How IRCC’s latest Immigration Levels Plan benefits candidates in Canada
Focus on Transitioning Temporary Residents to Permanent Residence in Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is placing a strong emphasis on transitioning temporary residents in Canada to permanent residency status. Although there is no specific “In Canada focus” admission category in this year’s Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC is prioritizing permanent residency for those already living and settled in Canada.
According to Immigration Minister Lena Diab, the goal is to reduce the number of new arrivals to the country and focus on individuals who are already in Canada and possess the necessary skills and experience for permanent residency.
The Immigration Level Plan 2026-2028 outlines a strategy that sets goals for both temporary and permanent residents, with a particular emphasis on facilitating the transition to permanent residence for those already in Canada.
Maintaining High Express Entry Allocations
Despite a slight decrease in federal admission targets for highly educated individuals from 124,680 in 2025 to 109,000 in 2026, the numbers are set to increase to 111,000 in 2027 and 2028. The Express Entry system remains a popular route for individuals in Canada to transition to permanent residency, with 64% of PR admissions in 2026 allocated to economic immigration.
The Canadian experience class (CEC) program, which requires prior Canadian work experience for eligibility, may benefit from larger draws in 2026, aligning with IRCC’s objective of transitioning eligible temporary residents to permanent residents.
Significant Increases to Provincial Nominee Programs
The admission goal for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) has seen a substantial increase from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, with further increases expected in 2027 and 2028. PNPs provide a pathway for work and study permit holders in Canada to transition to permanent residency, with specialized streams targeting candidates with ties to specific provinces.
Provinces have been given more flexibility to nominate a greater number of temporary residents already in Canada, reflecting IRCC’s focus on facilitating the transition to permanent residency for individuals settled in specific provinces.
One-Time Policies for 2026 and 2027
IRCC plans to implement two one-time initiatives over the next two years to accelerate the transition of up to 33,000 foreign workers already in Canada to permanent residency and grant PR status to up to 115,000 protected persons recognized by IRCC and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).
These initiatives aim to integrate individuals into the Canadian economy while upholding the country’s humanitarian obligations. The admission of protected persons is separate from the PR objectives outlined in the IRCC’s Levels Plan.
