Key Highlights

• Canada has set a target of 385,000 new temporary resident arrivals for 2026, down from 673,650 in 2025.
• Temporary resident targets are set at 370,000 for both 2027 and 2028.
• Permanent resident admission targets are set at 380,000 for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
• The economic immigration share is expected to rise to 64% in 2027 and 2028.
• Canada says it wants the temporary resident population to fall below 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.
• French-speaking immigration outside Quebec remains a priority, with a 9% target for 2026.

Canada’s 2026 to 2028 Immigration Plan Explained

Canada has confirmed a lower target for new temporary residents as part of its 2026 to 2028 immigration plan, signaling a continued shift toward what the federal government describes as a more sustainable and managed immigration system. The plan affects international students and temporary foreign workers, while permanent resident admissions remain stable over the next three years.

Under the updated framework, the target for new temporary resident arrivals drops from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026. The target then falls to 370,000 in both 2027 and 2028. IRCC says these numbers represent new temporary worker and student arrivals to Canada.

Temporary Residents Face Lower Targets

The reduction in temporary resident targets is one of the most significant elements of the federal immigration plan. The government says the goal is to reduce pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services, while bringing the temporary resident population to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

IRCC’s public materials break the 2026 temporary resident target into two major streams: 155,000 new student arrivals and 230,000 new temporary worker arrivals. The government says it still intends to support employers and communities with critical labour needs, especially in sectors tied to skills shortages and innovation.

Permanent Resident Targets Remain Stable

While temporary resident targets are being reduced, Canada is holding permanent resident admission targets at 380,000 for 2026, 2027 and 2028. IRCC says this keeps permanent admissions below 1% of Canada’s population beyond 2027 while still supporting long-term economic and demographic goals.

The government also plans to increase the share of economic immigrants. According to IRCC’s 2026 to 2028 plan, the economic category will represent 64% of permanent resident admissions in 2027 and 2028, up from 59% previously. This reflects a policy focus on labour market needs, especially in sectors where Canada continues to face shortages.

French-Speaking Immigration Still a Priority

The federal government says Francophone immigration outside Quebec remains an important objective. Canada has set a 9% target for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec in 2026, with a longer-term goal of reaching 12% by 2029. IRCC has also said that Express Entry category-based selection will continue to prioritize candidates with strong French-language ability as well as applicants in priority occupations such as health care and social services.

Express Entry and Labour Market Considerations

IRCC has said immigration remains central to Canada’s labour force growth and broader economic planning. In its Departmental Plan, the department states that a strong Canadian economy depends on access to a highly skilled workforce and that immigration helps fill critical labour gaps in priority industries. At the same time, the government says future intake must be more controlled and aligned with national capacity.

This means the new immigration approach is not simply about cutting numbers. It is also about shifting toward more targeted admissions. The plan aims to make it easier for employers and communities to recruit and retain workers in critical sectors, including skilled trades, health care and emerging technologies, while reducing overall pressure from rapid temporary population growth.

Refugees, Asylum Claims and Border Management

Canada’s plan also includes a continued focus on asylum processing, border integrity and public confidence in the immigration system. IRCC says it wants to improve how asylum claims are processed so that people who genuinely need protection receive decisions in a timely way, while broader reforms are pursued to strengthen trust in the system.

Why This Matters

For international students and temporary foreign workers, the plan signals a more restrictive intake environment over the next several years. For employers, especially in sectors with labour shortages, the government is emphasizing more targeted pathways rather than broad volume growth. For provinces, schools, landlords and service providers, the reduced temporary resident targets are likely to be framed as part of a wider effort to ease strain on housing and local infrastructure. These policy effects are a direct inference from the government’s stated goals and targets.

Official Considerations for Readers

• Temporary resident targets refer to new arrivals, not the total number of people already in Canada on temporary status.
• The 5% goal refers to reducing the temporary resident share of the total population by the end of 2027. 13
• Permanent resident targets remain stable, but the composition is shifting toward economic immigration. 14
• French-speaking immigration outside Quebec remains a standing federal priority.
• Applicants should always verify current program rules, permit caps and category requirements directly with IRCC before applying.

Conclusion

Canada’s 2026 to 2028 immigration plan marks a clear shift toward lower temporary resident intake and more targeted long-term admissions. The federal government is trying to balance labour market needs, population growth and public service capacity by reducing new temporary arrivals, keeping permanent resident levels stable and prioritizing economic and French-speaking immigration streams. As implementation continues, students, workers, employers and prospective immigrants should expect closer scrutiny, tighter caps and a stronger focus on specific skills and national priorities.

References

• IRCC 2026 to 2027 Departmental Plan
• Supplementary Information for the 2026 to 2028 Immigration Levels Plan
• Canada’s Immigration Levels
• 2026 Provincial and Territorial Allocations Under the International Student Cap