Living in Canada on a work or study permit and hoping to stay permanently can be a strenuous process, especially if you don’ know the proper channels to follow. And the recent immigration announcements by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) could make anyone living in the country on these two permits nervous. There was a lot of talk, especially regarding ‘reducing immigration numbers’ and ‘caps.’
However, taking a closer look at the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, you realize the intent is quite positive for temporary workers and students already in the country. Despite the headlines, the Canadian government is doubling down on keeping specialized talent within its borders.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes in the latest Immigration Levels Plan and how they play in your favor.
Maintained High Express Entry Allocations
The Federal High-Skilled category (which includes Express Entry) remains an effective step toward achieving permanent residency, despite the government tightening some areas. In the last year alone, the Federal High-Skilled admission targets have dropped from 124,680 to 109,000 in 2026. Reports suggest these targets may increase again in 2027 and 2028, stabilizing at around 111,000 annual admissions.
Most candidates selected through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry are temporary workers and students who already live and work in the country. Research suggests that these temporary residents are among the most successful immigrant groups in the Canadian labour market. They already benefit greatly from their prior Canadian work experience, a prerequisite for eligibility into the CEC program.
Consequently, we can expect 2026 to see larger CEC draws, especially because these candidates already meet multiple IRCC objectives. With over 64% of all permanent resident admissions in 2026 dedicated to economic immigration, the system is practically designed to select candidates who already live and work in the country. But this still remains to be seen as we don’t yet know the direction IRCC will take.
Increased Provincial Nominee Programs
The quota for the Provincial Nominee Programs is projected to skyrocket in 2026. It’s a clear signal that the IRCC plans on giving provinces more opportunities to pick the workforce they need. And one critical note is that provinces will almost always pick workers who already live and work in their local communities.
The IRCC’s admissions target for PNPs is set to skyrocket from 55,000 admissions last year to 91,500 admissions in 2026. Further projections show these numbers could increase to 92,500 admissions spots in 2027 and 2028.
