Canada has shared its new Immigration Plan for 2026–2028. This plan includes some important updates for people who want to study, work, or live in Canada. The government will reduce the number of new applicants and set clear goals to balance jobs, housing, and public services. Here’s a simple guide to the main changes and what they mean for students, workers, and those planning to become permanent residents.
1. Permanent Resident Targets Reduced
The main change in Canada’s new immigration plan is a lower number of people getting permanent residency each year. From 2026 to 2028, Canada plans to welcome about 380,000 new permanent residents yearly. This is less than before — for example, 465,000 in 2024 — showing that Canada wants to manage immigration at a steady pace.
About 64% of these spots will be for economic immigrants, meaning skilled workers, tradespeople, and professionals who help the country’s economy. This shows that Canada will keep focusing on bringing in qualified people through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
2. New Temporary Resident Limits Introduced
The new 2025 immigration rules reduce the number of students and temporary workers allowed:
- 385,000 in 2026
- 370,000 in 2027 and 2028
This is much lower than the 2025 target of over 673,000.
These numbers include people coming through programs like
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
- International Student Program (ISP)
The goal is to keep temporary residents below 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027. This will help balance housing, healthcare, and other services.
3. One-Time Programs for Permanent Residency
4. Economic Immigration Takes Priority
Economic immigration continues to be at the core of the new Canada immigration plan for PR. Programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and Provincial Nominee Program will receive most of the allocations.
The focus will remain on attracting people with in-demand skills in sectors such as healthcare, construction, technology, and agriculture. Employers across provinces will benefit from workers who can fill long-term gaps in the labor market.
5. Family and Humanitarian Streams Remain Stable
6. Strengthening Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec
- Another important part of the plan is to bring more French-speaking immigrants to areas outside Quebec.
- Canada wants 10.5% of new immigrants to be French-speaking by 2028 and up to 12% by 2029. This will help grow French-speaking communities in provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and New Brunswick.
- For French-speaking applicants, this means more chances to live and work in provinces that want to expand their bilingual workforce and cultural diversity.
7. What Students and Temporary Workers Should Know
- The purpose of your study or job
- Financial readiness
- Genuine intent to comply with visa conditions
8. What Employers and Institutions Should Expect
Employers and education providers will also see some impact. The lower intake targets mean:
- More careful recruitment aligned with long-term needs
- Focus on retention of skilled workers already in Canada
- Improved student support systems at universities and colleges
Institutions may need to adjust their international enrollment goals while continuing to attract qualified, well-prepared students.
9. A Shift Toward Sustainable Growth
The 2026–2028 Canada Immigration Plan is not about cutting immigration—it’s about a better balance. Canada is still open to students, skilled workers, and families, but now with a focus on quality, stability, and sustainability.
The 2025 immigration rules are designed to help communities grow without putting too much pressure on housing and public services.
If you plan to apply, make sure you stay updated and visit Western Overseas to get expert help for your immigration journey.
