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New pathways for temporary residents
The Canada immigration levels plan will allow up to 33,000 work permit holders to transition to permanent residence between 2026 and 2027.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal minority government introduced these measures in Budget 2025, tabled on November 4, 2025. The plan also includes reductions in temporary residence and international student admissions.
Temporary resident targets cut
The Plan lowers the 2026 temporary resident admissions target to 385,000, a 43% decrease from 2025’s 673,650. International student admissions fall to 155,000, down 49% from 305,900. Temporary foreign worker admissions are set at 230,000, a 37% decrease from 2025, but 8% higher than last year’s 2026 target.
Despite lower targets, actual 2025 admissions lagged behind. From January through August 2025, Canada admitted only 154,515 temporary foreign workers, just 42% of its annual goal. International student admissions reached only 89,430, 29% of the target.
Changes to work permit programs
Carney emphasized a targeted approach for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), focusing on specific sectors and regions. He highlighted that the International Mobility Program (IMP) historically issues most work permits. In 2025, the IMP target was 285,750, while TFWP aimed for 82,000.
The 2026 combined work permit target rises to 230,000 from last year’s 210,700. Budget 2025, however, does not specify allocations between the IMP and TFWP.
Permanent residence targets
The 2026 permanent residence target remains 380,000. Economic immigration receives 64% of spots, up from 59% last year. Family reunification is set at 84,000, while Refugee and Humanitarian admissions drop to 56,200. The Plan also prioritizes industries impacted by tariffs and rural and remote communities.
Notional targets for 2027 and 2028 remain at 380,000 permanent residents annually. Temporary resident targets for these years are 370,000 per year, including 220,000 foreign workers and 150,000 international students.
Looking ahead
The Canada immigration levels plan balances reductions in temporary admissions with new pathways to permanent residency. Officials will release further details when the Minister tables the 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration.
This Plan signals a strategic focus on economic immigration and specific sector needs while maintaining top-level permanent residency targets.
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