Canada's Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029: What Is Due, and the 2026–2028 Numbers It Replaces
Every autumn Ottawa tables the Immigration Levels Plan that fixes how many permanent and temporary residents Canada will admit over the next three years. IRCC told Parliament in spring that the 2027–2029 plan would be tabled in fall 2026; as of 3 November 2026 it had not been published. Here is what the current plan commits to, the targets the next one has to meet, and what to watch for the day it lands.
Quick answer
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan stabilises permanent-resident admissions at 380,000 a year (4% fewer than the previous target) and cuts new temporary-resident arrivals: 155,000 new students (49% fewer) and 230,000 new temporary workers (37% fewer) in 2026, with temporary arrival targets of 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028. Economic immigration is 63% of admissions in 2026 and 64% in 2027 and 2028; family 22% and refugees and humanitarian 15% in 2026. Two one-time initiatives run in 2026 and 2027: about 115,000 applications to recognise protected persons already in Canada as permanent residents, and 33,000 skilled temporary workers fast-tracked to permanent residence. Francophone admissions outside Quebec are set at 9% in 2026, 9.5% in 2027 and 10.5% in 2028, towards 12% by 2029. The government's standing commitments are to bring the temporary population below 5% of the total population and keep permanent admissions below 1%. The 2027–2029 plan, which IRCC said would be tabled in fall 2026, will set the first official 2029 figure.
The 2026–2028 plan in numbers
| Target | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New permanent residents | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
| New temporary-resident arrivals (total) | 385,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
| of which new students | 155,000 | set in the plan's temporary targets | |
| of which new temporary workers | 230,000 | set in the plan's temporary targets | |
| Economic share of admissions | 63% | 64% | 64% |
| Francophone admissions outside Quebec | 9% | 9.5% | 10.5% |
Sources: IRCC, "Canada's immigration levels" (2026–2028 plan) and the IRCC briefing to the House committee on citizenship and immigration, May 2026.
Where the admissions go
In 2026, economic programmes take 63% of total admissions, family reunification 22%, and refugees, protected persons and humanitarian cases 15%. From 2027 the economic share rises to 64%, which IRCC describes as the highest proportion in decades. The plan also includes increased admissions for the Provincial Nominee Program, the route that lets provinces pick workers for their own labour markets.
Two one-time measures
- Protected persons in Canada. A one-time, two-year initiative in 2026 and 2027 to recognise eligible protected persons already in Canada as permanent residents: approximately 115,000 applications over two years for people recognised as needing protection.
- Skilled temporary workers. A one-time, two-year initiative in 2026 and 2027 to fast-track permanent residence for skilled temporary workers: 33,000 will transition to permanent residence over two years.
The commitments any new plan must respect
- Reduce the temporary population to less than 5% of the total population.
- Stabilise permanent-resident admissions to less than 1% of the total population.
- Reach 12% of permanent-resident admissions as Francophone immigrants outside Quebec by 2029.
These three lines are the yardstick for the 2027–2029 plan: any rise in permanent targets has to stay under the 1% ceiling, and the temporary cuts are the lever for the 5% target.
What the 2027–2029 plan will add
IRCC's May 2026 committee briefing said work was under way to develop the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, to be tabled in fall 2026. A new plan normally confirms or revises the two years already published (2027 and 2028) and adds the third year, so the first official 2029 targets, including the 12% Francophone milestone, will appear in it. Provinces and territories asked in June 2026 to be engaged as substantive partners in setting levels.
What it means if you are applying
- Students: the 155,000 arrival target is the number behind provincial attestation letters and study-permit caps; a lower 2027 figure would tighten them further.
- Temporary workers: the 230,000 figure and the 33,000 fast-track are the two numbers that matter; the fast-track runs only in 2026 and 2027.
- Express Entry candidates: the economic share (64%) and the Francophone percentages explain category-based draws favouring French speakers.
Frequently asked questions
How many permanent residents will Canada admit in 2027?
380,000 under the 2026–2028 plan. The 2027–2029 plan, due in fall 2026, may revise it.
How many international students will Canada admit?
The 2026 target is 155,000 new student arrivals, 49% fewer than the previous year's target.
Has the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan been published?
Not as of 3 November 2026. IRCC told the House committee in May 2026 it would be tabled in fall 2026.
What is the Francophone target?
9% of permanent admissions outside Quebec in 2026, 9.5% in 2027, 10.5% in 2028, reaching 12% by 2029.
What is the 5% temporary-population target?
The government's commitment to reduce Canada's temporary population to less than 5% of the total population, the main reason student and worker arrival targets were cut.