Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan: What It Means for Work Permit Holders and Permanent Residence
Canada has unveiled its new immigration strategy through the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, announced alongside the federal Budget 2025. This plan signals important shifts in policy, particularly for temporary work permit holders, international students, and those targeting permanent residence.
Key Components of the Plan
Here are the major highlights of the plan affecting applicants and holders of temporary status:
A one-time initiative will allow up to 33,000 temporary workers who are already living and working in Canada to transition to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027.
The overall permanent resident (PR) admissions target will remain stable at 380,000 per year from 2026 through 2028.
The share of admissions focused on the economic class will increase from approximately 59% previously to 64%, indicating a stronger emphasis on skilled workers.
Temporary resident admission targets will be reduced significantly, such as overall temporary entries dropping to about 385,000 in 2026, compared to 673,650 in 2025.
The international student intake target will shrink to about 155,000 in 2026, nearly a 50% reduction from the 2025 target of 305,900.
What This Means for Work Permit Holders
If you currently hold a work permit in Canada, or plan to apply, the following aspects are especially relevant:
The new program to transition up to 33,000 work permits holders to permanent residence means that workers who are already established in Canada’s labour market and meet criteria may receive a streamlined route to permanent residence. This is particularly important for those in key sectors, those with strong community ties, and those contributing economically.
This shift underscores the government’s aim to retain talent already in Canada, rather than rely solely on newcomers arriving from abroad.
If you intend to transition to permanent residence, now is the time to ensure your profile shows Canadian work experience, compliant status, and skill alignment with Canada’s priorities.
How Applicants Can Respond: Strategic Steps
To make the most of this shift and strengthen your immigration prospects, consider the following actions:
Document your Canadian work and contributions: If you hold a work permit, keep records of your employment, wages, community involvement, and any provincial/territorial ties.
Ensure you meet eligibility criteria ahead of time: While full pathway details are still forthcoming, preparing your immigration profile now, including language scores, skilled work experience, compliant status, could give you a head-start.
Monitor sector priorities: With economic class immigration rising in priority, aligning your skills with in-demand fields (e.g., tech, healthcare, trades, French language proficiency) may improve your chances.
Stay informed of pathway announcements: While the pathway for up to 33,000 workers is confirmed, specific programs or application portals will be released. Being ready means you can act fast.
Consider provincial nominee programs (PNPs): PNPs remain a strong route for many applicants, especially as provinces tailor streams to labour-market needs and local economic priorities.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s 2026–2028 immigration strategy reflects a shift toward a strategic, sustainable, and retention-oriented model. For temporary workers already in Canada, the new one-time pathway to permanent residence represents a major opportunity but one that requires preparation and awareness.
If you are currently working on a permit in Canada and exploring permanent residence options, now is the time to consult an immigration professional who can help you plan your next steps, align with policy changes, and position yourself for the transition.
To learn more information or seek legal advice, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced law firm at rharding@hardingimmigrationlaw.com or book a consultation here.
