The new immigration levels plan 2026-2028, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is excellent news for international students, workers, and other temporary status holders already living in Canada. As per the news the temporary residents in Canada will be given high priority for permanent residence. Applicants for PR who are already in Canada on a work or study permit can leverage this opportunity with the help of the proper expert guidance.
With Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028, the path to permanent residence in Canada has never been more promising for those already living and working in the country.
International students, workers or other temporary status holders who are eligible are given preference for Permanent Residence Canada over those who apply outside of Canada.
The targets for federal high-skilled admissions through the Express Entry Canada system are 109,000 for 2026, a slight decline from 124,680 in 2025; however, they increase again in 2027-2028 to 111,000 per year. The Express Entry system will continue to be the popular immigration pathway to transition to a PR, and 64% of the Canada PR admissions in 2026 are allocated to federal economic immigration Canada streams. It favours the skilled workers, many of whom are already residing in Canada. Most candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – the permanent residency stream under Canada's Express Entry system are already in Canada and have Canadian work experience. Therefore, they will benefit greatly from it.
The PNP admission targets have been raised from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026 and 92,500 in 2027 and 2028. The increased PNP targets, in turn, lead to higher allocations in the Provinces. Many PNP streams target applicants with provincial work or study experience and are focused on converting in-Canada temporary residents into permanent residents. Provinces are likely to nominate more work permit holders Canada and study permit holders Canada from their own provinces, as they already possess the required experience for the streams and can settle more easily in the particular province. In 2025, IRCC permanent residence targets required up to 75% of the nominated applicants in most provinces to be in-Canada candidates for PR.
In-Canada candidates for PR in high-demand sectors, primarily rural areas, will be fast-tracked to PR status (up to 33,000 workers) in 2026 and 2027. Canada is focusing on Strategic Labour Market Integration by giving preference to foreign workers Canada PR, students and those paying taxes who are already contributing to the economy.
In 2026 and 2027, IRCC will be issuing PR status to up to 115,000 people who are in the Protected Person category, as recognised by IRCC and the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
The new policy shift offers applicants the best chance of a PR, especially candidates in Canada. Without knowledge of the latest immigration policies, it is difficult for applicants to take advantage of these new favorable changes. ImmiLaw Immigration Lawyers, with an in-depth understanding of Canadian immigration law, will help you evaluate your eligibility and navigate the complexities of the legal aspects of the immigration levels plan. Our lawyers will find you the most suitable immigration pathway. Through our success-focused approach, we will help clients capitalize on the opportunities presented by Express Entry quotas, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) Canada quotas, and limited fast-track windows. Our lawyers will strengthen your case by preparing your application that is in line with the economic goals of the IRCC, along with your personal objectives to achieve success.
You may be one step away from achieving your PR in Canada. Book your eligibility assessment today; contact ImmiLaw Immigration Lawyers
Read to know: Preparing for Your Canadian Immigration Interview: A Guide to Success
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