Canada 2026 Immigration Plan: Major PNP Increase Ahead

Canada’s 2026-2028 Immigration Plan: Big Boost for PNP and Shift Away from Temporary Foreign Workers

• Canada is increasing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spots to 91,500 by 2026—a 66% jump from previous targets.
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) admissions will be reduced to 60,000 in 2026, down from 82,000.
• The International Mobility Program (IMP) will grow to 170,000 admissions in 2026, a 32% increase.
• Permanent resident (PR) targets will remain steady at 380,000 annually through 2028.
• Significant changes are being made to reduce temporary resident numbers to 5% of Canada’s population by 2027.
• New policies are tightening eligibility for study permits, work permits, and spousal open work permits.

Canada has officially unveiled its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, and there are some major changes on the horizon. Whether you’re an aspiring permanent resident, a temporary worker, or an international student, these updates could have a big impact on your immigration journey. Let’s break down what’s changing—and what it means for you.

Massive Increase in Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Admissions

One of the biggest stories from the new plan is the major expansion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In 2026, Canada plans to welcome 91,500 permanent residents through PNP streams. That’s a 66% increase from the earlier goal of 55,000! This signals a strong shift toward supporting regional immigration and giving provinces more power to select candidates who meet their local labour market needs.

For those looking to boost their chances through a PNP stream, this is fantastic news. Want to see how you might score? Check out our handy Manitoba PNP points calculator to get started.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) Scaled Back

While the PNP is getting a boost, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is seeing a significant cut. In 2026, only 60,000 workers will be admitted through the TFWP, down from 82,000 in the previous plan. This is part of a broader effort to reduce Canada’s temporary resident population.

It’s worth noting that many of these TFWP jobs are tied to lower-wage roles, and the government has already begun placing stricter conditions on these streams. For example, there’s now a moratorium on processing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in regions with unemployment rates above 6%.

International Mobility Program (IMP) Sees Growth

Not all temporary programs are shrinking. The International Mobility Program (IMP)—which includes employer-specific and open work permits exempt from the LMIA process—is expanding. In 2026, the target for IMP admissions will rise to 170,000, up from 128,700 last year. That’s a 32% jump.

This growth reflects Canada’s continued interest in attracting global talent, especially through free trade agreements, reciprocal youth mobility programs, and intra-company transfers.

Permanent Residency Targets Hold Steady

Overall, Canada will maintain its target of 380,000 new permanent residents annually through 2026, 2027, and 2028. Here’s how those totals break down for 2026:

• Economic class (including Express Entry and PNP): 239,800
• Family reunification: 84,000
• Refugees and humanitarian admissions: 56,200

Though the total number remains the same, the government is shifting the composition of those numbers—placing greater emphasis on economic immigration and decreasing the family reunification and refugee quotas slightly over the three years.

French-Speaking Immigration Outside Quebec

Canada is also aiming to increase the share of French-speaking immigrants settling outside of Quebec. The goal is to hit 10.5% by 2028, starting at 9% in 2026. This aligns with Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen the Francophone minority communities across the country.

Reducing the Temporary Resident Population

The new plan includes a clear message: Canada is gradually reducing its reliance on temporary residents. The government is aiming to bring the temporary resident population down to 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.

This will be done by lowering the number of temporary work and study permits issued each year. For example, the target for international students is being reduced to 155,000 in 2026, compared to over 305,000 in 2025. That’s a dramatic drop.

Key Policy Changes You Should Know About

Several new policies introduced in 2024 are driving the reduction in temporary residents:

• Study permit cap: There’s now a national cap on the number of study permit applications accepted.
• PGWP restrictions: Graduates from programs offered under curriculum licensing agreements are no longer eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits.
• New PGWP criteria: Language proficiency and field of study now play a role in eligibility for PGWPs.
• Spousal work permit limits: Spouses of international students are only eligible for open work permits if the student is in a doctoral, master’s (16+ months), or a designated professional program (like nursing or engineering).
• Low-wage LMIA moratorium: No new LMIAs will be processed for low-wage jobs in regions with 6% or higher unemployment.

Some of these changes will take time to show their full effect. For instance, fewer study permits now means fewer PGWP holders in the future—likely starting around 2029 for those in four-year degree programs. Others, like the LMIA moratorium, will have an immediate impact, as current permits expire and can’t be renewed.

Final Thoughts: What It All Means for Newcomers to Canada

Canada’s immigration strategy is clearly shifting gears. The focus is moving towards permanent, long-term immigration through programs like the PNP, and away from temporary streams like the TFWP. If you’re planning to make Canada your home, now’s a great time to explore permanent options—especially through provincial pathways.

Not sure where to start? You can assess your eligibility for Express Entry-aligned PNP programs and get personalized insights into your best immigration options.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, international student, or someone looking to reunite with family in Canada, staying informed about these policy changes can help you make smarter, more strategic decisions. And remember—we’re always here to help guide you along the way.

Thinking about applying through a PNP stream? Visit our Manitoba PNP calculator to see where you stand and explore your options.