Canada's new plan sets annual targets of 380,000 permanent resident admissions and 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals for 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What was announced
IRCC released Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan on November 5, 2026. The plan keeps the overall permanent resident admissions target at 380,000 for each of 2027, 2028 and 2029. Economic immigration remains the largest category at 64.4% of permanent admissions across all three years, while family class accounts for 21.3%, refugees and protected persons 13%, and humanitarian and compassionate and other admissions 1.3%.
The plan also sets a target of 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals in each year. This includes 220,000 new temporary workers and up to 150,000 new international students annually. These figures count new arrivals rather than every temporary resident already in Canada. IRCC says the plan modestly increases provincial programs and supports targeted selection in sectors such as education, healthcare, construction, AI and digital innovation, defence, energy and critical minerals.
French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec are targeted at 9.5% in 2027, 10.5% in 2028 and 12% in 2029. IRCC also states that planned admissions under the Provincial Nominee Program and Atlantic Immigration Program will increase to address regional needs. The levels plan sets national targets and ranges; it does not create individual eligibility or guarantee an invitation, nomination or approval under any program.
What this may mean for applicants
Applicants should use the plan as a guide to federal priorities, then assess the exact requirements of the program that fits their circumstances. Express Entry categories, provincial allocations, occupation priorities and intake rules can change during the year. Keep profiles and supporting documents current, and review the applicable program before relying on a target as an indication of eligibility.