for a Three-Year Reduction in Temporary Residents:
| Year | Total TR Intake | Work Permits | Study Permits | Percentage of Decrease |
| 2025 | 673,650 | 367,750 | 305,900 | Reference year |
| 2026 | 385,000 | 230,000 | 155,000 | 43% less |
| 2027 | 370,000 | 220,000 | 150,000 | 45% decrease |
| 2028 | 370,000 | 220,000 | 150,000 | 45% decrease |
Changes to the distribution of study permits
Starting in 2026, the number of international students who are accepted drops by half. Canada wants to have controlled enrollment that better matches the capacity of its institutions.
What Study Permit Targets Mean:
Annual Study Permit Numbers:
- Beginning level (2025): 305,900 permits given to students from other countries
- First year cut (2026): 155,000 permits, which is a 50% cut
- Ongoing levels (2027–2028): 150,000 permits given out every year
- Main goal: Ease the strain on housing and campus infrastructure
Changes to Work Permits and Areas of Focus
Overall, the number of work permits issued goes down by about 37% to 40%. Priority shifts toward jobs that require a lot of skill and are hard to fill.
Annual Allocations for Work Permits
Distribution of Work Permits Each Year:
- 2025 starting point: 367,750 new work permits approved
- 2026 reduced level: 230,000 work permits available
- 2027–2028 ongoing: 220,000 work permits each year
- Priority sectors: Healthcare, technology, engineering, and trades that are in high demand
Support Programs for Businesses and Regions
Help for specific sectors:
- Trade problems: Industries that are affected by tariffs get targeted help with hiring.
- Focus on geography: More help with work goes to remote and rural areas.
- Regulation changes: Temporary jobs with low pay are subject to more rules.
- Skill priorities: High-skill jobs get better processing treatment.
Programs for moving from temporary to permanent
Two big transition projects start in 2026 and 2027. These pathways speed up the process for temporary residents who meet the requirements to get permanent status.
A Look at the Transition Program 2026–2027:
| Plan Name | Available Spaces | People Who Want to Apply | Criteria for Selection |
| Work Permit Stream | Up to 33,000 | Current permit holders | Jobs that require a lot of skill, a long history, and a lack of workers |
| Protected People Stream | About 115,000 | Refugees and people who want to claim asylum | Canadian establishment and safety concerns |
| Combined Total | About 148,000 | Over two years | Processing both programs as a priority |
Route for Work Permit Holders to Move
Up to 33,000 people who currently hold work permits will get priority for permanent residence. This stream is for workers who are actively helping the Canadian economy.
Requirements for eligibility:
- Valid paperwork: You need an active work permit when you apply.
- Employment record: A long work history in Canada shows dedication.
- Occupation level: Positions with a lot of demand get first priority.
- Tax compliance: Contributions to the Canadian tax system were very important
- Program goal: Acknowledge established workers who pay taxes and help the economy
Program for Permanent Status for Protected Persons
About 115,000 refugees and claimants who meet the requirements get to stay permanently. This program helps people who can’t safely go home.
Details about the Protected Persons Program:
- Available spaces: 115,000 spots set aside for 2026-2027
- Qualifying applicants: Convention refugees and claimants who are already in Canada
- Program rationale: Recognizes the length of time spent living in the community and the fact that it is temporary
- Integration support: Helps people who are already living in Canadian communities
Conclusion
The immigration framework for Canada from 2026 to 2028 shows that the country is making steady progress in its policies. Permanent admissions continue to help the goals of population and economic growth. Temporary cuts in intake make things a lot easier on the housing and infrastructure systems. Transition programs recognize the valuable work that workers who are already doing well have done.
Economic immigration is the most important, with 64% of permanent admissions going to people who will help the economy grow. Visit our website today for professional help with your move to Canada from Abu Dhabi.
