Canada to Increase Provincial Immigration by 66% in 2026 - PNP Targets Rise Sharply

Planning to move and settle in Canada? Now is the best time! The federal government has announced new Immigration Level Plans 2026–2028 wherein the Canada immigration 2026 admissions targets through the provincial immigration pathway are increased by 66% when compared to the previous year. The latest target of 91,500 for PNP admissions targets 2026, up from 55,000 last year, means that provinces can nominate more applicants with the desired skill set and experience. It can also include candidates who did not qualify under the federal Express Entry system. Two years prior, the target was reduced by 50%, and this latest significant change is the best opportunity for candidates to obtain Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Who benefits from this?

• International Students and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Holders - If you are a Work permit / Study permit holder in Canada who is studying or working, then PNP is the easiest path towards a Permanent Residence (PR).

Note: PGWP holders who are nominated and apply for PR can qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP). This allows them to legally work in Canada while their PR application is being processed.

• Applicants with a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score - This is an excellent opportunity for candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that is not sufficient for Express Entry.
• Low-skilled workers – Candidates in lower-skilled occupations can apply through Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• Entrepreneurs/Business Immigrants – The PNP pathway offers business and entrepreneur options, and immigrants can benefit from this new target.
• Applicants not qualified for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Employers – The new target provides employers with the best opportunity to bridge the labour gap and retain international employees.

How the Targets Influence PNP Allocations

IRCC sets yearly admission targets on the number of permanent residents that Canada plans to receive, and this number does not equate to the exact number of nominations or Invitations to Apply (ITAs) that will be issued. According to the admission targets, provinces and territories are assigned yearly Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination allocations, and higher PNP allocations enable provinces to conduct more PNP draws and invite a greater number of applicants. The ITAs issued by the provinces are higher than the allocation to balance for rejections, withdrawals, and invalid applications. Due to the processing time, there can be deferred admissions, but there is a higher chance of getting Permanent Residence (PR) in the subsequent years.

How the previous Immigration Levels Plan affected the applicants

The previous Immigration Levels Plan (2025-2027), announced in 2024, sharply reduced the admission target by 50% compared to the Immigration Levels Plan (2024-2026) announced in 2023. To manage the limited allocations, the provinces and territories discontinued/paused streams, narrowed down eligibility, and accepted applications only in labour shortage key sectors.

• British Columbia – Temporarily stopped three new graduate streams and placed post-graduate applicants who applied after September 1, 2024, on a waitlist.
• New Brunswick – Temporarily suspended the New Brunswick Strategic Initiative stream, and gave preference for skilled workers in the healthcare, education, and construction trades.
• Nova Scotia – Preference for applicants working in healthcare, construction and social assistance sectors who had work permits valid until 2025.
• Prince Edward Island – Priority to healthcare, trades, childcare and other labour-short sectors.
• Saskatchewan – Priority to healthcare, agriculture, and trades sectors and a 25% nomination cap for applicants in transportation, retail, accommodation, and food service industries.

Increase in PNP allocations equals more opportunities

The significant increase in admission targets through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) pathway gives candidates seeking Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada more opportunities through PNP draws. To maximize this opportunity and increase the chance of receiving an invitation, candidates must stay updated on allocation announcements and plan their application submission strategically, ensuring timely submission. Lawyers specialized in immigration will help you choose the right PNP Stream and guide you through the entire process, maximizing your chances of application approval.

Start now!

Each province has its own streams and provincial immigration rules, and applicants must meet both provincial and federal regulations to be eligible for the PNP pathway. Second to Express Entry Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a famous pathway for a PR offering two routes of applying, which are Base Streams and Enhanced Streams.

ImmiLaw Immigration Lawyers will assist you with the PNP immigration pathway by guiding you through provincial immigration policy shifts, selecting the right province, choosing the appropriate PNP stream and route, and handling all the procedures related to application preparation and submission. Our lawyers will evaluate your background and eligibility, and help you make the right choices. Begin your preparation today so that you are ready when the stream opens.

Read to know: Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Big Boost for In-Canada PR Candidates