Canada is entering a new phase in its immigration strategy. The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan outlines how many newcomers Canada intends to welcome, as well as how the government will balance the needs of the economy, population growth, housing capacity, and social systems such as healthcare.
For temporary foreign workers, international graduates, and newcomers already in Canada, this announcement is especially significant. It includes a major new initiative to offer up to 33,000 temporary workers a faster pathway to permanent residency in 2026 and 2027. This marks an intentional shift away from long-term reliance on temporary immigration streams and toward more stable, permanent resettlement.
At Titan Law, we help immigrants understand how these policies affect their applications and their futures in Canada. Below, we break down the key details and what they mean for you.
What’s Changing? Key Points of the 2026–2028 Plan
Here are the main takeaways for newcomers and temporary residents:
Temporary resident admissions (international students + temporary foreign workers) are planned at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 for 2027 and 2028.
Permanent resident admissions are set at 380,000 per year from 2026 to 2028.
The Economic Class, including skilled workers and provincial nominees, will continue to make up the largest share of permanent residents.
The government will accelerate permanent residency for up to 33,000 temporary workers in 2026–2027 who have:
Built strong community ties
Been contributing to the Canadian economy
Established work history and paid taxes
The government’s goal is to reduce the overall proportion of temporary residents in Canada to below 5% by the end of 2027.
Permanent Resident Admissions Plan (2026–2028)
| Category | 2026 Target (Range) | 2027 Target (Range) | 2028 Target (Range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Permanent Resident Admissions | 380,000 (350,000–420,000) | 380,000 (350,000–420,000) | 380,000 (350,000–420,000) |
| French-speaking PRs outside Quebec | 9% (≈30,267) | 9.5% (≈31,825) | 10.5% (≈35,175) |
Economic Class
| Program | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal High Skilled | 109,000 (85,000–120,000) | 111,000 (86,000–122,000) | 111,000 (86,000–122,000) |
| Federal Business | 500 (250–1,000) | 500 (250–1,000) | 500 (250–1,000) |
| Caregiver & Pilot Programs | 8,175 (5,000–11,800) | 8,775 (6,600–12,400) | 8,775 (6,600–12,400) |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 4,000 (3,000–5,000) | 4,000 (3,000–5,000) | 4,000 (3,000–5,000) |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 91,500 (82,000–105,000) | 92,500 (82,000–106,000) | 92,500 (82,000–106,000) |
| Total Economic Class | 239,800 (224,000–264,000) | 244,700 (229,000–268,000) | 244,700 (229,000–268,000) |
Family Class
| Program | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spouses, Partners & Children | 69,000 (63,000–75,000) | 66,000 (60,000–71,000) | 66,000 (60,000–71,000) |
| Parents & Grandparents | 15,000 (13,000–19,000) | 15,000 (13,000–19,000) | 15,000 (13,000–19,000) |
| Total Family Class | 84,000 (78,500–92,000) | 81,000 (75,000–90,000) | 81,000 (75,000–90,000) |
Refugees & Protected Persons
| Program | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Refugees & Protected Persons | 49,300 (42,000–55,000) | 49,300 (42,000–55,000) | 49,300 (42,000–55,000) |
What this means for temporary workers — the 33 000-worker pathway
One of the most relevant points for many immigrants currently in Canada on temporary worker status is this accelerated transition initiative for up to 33,000 temporary workers in 2026 and 2027. Canada
Here’s how it may affect you:
If you are already in Canada as a temporary foreign worker or under the International Mobility Program, this initiative signals a tangible route to permanent residence may open for you — especially if you have established local employment, roots in the community, and are contributing via taxes and work.
It underscores the government’s recognition that many temporary workers are filling essential labour gaps and have become integral to the Canadian economy and communities.
For temporary workers with existing Canadian work experience, connections (community, employment, residence), this initiative could mean faster or more predictable transition to PR — relative to previous years when one had to rely solely on existing immigration streams.
It also means that for temporary workers who had assumed “just temporary” status for some time, now could be a strategic moment to evaluate their situation: Are you able to demonstrate established ties (work history, community involvement, paying taxes)? Are you in a sector in demand? Making sure that your status, documents and work permit history are well organised will matter.
Importantly, this is in addition to the regular permanent resident targets. So for those temporary workers who may have been in limbo, this signals prioritisation.
Strategic implications for immigrants and how to act
From the perspective of immigrant clients and those advising them, a number of strategic considerations arise:
Work history and community roots matter
Given the government’s language about “established strong roots in their communities, are paying taxes and are helping build the strong economy”, temporary workers should ensure that their employment records, tax filings, residency history and community contributions are up to date. This initiative will likely favour those who can show consistent and meaningful engagement in Canada.
Even if you are on a temporary work permit but have been working for a Canadian employer for a number of years, now may be the time to document that carefully.
Sector and labour-market alignment counts
The overall Levels Plan emphasises economic immigration, focusing on skilled workers, provincial nominees, and labour gaps. Canada
If your work is in a high-demand occupation, or your employer supports your transition, you may be better positioned. Employers who rely on temporary workers should also take note: this may be an opportunity to work with their employees toward pathways to PR.
Timing and planning for PR pathway
With the 2026 target year for the 33,000-worker transition, it is not far: clients should plan ahead, gather documentation now, and assess whether they qualify or should pursue other streams (e.g., provincial nomination, Express Entry).
Legal advice may be wise to assess eligibility and readiness.
Temporary resident policy changes
With targets for temporary residents decreasing (from 385,000 new arrivals in 2026 to 370,000 in subsequent years) and the government’s stated aim to reduce the temporary resident proportion, competition and policy changes may be expected for temporary programs. Canada
Those who are or will be on temporary status should monitor changes, maintain legal status, and consider long-term plans rather than assuming indefinite renewals.
Family, humanitarian and francophone commitments remain
Despite the strong economic focus, the plan also preserves family reunification (21-22% approx) and refugee and protected persons programs (~13%). Canada
For immigrant clients whose priority is family class or humanitarian admission, these remain viable pathways — though subject to overall caps and processing realities.
Why this matters for Canada and for you
For Canada, the plan is framed as a shift toward “sustainable immigration levels” and reducing reliance on temporary status while strengthening permanent admissions to meet labour-market demands and demographic needs. Canada
For you as an immigrant or temporary worker, this means the policy landscape is shifting: temporary status is increasingly a stepping-stone to permanent residence (for the targeted 33,000 workers) rather than an open-ended state.
It underscores the opportunity: if you have or are working already in Canada, are paying taxes, building your life here, the government is signalling recognition of that contribution. At the same time, it sends the message that maintaining status, contributing meaningfully, and preparing documentation will be important.
How Titan Law can help
At Titan Law, we can assist with:
A status-audit for temporary workers: reviewing your work permit, employment history, tax record, community involvement — how you may qualify under the accelerated pathway.
Planning for a pathway to permanent residency, including assessing whether the 33,000-worker initiative is relevant in your case, or whether other streams (provincial nominee, Express Entry) may be more appropriate.
Ensuring that your documentation is in order, such as proof of employment, tax filings, residence, and any necessary Canadian labour-market or employer support.
Monitoring policy changes and advising you on timing, strategic decisions (do I apply now, wait, switch employer, change program?), and risks of maintaining temporary status without a long-term plan.
Conclusion
If you are a temporary worker in Canada, the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan brings a potentially game-changing window — especially with the dedicated initiative to transition up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residence in 2026/2027. The government is clearly signalling that work-history, community contribution and alignment with Canada’s labour needs will matter.
The key now is to prepare: assess your status, document your contributions, and position yourself strategically. At Titan Law, we stand ready to guide you through this evolving landscape.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation or discuss your individual case — whether it’s a temporary work permit, work history in Canada, or preparing for PR — please get in touch.
The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan is the Government of Canada’s roadmap outlining how many immigrants will be admitted as permanent residents each year and through which immigration categories. It also sets targets for economic immigration, family reunification, refugee resettlement, and humanitarian pathways. This plan balances Canada’s labour market needs with population growth and sustainability considerations.
Up to 33,000 temporary workers will be considered for accelerated permanent residency in 2026 and 2027. Priority will go to individuals who have:
Ongoing employment in Canada
Strong work history and tax contributions
Demonstrated community ties
Experience in sectors where Canada has labour shortages
Eligibility will depend on specific program requirements and proof of long-term settlement.
The plan includes a one-time dedicated initiative to transition up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residency during 2026 and 2027. This is in addition to the regular permanent resident admissions through existing immigration programs.
Temporary workers should begin collecting:
Employment letters
Pay stubs and tax returns
Work permit history
Proof of residence in Canada
Records showing community involvement
This documentation helps demonstrate established ties and contributions to Canada, which will be important for eligibility.
The number of temporary residents admitted to Canada will gradually decrease over the next several years. This means that competition for temporary permits and renewals may increase. Instead of relying on long-term temporary status, the government wants to encourage clearer and more stable pathways toward permanent residency for individuals who intend to build their lives in Canada.
