Canada holds permanent resident targets at 380,000 as economic share hits 64%

Canada replaced a planned drop to 365,000 permanent residents in 2027 with a steady target of 380,000 annually from 2026 through 2028 under its current Immigration Levels Plan.

The 2027 target rose, but temporary migration tightened

The previous plan set admissions at 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027. The current plan, adopted in late 2025, keeps the annual target at 380,000 for 2026, 2027 and 2028, with a planning range of 350,000 to 420,000.

That stability doesn’t extend to temporary migration. Canada is reducing arrivals of workers and students while seeking to bring temporary residents below 5% of the population by late 2027, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said.

Economic applicants receive most places

Economic immigration accounts for 239,800 admissions in 2026, rising to 244,700 in both 2027 and 2028. Its share of total admissions increases from about 63% to 64%, the highest proportion in more than a decade.

Family admissions fall from 84,000 in 2026 to 81,000 in each of the next two years. Refugee, protected-person and humanitarian admissions decline from 56,200 to 54,300.

French-speaking candidates outside Quebec receive increasing allocations, from 30,267 in 2026 to 35,175 in 2028. These priorities favor skilled workers, provincial nominees and francophone applicants reviewing Canada’s residency rules.

Temporary residents face the tighter route

Work permit holders, international students and other long-stay temporary residents face the clearest impact. Lower temporary-arrival targets and a fixed PR ceiling mean Canadian work experience won’t guarantee permanent residence, even when it supports eligibility under an economic stream.

Permit holders planning to remain in Canada need to compare PR eligibility and processing timelines with their current status expiration date before that status lapses.

Tourists face no direct entry cap under the plan, though visitors seeking to switch into work, study or permanent status enter the same more restrictive system.