Canada’s newest Immigration Levels Plan has officially set the tone for the next chapter of immigration policy — one that prioritizes sustainability, system integrity, and long-term success.
Released last week by the federal government, the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan outlines how Canada will balance its economic needs with growing pressures on housing, infrastructure, and public services.
The message is clear: Canada will maintain strong permanent resident targets but significantly reduce the number of new temporary residents, while introducing new permit cancellation powers to strengthen compliance and restore public confidence in the system.
Key Highlights from the 2026–2028 Immigration Plan
Permanent Residence Targets
- 380,000 new permanent residents in 2026.
- Economic immigration will grow from 59% to 64% of total admissions by 2027–28.
- Family reunification and refugee/humanitarian categories remain stable.
- Additionally, one-time initiatives will allow:
- Up to 115,000 protected persons in Canada to become permanent residents.
- Up to 33,000 temporary workers already in Canada to transition to PR.
Temporary Residence Reductions
- Targets for new temporary residents (students and workers) drop from roughly 673,000 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026, and 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
- Breakdown for 2026:
- ~230,000 new workers (170,000 under the International Mobility Program, 60,000 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program).
- ~155,000 new study permit entrants.
- Canada aims to reduce the total temporary resident population to below 5% of the national population by the end of 2027 to ensure stability and sustainability.
New Permit Cancellation Powers
- IRCC can cancel study, work, or visitor permits if an individual no longer meets eligibility or admissibility requirements.
- Bill C-12, now under consideration, would expand this power to mass cancellations or suspensions in cases of large-scale fraud or systemic risk.
What This Means for Employers and HR Professionals
Employers should expect tighter limits on new foreign worker permits under the TFWP and more emphasis on high-skill, LMIA-exempt roles under the International Mobility Program.
The focus is shifting from temporary labour fixes to long-term workforce solutions — encouraging employers to:
- Support foreign workers’ pathways to permanent residence (specifically through provincial nomination programs or other job offer based policies).
- Invest in compliance systems to avoid risk from the new cancellation powers.
- Collaborate with immigration professionals early in the recruitment process to avoid delays or ineligibility.
What This Means for Immigration Clients
For Workers and Families Already in Canada
This plan opens up meaningful opportunities for in-Canada transitions to permanent residence. Workers with established roots, tax records, and strong labour-market integration should start preparing early for transition programs in 2026–27.
For International Students
The study route remains viable, but competition will be fierce. Applicants must be strategic in their program choice, school selection, and long-term immigration planning. The government’s reduced intake targets mean institutions will be more selective and compliance expectations higher than ever.
Travelling to Canada to complete short diploma programs at private institutions may become a thing of the past. Focus on study programs that make sense with your education, experience and long-term career goals.
For Employers Hiring Foreign Talent
The new compliance framework means employers must stay vigilant. Misrepresentation, expired work permits, or role changes that don’t match the approved permit can now lead to cancellation. Proactive compliance reviews with a regulated consultant can prevent these disruptions.
Strategic Takeaways from Legacy North Immigration
- Focus on transition pathways – Help existing workers move from temporary to permanent residence through economic and provincial programs. Expecting workers to do it on their own is not a good strategy.
- Reassess study plans – The study route is no longer a guaranteed path; education needs to be a thoughtful and considered option.
- Strengthen compliance – Employers should implement internal audits for permit conditions and expiry tracking.
- Leverage Francophone immigration – French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec will represent up to 10.5% of admissions by 2028, opening new opportunities for bilingual candidates.
- Plan ahead – The government’s focus is on sustainability, not expansion. Those who plan early will thrive.
What to Watch in 2026
- Eligibility details for the 33,000 worker-to-PR transition initiative.
- Implementation of study-permit caps by institution or province.
- Enforcement trends under the new cancellation powers.
- Adjustments to provincial nominee programs (PNPs) as provinces adapt to new federal targets.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan signals a strategic reset. Canada isn’t closing its doors — it’s refining how newcomers arrive, stay, and succeed. The goal is quality over quantity: economic stability, public confidence, and long-term growth.
For employers, foreign workers, and students, this means planning smarter and staying compliant. For consultants and professionals, it means being ready to guide clients through an increasingly selective and regulated system.
Let’s Plan Your Next Steps
At Legacy North Immigration, we specialize in helping individuals and employers adapt to evolving immigration policies — from LMIAs and work permits to PR transitions and employer compliance reviews.
If you’re unsure how the 2026–2028 plan affects your pathway or workforce strategy, let’s talk.
Book a Consultation or email info@legacynorthimmigration.com to get personalized guidance on your next move.
