Ottawa, ON — The latest Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reaffirms the federal government’s focus on transitioning temporary residents already living and working in Canada to permanent resident (PR) status. While the plan does not feature an explicit “In-Canada focus” category, officials emphasize that domestic candidates remain central to the government’s strategy for economic growth and sustainable population management.
During a recent media briefing, Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed that the department will “give priority for permanent residence to temporary residents already living and settled in Canada.” She added that this approach aims to meet Canada’s immigration targets while reducing pressure from new international arrivals.
The plan outlines several policy measures designed to support this objective, including high allocations for Express Entry programs, significant increases in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) admissions, and new one-time initiatives to transition tens of thousands of temporary residents to PR status over the next two years.
Strong Express Entry Pathways for Skilled Workers
The federal government has maintained robust targets for the Federal High-Skilled category, which includes all Express Entry admissions. These are projected at 109,000 for 2026, rising to 111,000 in both 2027 and 2028. Approximately 64 per cent of total permanent resident admissions next year will be through economic immigration streams.
This commitment particularly benefits candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), most of whom are already living and working in Canada. CEC applicants tend to perform strongly in the labour market due to their prior Canadian experience, which aligns with IRCC’s goal of favouring candidates who are already contributing to the economy.
Experts anticipate that larger CEC draws may resume in 2026, given the department’s focus on domestic transitions and workforce integration.
Provincial Nominee Program Targets See Major Increase
IRCC’s new plan raises the bar significantly for Provincial Nominee Programs, with targets jumping from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026—a 66 per cent increase. Admissions will grow further to 92,500 in both 2027 and 2028.
This expansion gives provinces greater authority to nominate temporary residents who have already established themselves within their jurisdictions. Most provinces operate streams that specifically target international graduates and foreign workers with local experience, ensuring that those most likely to integrate successfully receive priority.
Throughout 2025, provinces were required by IRCC to ensure that at least 75 per cent of nominees were already in Canada, a policy that could continue under the new plan to help manage population inflows while supporting local economies.
One-Time Initiatives to Transition Temporary Residents
To accelerate progress toward PR targets while easing immigration pressures, IRCC will introduce two temporary initiatives covering 2026 and 2027:
- Accelerated PR for Skilled Workers: Up to 33,000 foreign workers already in Canada—particularly in-demand workers in rural and essential sectors—will be fast-tracked to permanent residency. This policy prioritizes candidates with stable employment, strong community ties, and demonstrated economic contributions.
- Permanent Residency for Protected Persons: A separate one-time initiative will grant PR status to up to 115,000 individuals recognized as Protected Persons by IRCC and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB). This effort will integrate refugees and others unable to safely return to their countries, fulfilling Canada’s humanitarian commitments while recognizing their ongoing contributions to Canadian society.
These 115,000 admissions are in addition to existing PR targets in the official Levels Plan.
A Balanced Strategy for Growth and Stability
IRCC’s 2026–2028 plan reflects a shift toward stability and integration over expansion. By focusing on those already established in Canada, the federal government aims to address labour shortages, reduce housing and infrastructure strain, and maintain Canada’s long-term immigration commitments responsibly.
As Minister Diab noted, “This plan continues to support our economic needs while giving people who are already contributing to Canada the opportunity to build their futures here permanently.”