Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, rolled out by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), makes a bold move: by 2025, 40% of new permanent residency spots will be dedicated to individuals already living in Canada. This initiative marks a shift toward supporting those who have already established themselves within the country’s communities and workforce.
What Does the In-Canada Focus Category Mean?
Under the plan, IRCC’s new In-Canada Focus category will prioritize eligible candidates already in Canada, meaning they’ll receive nearly half of all planned permanent residency admissions for the coming year. By 2025, the government aims to grant around 82,980 permanent residency spots to these candidates through the Express Entry program.
So, who qualifies? This focus category is available to candidates who:
- Are part of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC),
- Are eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP),
- Have experience through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or
- Participate in regional immigration pathways.
This group, provided they have an active Express Entry profile, will have a higher chance of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
The Numbers: IRCC’s Three-Year Plan
The IRCC has outlined ambitious targets for this category through to 2027. Here’s what we know thus far:
| Year | Target Admissions | Low Range | High Range |
| 2025 | 82,980 | 39,000 | 89,000 |
| 2026 | 75,380 | 33,000 | 82,000 |
| 2027 | 70,930 | 66,000 | 76,000 |
It’s important to note that targets for 2026 and 2027 are provisional and subject to annual review each November.
