The Canada immigration levels plan 2027–2029 outlines the federal government’s targets for permanent resident admissions and new temporary resident arrivals. These targets provide important context for people planning to work, study, reunite with family or apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Canada’s Immigration Targets for 2027–2029
Under this plan, Canada aims to admit 380,000 permanent residents and welcome 370,000 new temporary residents each year. The temporary resident target includes 220,000 workers and 150,000 international students annually.
The worker allocation consists of 170,000 arrivals through the International Mobility Program and 50,000 through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Meanwhile, the target for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec will increase each year.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029: Key Targets
Immigration category | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
Permanent resident admissions | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
Permanent resident planning range | 352,500–422,000 | 352,500–422,000 | 352,500–422,000 |
Temporary resident arrivals | 370,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
Temporary resident planning range | 355,000–385,000 | 355,000–385,000 | 355,000–385,000 |
Workers (total) | 220,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
International Mobility Program | 170,000 | 170,000 | 170,000 |
Temporary Foreign Worker Program | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 |
International students | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
Francophone admissions outside Quebec | 9.5% (31,825) | 10.5% (35,175) | 12% (40,200) |
These temporary resident figures refer to planned new arrivals, not the total number of temporary residents already living in Canada. Therefore, they should be treated as national planning targets rather than guaranteed places or approvals.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029: Separate 2027 Permanent Residence Measure
In addition to the regular immigration targets, IRCC has announced a one-year measure for 2027 that provides up to 200,000 spaces for specific groups already in Canada. This measure sits outside the regular Immigration Levels Plan targets. It is not a new immigration pathway and is not intended to increase admissions every year.
The measure has two groups, with up to 100,000 spaces allocated to each.
Up to 100,000 Spaces for Eligible Workers
The workers’ group covers eligible workers living in communities outside Quebec, along with their families. They must either be waiting for a permanent residence decision under selected programs that are closed to new applications or be eligible to apply through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
The selected closed programs identified by IRCC are the Start-Up Visa Program, Self-Employed Persons Program, Agri-Food Pilot and Home Care Worker (Caregiver) programs.
Up to 100,000 Spaces for Specific Humanitarian Groups
The second group covers certain people already in Canada who have applied through specified pathways and meet IRCC’s conditions. These include spouses, common-law partners and dependent children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are awaiting a final decision; applicants under the closed Hong Kong and Ukraine permanent residence pathways; and in-Canada humanitarian and compassionate applicants whose cases have been approved in principle.
IRCC says eligible applicants do not need to submit a separate application or take additional steps to be considered. Nevertheless, the measure does not mean that every temporary resident or applicant in these broad groups will automatically receive permanent residence. Applicants should continue to monitor official instructions and their application status.
Other 2026–2027 Initiatives
The 2027 measure is separate from two previously announced initiatives. The In-Canada Workers Initiative is accelerating permanent residence for 33,000 workers already contributing to Canadian communities. In addition, a separate initiative will process applications from up to 115,000 eligible protected persons in Canada and their in-Canada dependants. Both initiatives are expected to conclude in 2027.
How the Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029 Sets Immigration Priorities
Canada continues to use immigration to support the economy, address labour needs, reunite families and strengthen communities. As a result, applicants should consider how their qualifications and circumstances match the requirements of available programs.
Economic Immigration and Skilled Workers
Economic immigration remains a major part of Canada’s permanent residence system. Programs such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program select eligible candidates who can contribute to the workforce and economy.
Education, work experience, language ability and occupational skills may affect eligibility. In particular, candidates should monitor IRCC’s current selection categories and requirements, including updates to Express Entry.
Family Reunification
Family sponsorship remains an important part of Canada’s immigration system. Eligible Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor qualifying family members, including spouses, partners, dependent children, parents and grandparents, subject to the relevant program rules.
However, applicants should check current sponsorship criteria and intake arrangements before preparing an application.
Francophone Immigration Targets Outside Quebec
The plan increases the target for French-speaking permanent resident admissions outside Quebec from 9.5% in 2027 to 10.5% in 2028 and 12% in 2029. These targets represent 31,825, 35,175 and 40,200 admissions, respectively.
This continued focus is intended to support French-speaking communities outside Quebec. French-speaking applicants can review relevant pathways and determine whether they meet the selection requirements.
Provincial and Regional Immigration Pathways
Provinces and territories have different labour market priorities. Through the Provincial Nominee Program, participating jurisdictions can nominate eligible applicants who meet their regional and economic criteria.
Regional options such as the Atlantic Immigration Program may also be relevant to people who plan to settle in specific communities. Requirements vary by program and location.
Canada Immigration Plan 2027–2029: Impact on Express Entry
Express Entry continues to manage applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class and Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assesses candidates using factors such as age, education, language proficiency and work experience.
IRCC also holds category-based invitation rounds for candidates with selected qualifications or occupational backgrounds. Consequently, CRS cut-off scores can vary between rounds, depending on the category and number of invitations issued.
Applicants should also review IRCC’s November 3, 2026 Express Entry updates, including the new points linked to eligible Canadian work experience and qualifying high-wage occupations or job offers. These changes may affect some candidates’ CRS scores; however, they do not guarantee an invitation.
Related reading: [Express Entry Canada 2026: New CRS Points and Immigration Updates]
Official reference: [IRCC – Express Entry].
Temporary Resident Targets for Workers and Students
The annual temporary resident target is 370,000 arrivals, including 220,000 workers and 150,000 international students. This provides an overview of planned arrivals, but it does not guarantee a work permit or study permit.
Temporary Foreign Workers
The plan sets an annual target of 50,000 arrivals under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. A foreign worker’s eligibility for a work permit depends on the employment arrangement, occupation and applicable requirements.
Some temporary foreign workers may later qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry, a provincial nominee program or another eligible pathway. However, holding a temporary work permit does not automatically make someone eligible for permanent residence.
The annual target for international student arrivals is 150,000. Study permit applications remain subject to current eligibility requirements and applicable intake controls.
Before applying, prospective students should review the designated learning institution requirements, provincial or territorial attestation requirements where applicable, proof of financial support and post-graduation work permit eligibility. Importantly, studying in Canada does not automatically lead to permanent residence.
How to Prepare for Canada’s Immigration Changes
Applicants can take several practical steps while monitoring Canada’s immigration changes:
Review eligibility: Compare your education, work experience and language results with the requirements of suitable programs.
Check language requirements: English or French test results can affect eligibility and ranking in several pathways.
Prepare education documents: An Educational Credential Assessment may be required for some programs.
Explore provincial options: Review nomination streams that match your occupation and intended destination.
Follow official updates: Program criteria and selection priorities can change, so check IRCC announcements regularly.
Seek qualified advice when needed: An individual assessment can help clarify which pathways may be suitable.
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2027–2029: FAQs
*How many permanent residents does Canada plan to admit from 2027 to 2029?*
Canada’s target is 380,000 permanent resident admissions each year. The annual planning range is 352,500 to 422,000.
*What are the temporary resident targets?*
The plan targets 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals annually, including 220,000 workers and 150,000 international students.
*How are worker arrivals divided?*
The annual worker target includes 170,000 arrivals through the International Mobility Program and 50,000 through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
*What is the Francophone target outside Quebec?*
The target rises from 9.5% in 2027 to 10.5% in 2028 and 12% in 2029.
*Will the plan change Express Entry?*
The Levels Plan sets overall admission targets. Express Entry invitations continue to depend on eligibility, CRS scores, category-based selection and program requirements. Candidates should also review the separate November 3, 2026 CRS updates.
*Can temporary foreign workers apply for permanent residence?*
Some may qualify through Express Entry, provincial nomination or other pathways. Eligibility depends on the specific program criteria.
*Can international students become permanent residents?*
Some graduates may qualify through available immigration programs. However, studying in Canada does not guarantee permanent residence.
*What is the additional 2027 measure?*
IRCC has announced up to 200,000 spaces for specific groups already in Canada, outside the regular Levels Plan targets. Up to 100,000 spaces are for eligible workers and their families, and up to 100,000 are for specified humanitarian groups.
IRCC says eligible applicants do not need to submit a separate application or take additional steps to be considered. They should continue to follow official communications and maintain their application information as required.