The Government of Canada has announced a major shift in immigration priorities through the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, significantly increasing allocations for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) while reducing intakes under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and study permit categories.
The goal: to rebalance the system toward permanent immigration and reduce the country’s reliance on temporary residents — a policy that aligns with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s vision of sustainable population growth and stronger regional immigration strategies.
Major Increases to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
The 2026 plan sets a target of 91,500 permanent residents through the Provincial Nominee Program — a 66% increase from the previous year’s goal of 55,000.
This expansion is great news for:
- Applicants in provincial Expression of Interest (EOI) pools awaiting nomination.
- Skilled workers in lower CRS score ranges who miss Express Entry draws.
- Workers in TEER 4 or 5 occupations (intermediate or lower-skilled roles).
- Entrepreneurs and business owners targeting provincial investor streams.
The increased allocations will allow provinces to broaden eligibility after 2024’s restrictions, ensuring regions fill labour market needs and retain international talent.
Decline in Temporary Resident Admissions
While permanent pathways grow, Canada will sharply reduce temporary visas starting in 2026:
| Category | 2025 Target | 2026 Target | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWP) | 82,000 | 60,000 | ↓ 27% |
| International Students | 305,900 | 155,000 | ↓ 49% |
| Total Temporary Residents | 673,650 | 385,000 | ↓ 43% |
The government is working to lower the share of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s population by 2027, citing concerns over housing availability, labour market stability, and overstretched provincial services.
TFWP vs. International Mobility Program (IMP): A Strategic Shift
While the TFWP target falls to 60,000, International Mobility Program (IMP) permits rise to 170,000 in 2026 — up 32% from last year’s plan.
The IMP includes LMIA-exempt work permits such as:
- Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)
- Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWP)
- International Experience Canada (IEC)
By prioritizing IMP streams, the federal government gains greater control over work permit issuances while promoting cultural exchange and economic benefit.
Impact on Students and Graduates
Canada’s tightening of study and post-study visa policies continues:
- The annual study permit target drops nearly 50% to 155,000 in 2026.
- PGWP eligibility will be restricted based on language proficiency, field of study, and institutional accreditation.
- Spousal open work permits will now only apply to spouses of doctoral, master’s, or select professional program students.
These changes mean international students must plan strategically — choosing designated learning institutions (DLIs) with PGWP-eligible programs and focusing on sectors aligned with Canada’s economic priorities.
Permanent Residence Targets Remain Stable
The overall PR target for 2026 holds steady at 380,000, with more than 63% reserved for economic immigration:
| Category | 2026 Target | 2025 Target |
|---|---|---|
| Economic (Excluding Quebec) | 239,800 | 229,750 |
| Family Reunification | 84,000 | 88,000 |
| Refugee & Humanitarian | 56,200 | 62,250 |
The government’s focus remains on economic-class immigration — encouraging long-term settlement of skilled workers and graduates already in Canada.
Why the Shift Matters
The 2026–2028 plan underscores Canada’s evolving approach:
✅ Reduce dependency on short-term international labour.
✅ Prioritize skilled immigrants ready to contribute permanently.
✅ Strengthen regional immigration through provincial control.
✅ Support economic growth while addressing housing and infrastructure strain.
This balanced strategy aims to stabilize population growth while improving integration outcomes for newcomers.
What Applicants Should Do Next
If you’re an international student, temporary worker, or Express Entry candidate:
- Explore PNP programs in provinces aligned with your skills.
- Keep track of IRCC updates on PGWP and study permit eligibility.
- Strengthen your language scores and obtain Canadian work experience to improve PR prospects.
With the right approach, 2026 could be one of the best years for transitioning from temporary to permanent residence in Canada.
