The Canadian federal government has increased the number of permanent residency spots through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), while reducing allocations under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

For 2026, Canada aims to welcome 91,500 permanent residents through the PNP, marking a significant 66% rise from the previous target of 55,000. In contrast, the 2026 target for TFWP admissions has been scaled back to 60,000, a drop from the earlier projection of 82,000. Interested in applying? Check your eligibility for Express Entry-linked PNP streams today.

Meanwhile, the International Mobility Program (IMP) will see increased activity, with the 2026 work permit target rising to 170,000 - a 32% increase from the previous year’s figure of 128,700. One of the most notable shifts in the plan is the dramatic reduction in temporary resident admissions, particularly for international students. The annual cap for student permits in 2026 has been cut by nearly 50%, from 305,900 in the previous plan to just 155,000.

As part of its ongoing effort to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada, the federal government has set the following annual intake targets for temporary resident admissions:

These new temporary resident targets are much lower than the numbers outlined in last year’s Immigration Levels Plan. However, they closely reflect what has already been happening in 2025, where international student admissions dropped by 70% compared to the previous year, and temporary foreign worker admissions decreased by 50%. Meanwhile, the overall targets for permanent resident admissions in 2026 remain mostly consistent with those set in the prior plan, which is 380,000 for 2026 and remains consistent until 2028. 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Sees Major Expansion in New Immigration Plan

The Canadian federal government has made a notable shift in its immigration strategy by significantly expanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in this year’s plan. The 2026 target for PNP admissions has been raised to 91,500 permanent residents, a substantial increase compared to last year.

This expansion brings promising news for many foreign nationals looking to secure Canadian permanent residence, particularly those in the following situations:

• Candidates currently in PNP Expression of Interest (EOI) pools who have yet to receive a nomination invitation
• Individuals with low CRS scores that fall below expected Express Entry thresholds
• Applicants who do not meet the criteria for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Workers in lower-skilled TEER 4 or 5 roles
• Entrepreneurs or business owners applying through investor/entrepreneur PNP streams

The increased PNP quota may also reopen doors for candidates whose occupations or sectors were excluded in 2024, when several provinces restricted eligibility due to limited allocations. With expanded capacity, some PNPs may now be able to reintroduce previously restricted categories.

Last year, the PNP was hit hardest under the 2024 Immigration Levels Plan, with landings targets slashed from 120,000 to 55,000. In early 2025, nomination allocations were further reduced by 50% across nearly all provinces. However, these cuts were later reversed for most regions, except for Ontario and Prince Edward Island (PEI).

The renewed investment in the PNP under Prime Minister Mark Carney and Immigration Minister Lena Diab marks a clear shift from the approach taken by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister Mark Miller, who had criticized provinces in 2024 for what they saw as mismanagement of their immigration streams. 

 Check the Canada immigration plan 2026-2028 here

How We Can Help

At LUU IMM, we help skilled workers, students, and families:

• Assess the best pathway under current and future immigration targets
• Prepare competitive Express Entry and PNP applications
• Stay ahead of policy updates and document requirements

Final Thoughts

The Canada Immigration Plan 2026-2028 signals long-term stability and continued openness to newcomers, especially through economic and regional pathways. Whether you’re applying next year or planning ahead, now is the time to align your immigration strategy with Canada’s evolving priorities.

Need help building your immigration plan? Contact us for expert advice tailored to your goals.