Are you waiting for Canadian PR, studying in Canada, working on a permit, or planning to move? Then the next few days matter. By November 1, 2026, the Government of Canada is expected to table the new Immigration Levels Plan for 2027–2029, which sets how many people Canada will welcome over the next three years. One promise has already been made: Canada wants fewer temporary residents. In this guide, I explain the numbers in simple words, what could change, and what it means for permanent residents, international students and foreign workers.
Keep itn mind that he figures below come from the current Government of Canada levels plan (2026–2028) and official statements. The 2027–2029 plan is not published yet, so anything labelled “planned” can still change.
What Is the Canada Immigration Levels Plan?
Think of the Immigration Levels Plan as a guest list for a big party. Every year, Canada decides how many newcomers it can welcome, and it plans three years ahead, not just one. The plan covers two main groups:
Permanent residents (PR): people who can live in Canada permanently.
Temporary residents: people who come for a limited time, such as international students and workers on work permits.
This is not optional. Canadian law requires the government to share the plan by November 1 each year, with extra time allowed if Parliament is not sitting. That is why the 2027–2029 plan is due so soon.
If you're not sure how the new levels plan affects your PR, study permit or work permit? Book a one-on-one consultation and get a clear plan for your situation.
Canada’s 2026 Targets: Where Things Stand Now
For 2026, Canada’s target is 380,000 new permanent residents, within a range of 350,000 to 420,000. Here is how that breaks down:
Read Also: Canada Express Entry 2026: 3,500 Healthcare ITAs at 475
Economic immigrants: about 239,800 (mostly skilled workers and their families).
Family class: 84,000 people joining relatives in Canada.
Refugees and protected persons: 49,300.
Humanitarian and other: about 6,900.
For temporary residents, the 2026 target is 385,000 new arrivals: 230,000 workers and 155,000 students.
What the Previous Plan Said About 2027 and 2028
The plan announced last year already hinted at what comes next. For both 2027 and 2028 it planned 380,000 permanent residents each year. For temporary residents, the numbers go down to 370,000 new arrivals a year: 220,000 workers and 150,000 students.
Here is the important detail: these were “notional” figures. That means they were plans, not guarantees, and the new plan can confirm or change them.
The Two Big Promises Behind Canada’s Immigration Cuts
Temporary residents below 5% of the population by the end of 2027. In simple words, Canada wants fewer people on temporary permits compared with the rest of the population.
New permanent residents below 1% of the population after 2027. The government says immigration levels must match what the country can handle, including housing, hospitals and public services.
If you are a student or worker on a permit, this matters. Getting a new permit could become more competitive, and planning your next step early is more important than ever.
Group by Group: What the 2027 Numbers Mean for You
Using the numbers planned for 2027, here is how each group could be affected:
Skilled workers waiting for PR: the economic target rises slightly from about 239,800 to 244,700. This remains Canada’s biggest door to permanent residence.
Families hoping to reunite: the family target dips from 84,000 to 81,000. It is a small change, but it means fewer spaces.
International students: new student arrivals fall from 155,000 to 150,000.
Foreign workers on permits: new worker arrivals fall from 230,000 to 220,000.
The direction is clear: more room for skilled workers to become permanent residents, and fewer spaces for new temporary arrivals. Again, these 2027 numbers can still change.
If you're planning to study or work in Canada and want to stay long term? Book a one-on-one consultation to map your path from permit to PR.
The Part Most People Miss: One-Time Programmes and French
The current plan also includes one-time programmes that could help many people:
Up to 33,000 temporary workers can move to permanent residence across 2026 and 2027.
About 115,000 protected persons already in Canada are set to receive permanent residence over two years, on top of the normal targets.
There is also good news for French speakers. Canada wants more French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec. The target is 9% in 2026, rising to 10.5% in 2028, with a goal of 12% by 2029. Even basic French can help, because it can add CRS points and open category-based Express Entry draws. It is one of the most valuable skills you can build.
What Could the New 2027–2029 Levels Plan Say?
Here is what we know. The new plan will:
add targets for 2029 for the first time;
confirm or change the numbers for 2027 and 2028.
According to reports, on September 27 Prime Minister Mark Carney said the government is considering a controlled increase in population, but gave no numbers.
Here's my analysis, not an official announcement: if there is any increase, it is more likely to be on the permanent resident side. Canada wants to reduce its temporary population by the end of 2027, so it is aiming to bring in fewer temporary residents, not more. We will only know for sure when the plan is published.
5-Step Checklist While You Wait for the Levels Plan
1. Do not panic. The plan does not cancel anyone’s existing application.
2. Read the plan on Canada.ca when it is released, not only on social media posts.
3. Know when your permit ends and plan your next step early.
4. Improve your language scores in English or French. It is something you can control.
5. Beware of PR promises. No one can guarantee you PR. Use only a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will Canada release the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan?
By law, the government must table it by November 1, 2026. If Parliament is not sitting, it gets some extra time, so the release could come slightly later.
Q2: What is the Immigration Levels Plan in simple terms?
It is Canada’s three-year target for how many permanent residents and temporary residents (students and workers) it will welcome.
Q3: How many permanent residents will Canada accept in 2026?
The target is 380,000, within a range of 350,000 to 420,000. About 239,800 are economic immigrants, 84,000 family class, 49,300 refugees and protected persons, and 6,900 humanitarian and other.
Q4: Will Canada reduce immigration in 2027?
The earlier plan kept PR at 380,000 for 2027 but lowered temporary arrivals to 370,000. The government also wants temporary residents under 5% of the population by the end of 2027. The new plan may confirm or adjust this.
Q5: What does “notional” mean in the levels plan?
A: Notional numbers are planning figures for future years. They give a direction but are not guaranteed and can be changed in the next plan.
Q6: Will it be harder to get a Canadian study permit or work permit?
A: Likely more competitive. New student arrivals are planned to fall from 155,000 to 150,000, and new workers from 230,000 to 220,000 in 2027, though these can still change.
Q7: Is it still possible to get PR through Express Entry?
A: Yes. The economic class remains the largest category, and its planned 2027 target rises slightly to 244,700. Strong language scores, skilled work experience and category eligibility still matter.
Q8: Will the new levels plan cancel my application?
No. The plan sets targets for future admissions. It does not cancel applications already submitted.
Q9: Can temporary workers become permanent residents?
Yes. Up to 33,000 temporary workers can transition to permanent residence across 2026 and 2027 under a one-time initiative, alongside regular pathways.
Q10: Why does French matter for immigration to Canada?
Canada aims for 9% of immigrants outside Quebec to be French-speaking in 2026, rising to 10.5% in 2028 and 12% by 2029. French skills can add CRS points and unlock French-language Express Entry draws.
Q11: Could Canada increase immigration in the new plan?
Possibly. Prime Minister Mark Carney reportedly said the government is considering a controlled increase in population, without giving numbers. My view is that any increase is more likely to be in permanent residents than temporary ones, but that is analysis, not an official position.
Q12: Where can I read the official levels plan?
On the Government of Canada’s website, Canada.ca, under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Always rely on official sources.
Q13: Should I use an immigration agent who guarantees PR?
No. No one can guarantee PR. Use a licensed Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) or a lawyer.
Final Thoughts
The 2027–2029 plan is expected any day now. The overall direction looks like fewer new temporary residents and a steady or slightly stronger focus on skilled permanent residents. Focus on what you can control: know your permit dates, improve your English or French scores, keep your documents ready, and follow official announcements. I will break the new plan down on the blog and YouTube channel as soon as it is out.
Are you waiting for PR, or on a study or work permit? Tell me in the comments. And if you need personal guidance, book a one-on-one consultation and we will build a plan around your goals.
Sources: IRCC news and levels plan announcements, Canada.ca
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and not legal or immigration advice. Immigration targets and rules can change. Confirm details with IRCC and speak to a licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer about your own situation.