Canada 2026–2028 Immigration Plan Boosts PNP & PR for In-Canada Candidates

How Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan Prioritizes In-Canada PR Candidates

Canada continues to welcome newcomers, but the latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 is making it clear: the government wants to focus on those who are already here. Whether you’re on a work permit, a study permit, or a refugee claimant, the new plan is shaping up to be good news for you.

In a recent announcement, Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed that temporary residents already living in Canada will be prioritized for permanent residence under the latest plan. Although the plan no longer includes an “In-Canada focus” category by name, the policies clearly reflect a shift toward supporting people who’ve already settled here and are contributing to Canadian communities.

Let’s break down what this means and how it could affect your path to PR in Canada.

Key Highlights

• In-Canada candidates remain a top priority in Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan.
• Express Entry targets remain high, particularly benefiting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) admissions will grow by 66% in 2026 alone.
• One-time policies will fast-track 33,000 skilled workers already in Canada to permanent residence.
• 115,000 Protected Persons will be granted PR through a special initiative between 2026 and 2027.
• Focus on candidates in rural or in-demand sectors, and those who are already integrated into Canadian communities.

Why This Matters for Temporary Residents in Canada

If you’re already living and working or studying in Canada, the new plan is designed with you in mind. According to the Immigration Levels Plan, Canada is aligning its targets for temporary and permanent residents, with a strong emphasis on transitioning those already in the country to PR status.

This shift doesn’t just help manage population growth and housing demands—it also ensures that those who are already contributing to the economy and communities have a clearer pathway to stay long-term.

High Express Entry Targets Continue

Despite some slight adjustments, Express Entry remains a major pathway for economic immigration. Targets for Federal High-Skilled streams, which include the Express Entry system, will dip slightly from 124,680 in 2025 to 109,000 in 2026. However, they’ll rise again to 111,000 in both 2027 and 2028.

This is encouraging news—especially for applicants under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). These candidates often already have Canadian work experience, making them well-positioned for success both in terms of selection and integration.

Since many CEC candidates are already in the country and active in the workforce, they check several boxes for IRCC: skilled, settled, and contributing. If you’re a temporary resident with Canadian work experience, this could be your moment. There’s even speculation that larger CEC-specific draws may return in 2026.

Massive Increase in Provincial Nominee Program Allocations

One of the most significant shifts in the new plan is the boost to the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Admissions targets for PNPs will jump from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026—a whopping 66% increase. That number will tick up again to 92,500 in both 2027 and 2028.

This is great news for candidates applying through regional nominee pathways. Many provinces have already been placing a strong emphasis on nominating applicants who are already living and working in their jurisdiction. In fact, IRCC reportedly required that 75% of nominated applicants in 2025 be in-Canada candidates.

These trends make PNPs an increasingly attractive option for temporary residents who’ve built experience in a specific province. If you’ve studied, worked, or laid down roots in a province like Manitoba, be sure to check out our Manitoba PNP points calculator to see how competitive you are.

Special Programs Rolling Out in 2026 and 2027

In addition to the standard pathways, IRCC is also launching two one-time initiatives aimed at fast-tracking in-Canada candidates to PR status over the next two years.

1. Accelerated PR for Skilled Workers

Between 2026 and 2027, IRCC will transition up to 33,000 foreign workers already in Canada to permanent residence through a fast-tracked process. This initiative will focus on workers in in-demand sectors, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Candidates who have shown long-term commitment by holding steady employment, integrating into their communities, and contributing to the tax base will be prioritized. If you’re working in health care, agriculture, or skilled trades in a smaller town, this could be a fantastic opportunity.

2. PR Status for 115,000 Protected Persons

In a parallel effort, IRCC plans to grant permanent residence to up to 115,000 Protected Persons who are already in the country. These are individuals who have been recognized either by IRCC or the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) as needing protection from persecution or danger in their home countries.

This initiative reflects Canada’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian immigration and aims to fully integrate these individuals into Canadian society, giving them the opportunity to build stable, prosperous lives here.

Final Thoughts: A Bright Path Ahead for In-Canada Candidates

While the wording in the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan might have changed, the message is loud and clear: if you’re already in Canada, your chances of obtaining permanent residence are looking brighter than ever.

With expanded PNP allocations, strong Express Entry commitments, and special programs for both skilled workers and Protected Persons, IRCC is doubling down on helping temporary residents transition to permanent life in Canada.

Whether you’re working in a key industry, studying at a Canadian institution, or seeking protection, your journey to PR could be closer than you think.

Ready to find out where you stand?

Assess your eligibility for Express Entry or PNP streams and take the next step toward making Canada your forever home.

Your future in Canada could be closer than you think—don’t miss out!