Canada has confirmed its immigration direction for 2027 to 2029, maintaining permanent resident admissions at 380,000 annually while setting a target of 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals each year. The latest Immigration Levels Plan 2027-2029 signals a continued focus on skilled workers, regional labour market requirements and a more predictable immigration system.
The announcement brings important developments for people planning to immigrate to Canada. Economic immigration will account for 64.4% of permanent resident admissions, while the Provincial Nominee Program will receive a planned admissions target of 95,000 annually. Canada will also maintain its target of 150,000 new international student arrivals each year.
For applicants, the message is clear: Canada continues to welcome newcomers, but its selection priorities are becoming increasingly targeted. Understanding the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027-2029 is therefore important for skilled professionals, temporary workers, international students and families considering permanent residence.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027-2029: Key Highlights
The federal government has maintained its overall immigration targets at the levels established in the previous plan. However, the latest announcement provides a clearer picture of how Canada intends to distribute admissions across economic, family, and humanitarian categories.
Here are the major targets:
| Immigration category | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
| Permanent resident admissions | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
| New temporary resident arrivals | 370,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
| New temporary workers | 220,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| New international students | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
| Economic immigration | 244,700 | 244,700 | 244,700 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 95,000 | 95,000 | 95,000 |
| Atlantic Immigration Program | 6,000 | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| Family immigration | 81,000 | 81,000 | 81,000 |
| Refugees and protected persons | 49,300 | 49,300 | 49,300 |
| Humanitarian and other | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,000 |
Figures represent planned annual admissions or new arrivals, as applicable. Category-specific ranges and operational flexibility apply. Quebec’s skilled worker and business admissions are determined separately.
The government expects economic immigration to represent 64.4% of permanent resident admissions throughout the plan. Family-class admissions will account for 21.3%, refugees and protected persons for 13%, and humanitarian and other admissions for 1.3%.
This distribution demonstrates Canada’s continued effort to attract talent while maintaining family reunification and humanitarian commitments.
How Canada’s PR Targets Have Changed Over the Last Three Plans
One of the most important developments is the shift from reducing permanent resident admissions to maintaining a stable annual target.
The previous 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan had projected a gradual reduction in permanent resident admissions. The 2026-2028 plan subsequently stabilized the target at 380,000 annually. The latest 2027-2029 plan maintains that figure.
| Immigration Levels Plan | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
| 2025-2027 Plan | 395,000 | 380,000 | 365,000 | — | — |
| 2026-2028 Plan | — | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 | — |
| 2027-2029 Plan | — | — | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
The comparison shows that the projected 2027 target has increased from 365,000 under the 2025-2027 plan to 380,000 under the latest announcement.
However, this does not represent an increase compared with the immediately preceding 2026-2028 plan. The 2027 target was already 380,000 under that plan.
For prospective immigrants, this distinction matters. Canada’s permanent residence targets are no longer following the earlier downward trajectory. Instead, the government is maintaining a stable admission level while adjusting the composition of immigration to reflect economic and regional priorities.
Express Entry Targets 2027: What Skilled Workers Should Know
Economic immigration remains the largest component of Canada’s immigration strategy. The new plan sets annual economic admissions at 244,700, including 100,000 under the Federal High Skilled category.
This category includes three major federal economic programs:
These programs form an important part of the Express Entry System.
Although applicants frequently search for Express Entry targets for 2027, it is important to understand that the government has not announced a separate annual number of Express Entry draws or invitations. The 100,000 Federal High Skilled figure is an admissions target covering eligible federal high-skilled programs, not a guaranteed number of invitations.
IRCC has also indicated that it is advancing Express Entry reforms, including changes to federal economic programs and the Comprehensive Ranking System. Category-based selection will continue to help Canada identify candidates with skills and experience relevant to labour market requirements.
What this means for applicants: A competitive Express Entry profile will require more than simply meeting the minimum eligibility requirements. Language scores, education, work experience, occupation, Canadian experience and other CRS factors can influence a candidate’s prospects. Applicants should also assess whether their experience aligns with current category-based selection priorities.
Canada PNP Targets 2027 Increase to 95,000
The Provincial Nominee Program is among the most important components of Canada’s economic immigration system.
Under the new plan, planned PNP admissions will increase to 95,000 annually from 2027 to 2029. This compares with 92,500 in the 2026-2028 plan for 2027 and 2028.
The increase supports Canada’s objective of addressing labour shortages beyond its largest metropolitan areas. Provinces and territories can use their nomination programs to select candidates who meet regional workforce requirements.
For applicants who are not receiving invitations through federal Express Entry draws, provincial nomination pathways may offer another route to permanent residence.
However, a higher national PNP target does not mean every province will automatically receive the same increase in nomination spaces. Provincial allocations, stream requirements and selection priorities can differ.
Applicants should therefore monitor opportunities in provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
A candidate’s occupation, work experience, employer connection, language ability and willingness to settle in a particular region may all influence the available options.
Canada Temporary Resident Targets 2027: Workers and Students
Canada has set its temporary resident target at 370,000 new arrivals annually for 2027, 2028 and 2029.
The annual breakdown is:
| Temporary resident category | Annual target |
| International Mobility Program | 170,000 |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program | 50,000 |
| Total temporary workers | 220,000 |
| International students | 150,000 |
| Total new arrivals | 370,000 |
The International Mobility Program includes work permits issued through various streams that do not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). These include certain international agreements and other eligible work permit categories.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), on the other hand, allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers where eligible labour market requirements are met. Its target includes 50,000 workers annually under the new plan.
These figures refer to new arrivals under the specified worker and student programs. They should not be confused with Canada’s total temporary resident population. Visitors, permit extensions and certain in-Canada applications are not counted as new arrivals under these targets.
The distinction is important because the government is attempting to manage new temporary entries while retaining workers and students whose contributions support Canada’s economy.
Canada International Student Targets 2027: What Changes for Students?
Canada will maintain its international student arrival target at 150,000 annually throughout 2027-2029.
This is consistent with the 2026-2028 plan, which also projected 150,000 new student arrivals in 2027 and 2028.
For prospective international students, this means Canada continues to provide study opportunities, but admission to a college or university should not be confused with guaranteed approval of a study permit.
Students must still meet the applicable requirements, including acceptance by an eligible Designated Learning Institution, financial capacity and other study permit conditions.
Another important consideration is the relationship between studying in Canada and obtaining permanent residence. Canadian education and eligible work experience may help some graduates qualify for economic immigration programs. However, completing a course does not automatically lead to a Post-Graduation Work Permit or permanent residence. Eligibility depends on the institution, program, applicable rules and the individual’s circumstances.
Students should therefore assess their education plans alongside their long-term immigration objectives rather than choosing a program solely on the assumption that it will lead to Canadian permanent residence.
Up to 200,000 People Already in Canada May Benefit From a Separate Transition Measure
Alongside the Immigration Levels Plan, the federal government has announced a time-limited measure to support the transition of up to 200,000 people already living in Canada to permanent residence.
The measure has two broad components.
The workers cohort will support up to 100,000 people, including accompanying family members, through collaboration with provinces and territories. The government intends to use additional provincial nomination spaces and selected existing federal application pathways to support workers who meet regional labour market needs.
The humanitarian cohort will support up to another 100,000 people already in Canada. It is intended to help address existing humanitarian commitments, family reunification and certain long-standing application inventories.
This announcement is significant for eligible people already established in Canadian communities. However, it is not a general permanent residence pathway for every temporary foreign worker or international student.
Applicants should not assume that simply holding a work permit, having Canadian work experience or living in Canada makes them eligible. The relevant application categories and implementation instructions will determine who can benefit.
It is also important to distinguish this new measure from the earlier one-time initiatives under Budget 2025, which included accelerated transitions for up to 115,000 protected persons and 33,000 work permit holders during 2026 and 2027.
French-Speaking Immigration Targets Continue to Increase Outside Quebec
Canada is also strengthening its commitment to Francophone communities outside Quebec.
The new plan sets the following targets for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec:
| Year | Target | Approximate admissions |
| 2027 | 9.5% | 31,825 |
| 2028 | 10.5% | 35,175 |
| 2029 | 12% | 40,200 |
The gradual increase reflects Canada’s objective of supporting Francophone minority communities, strengthening regional economies and attracting French-speaking talent.
For candidates with strong French-language ability, this may create opportunities through relevant federal and provincial immigration pathways. French-language proficiency can be particularly valuable when combined with eligible work experience, education and other selection factors.
Nevertheless, applicants must still meet the requirements of the program through which they apply.
Who May Benefit From Canada’s Immigration Policy Changes in 2027?
The latest plan does not benefit every applicant in the same way. Its impact will depend on individual qualifications and the immigration pathway being considered.
Skilled professionals: Candidates with strong language results, relevant work experience, and qualifications may find opportunities through Express Entry and provincial programs. Federal economic selection remains a major priority.
Candidates with Canadian work experience: Eligible workers may benefit from existing economic pathways and, where applicable, the new time-limited transition measure.
Applicants open to provincial immigration: People willing to settle outside major cities may find suitable opportunities through provincial and regional programs, depending on their occupation and eligibility.
French-speaking candidates: Applicants with French-language proficiency may be well positioned to explore pathways supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec.
International students: Students can continue to consider Canadian education, but should carefully assess study permit requirements, program eligibility and realistic post-study options.
Applicants relying only on a high CRS score: A strong CRS score remains valuable, but candidates should not rely exclusively on one type of Express Entry draw. Provincial nomination and other eligible pathways may also deserve consideration.
Eivy Joy Quito, a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), at ImmigCanada offers the following perspective for applicants considering Canada’s evolving immigration priorities:
The latest Immigration Levels Plan shows that Canada continues to value skilled workers, regional economic development, and the contribution of newcomers. However, the overall admission targets do not automatically translate into opportunities for every applicant.
For professionals considering Canada, the first step should be to assess their qualifications, work experience, language ability, and eligibility across the available federal and provincial pathways.
For international students and temporary workers, it is equally important to understand the conditions attached to their status and the requirements for any future transition to permanent residence.
Informed immigration planning begins with understanding the rules that apply today while remaining prepared for future policy changes.
Canada’s Immigration Direction Is Becoming More Targeted
The 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan provides stability in overall permanent resident admissions while reinforcing Canada’s focus on economic immigration, provincial selection and regional workforce requirements.
For prospective newcomers, the opportunity lies in understanding how their individual qualifications align with these priorities. A national target of 380,000 permanent residents does not mean that every applicant has the same prospects. The right pathway will depend on eligibility, occupation, experience, language ability and current program requirements.
At ImmigCanada, we encourage applicants to make informed decisions based on their complete profiles and the immigration options available to them.
Stay connected with ImmigCanada for the latest Canada immigration news, Express Entry draw updates, Provincial Nominee Program announcements, study permit developments and important immigration policy changes. Keeping up with reliable updates can help you understand Canada’s changing immigration landscape and plan your next steps with greater confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada has set its permanent resident admissions target at 380,000 annually for 2027, 2028 and 2029. Economic immigration will account for 64.4% of planned admissions, followed by family immigration, refugees and protected persons, and humanitarian categories.
Canada plans to welcome 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals in 2027. This includes 220,000 workers and 150,000 international students. The worker target is divided between 170,000 under the International Mobility Program and 50,000 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The Provincial Nominee Program has a planned admissions target of 95,000 for 2027. The same target is set for 2028 and 2029. Individual provincial nomination allocations and eligibility requirements may differ and should be checked separately.
Canada has not announced a separate number of Express Entry draws or invitations for 2027. However, the Federal High Skilled category has an annual admissions target of 100,000. It includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Canada has set a target of 150,000 new international student arrivals in 2027, consistent with the previous plan. Students must still satisfy study permit requirements, including admission to an eligible institution and proof of sufficient financial resources.
A separate time-limited measure is intended to support up to 200,000 people already living in Canada in transitioning to permanent residence. It includes a workers cohort and a humanitarian cohort. It is not an automatic or open PR pathway for all temporary residents. Eligibility will depend on the government’s specified categories and implementation rules.