Opportunities for Skilled Workers, Families & Students
Canada continues to be one of the world’s most welcoming countries for immigrants, offering stability, economic growth, and a high quality of life. Under the Canada Immigration Plan 2026–2028, the Government of Canada aims to welcome 380,000 new permanent residents every year, reinforcing its commitment to economic development, family reunification, and humanitarian protection.
With labor shortages, an aging population, and strong demand for skilled professionals, Canada’s immigration system presents excellent opportunities for skilled workers, international students, entrepreneurs, and families planning to settle permanently.
This guide provides a complete overview of Canada’s Immigration Plan, including targets, immigration categories, program details, and why Canada continues to rely on immigration for long-term growth.
Summary of Canada Immigration Plan 2026–2028
Each year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases a multi-year Immigration Plan to guide how many permanent residents and temporary residents Canada will welcome.
For 2026, 2027, and 2028, Canada has committed to welcoming:
- 380,000 new permanent residents annually
This steady intake ensures economic stability while addressing workforce shortages and supporting social services such as healthcare and education.
Canada Immigration Targets by Class (2026–2028)
Permanent Resident Admissions
| Immigration Class | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economic Class | 239,900 | 244,700 | 244,700 |
| Family Class | 84,000 | 81,000 | 81,000 |
| Refugees & Humanitarian | 56,100 | 54,300 | 54,300 |
| French-speaking (outside Quebec) | 30,267 | 31,825 | 35,175 |
| Total | 380,000 | 380,000 | 380,000 |
Temporary Resident Targets (2026–2028)
Canada will also welcome a large number of temporary workers and international students to meet immediate labor and education needs.
| Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Temporary Residents | 385,000 | 370,000 | 370,000 |
| Foreign Workers | 230,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| International Students | 155,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
Why Canada Needs Immigrants
Canada depends heavily on immigration due to:
- An aging population
- One of the world’s lowest birth rates
- Growing labor shortages
- Rising healthcare and social service costs
By 2030, nearly 9 million baby boomers will reach retirement age, creating a serious workforce gap. Immigration helps Canada:
- Sustain economic growth
- Increase labor force participation
- Support healthcare, education, and social systems
- Maintain a high standard of living
Today, immigration accounts for most of Canada’s population and workforce growth, making newcomers essential to the country’s future.
Overview of Canada’s Immigration Programs
Economic Immigration Programs
Economic immigration represents more than half of all permanent resident admissions.
Express Entry Programs
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – For professionals with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – For qualified trade workers
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For workers with Canadian experience
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on local labor market needs.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Supports employers in Atlantic Canada to hire skilled foreign workers and graduates.
Caregiver Programs
For individuals providing care to children, seniors, or people with medical needs.
Business Immigration
Family Class Immigration Programs
Canada prioritizes family reunification through:
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Sponsorship
- Dependent Child Sponsorship
- Parent and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Refugees & Humanitarian Programs
Canada remains a global leader in humanitarian immigration through:
- Government-Assisted Refugees
- Privately Sponsored Refugees
- Protected Persons in Canada
- Humanitarian and Compassionate admissions
Why Immigrants Choose Canada
- Strong economy and job security
- Free healthcare and quality education
- Clear pathways to permanent residence and citizenship
- Family-friendly immigration policies
- Multicultural and inclusive society
Conclusion
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 offers exceptional opportunities for skilled workers, families, students, and entrepreneurs. With stable PR targets, diverse immigration pathways, and long-term settlement benefits, Canada remains one of the top destinations for immigrants worldwide.
If you are planning to work, study, invest, or reunite with family in Canada, now is the ideal time to start preparing your immigration journey.
