Canada Set to Maintain Immigration Levels in 2026–2028 Plan, Tighten Temporary Residency
Ottawa: Canada is expected to keep its immigration levels steady between 2026 and 2028, even as the government moves to tighten temporary residency intake to balance economic growth with infrastructure and housing pressures.
The federal government will unveil its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan by November 1, 2025, marking the first major immigration policy under Prime Minister Mark Carney. The plan comes amid debates over the number of international students and temporary workers, and the need to align immigration with Canada’s slowing labour market.
Permanent Residency Numbers to Stabilize
Government sources suggest that permanent resident admissions will remain around 416,500 in 2026, holding steady after years of rapid expansion.
This reflects a deliberate pause as Ottawa seeks to strike a balance between attracting skilled newcomers and ensuring communities have the infrastructure to support them.
The Express Entry system, which manages applications for skilled immigrants, is likely to see a small increase in invitations, with greater emphasis on candidates who already live and work in Canada or possess French-language skills and experience in in-demand sectors.
Provinces to Get Larger Quotas
At the same time, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — which allows provinces to hand-pick skilled workers based on local labour needs — is expected to expand.
Provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick have been pushing for higher allocations to address persistent labour shortages in healthcare, construction, and technology.
“This shift shows a clear intent to empower provinces and create a more balanced approach to immigration,” said Varun Singh, Managing Director at XIPHIAS Immigration.
“For skilled professionals, the PNP route will continue to be one of the most promising pathways to Canadian permanent residency.”
Temporary Residency to Be Scaled Back
The government also plans to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students and short-term foreign workers, aiming to bring them down to below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.
Officials say the policy will help ease pressure on housing and infrastructure, which have struggled to keep up with rapid population growth.
However, this move may pose challenges for industries like hospitality, agriculture, and construction, which rely heavily on temporary labour.
Focus on Francophone Immigration
Ottawa is also expected to maintain its focus on Francophone immigration, expanding programs that encourage French-speaking newcomers to settle in communities outside Quebec.
This initiative supports both linguistic diversity and regional economic development.
Balancing Growth and Capacity
The Carney government’s approach builds on the previous administration’s message of “stability over speed.”
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had emphasized in 2024 that Canada needed time for its infrastructure to “catch up” before increasing immigration again.
This new plan is expected to reflect that same cautious optimism — maintaining Canada’s reputation as one of the world’s most open destinations for skilled migration, while taking a measured approach to long-term sustainability.
What It Means for Newcomers
For those planning to move to Canada, the message is clear: opportunities remain strong for skilled, educated, and French-speaking applicants — but pathways may become more selective.
Those applying through Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs should focus on improving language scores, gaining relevant work experience, and exploring provincial opportunities aligned with their field.
Expert Insight
According to XIPHIAS Immigration, now is the time for aspiring immigrants to strategize carefully.
“We’re entering a phase of quality-driven immigration. Canada still wants skilled professionals, but programs will increasingly target specific labour gaps,” Singh said.
“With the right preparation and expert guidance, applicants can still make the most of this opportunity.”
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By XIPHIAS Immigration
Last Updated: Oct 29, 2025, 11:35:00 AM IST
