Canada PNP Update: 2026 Target Raised to 91,500 PRs

Canada to Welcome More Immigrants Through the PNP in 2026: What It Means for You

The Canadian federal government has significantly boosted its immigration targets through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), aiming for 91,500 permanent resident (PR) admissions in 2026. That’s a staggering 66% increase from the previous 55,000 target—great news for skilled workers, international graduates, and temporary residents hoping to call Canada home.

Key Highlights

• Canada’s PNP immigration target will rise to 91,500 in 2026, up from 55,000.
• This increase offers more opportunities for temporary residents like international students and workers to gain PR.
• PNPs are becoming increasingly vital as an alternative to Express Entry, especially for those with lower CRS scores.
• Provinces are regaining flexibility after earlier immigration cuts in 2025 led to paused or restricted streams.
• Employers in sectors facing labour shortages may benefit from the expanded nomination allocations.
• Both base and enhanced PNP streams offer unique pathways depending on your qualifications.

Why Canada Is Expanding the PNP

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan lays out how many newcomers the country hopes to welcome each year. For 2026, the federal government is aiming to admit 91,500 permanent residents through the PNP. That’s nearly double what was projected just a few years ago. And in 2027, the target is expected to rise even further, by around 67% compared to previous outlooks.

This renewed focus on provincial immigration is a shift from the federal government’s earlier decision to reduce PNP admissions in 2025. That cut left many provinces scrambling, with some suspending streams or limiting applications to only the most needed occupations. Now, Ottawa is swinging the pendulum back, recognizing the PNP as a vital tool to meet local labour market needs across the country.

What This Means for Immigrants

If you’re a temporary resident in Canada—say, on a work permit or study permit—this could be your time to shine. Since many provincial streams prioritize candidates with experience or education obtained in the province, these increased spots could help you transition to permanent residency more smoothly.

Even if you don’t meet the high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cutoffs required for Express Entry, provincial nomination could be your ticket to PR. In fact, the PNP is a popular choice for:

• Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) holders who studied in Canada and are now working full-time
• Skilled workers in occupations classified under NOC TEER 4 or 5 (typically lower-skilled roles)
• Entrepreneurs or business investors seeking provincial streams
• International graduates who studied in the same province they’re applying to
• Foreign nationals outside Canada looking for a pathway to immigrate

Increased nominations also benefit PGWP holders applying for PR. Once nominated, they can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which allows them to continue working legally in Canada while they wait for a decision on their PR application.

Why the PNP Matters More Than Ever

Starting in 2025, the federal government plans to remove additional CRS points for job offers under Express Entry. That change could make it harder for some applicants to qualify through Express Entry alone. As a result, the PNP becomes even more valuable—not just for candidates, but also for employers who rely on foreign workers to fill ongoing labour shortages.

By allowing provinces to select candidates based on local demand, the PNP fills important gaps in industries like healthcare, construction, and childcare. With more nomination spots available, employers can retain qualified foreign workers, while helping Canada grow its skilled workforce.

How PNP Targets Are Set

Here’s a quick breakdown of how it all works:

• Immigration targets represent how many PRs Canada plans to admit in total.
• Nomination allocations are handed out to each province based on those targets.
• Provinces can invite more candidates through provincial draws if their allocation is increased.

It’s important to understand that these targets don’t directly reflect the number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) or nominations issued. Provinces often issue more nominations than admissions to account for application refusals or delays.

What Happened in 2025?

Let’s be honest—2025 was a bit of a rollercoaster for immigration. The federal government slashed PNP targets in half, from 120,000 to just 55,000. That forced provinces to hit pause on several immigration streams or limit eligibility to specific industries. Here’s what some provinces did to cope:

• British Columbia wait-listed International Post-Graduate applicants and delayed launching new graduate streams.
• Nova Scotia focused on healthcare, construction, and social assistance workers with expiring permits.
• Prince Edward Island prioritized skilled workers in trades, childcare, and healthcare.
• New Brunswick paused intake for its Strategic Initiative stream and focused on high-demand sectors.
• Saskatchewan capped nominations in transportation, retail, and food services to 25% and prioritized healthcare and agriculture.

Thankfully, most provinces—except Ontario and PEI—have since negotiated higher allocations with the federal government, regaining some flexibility to meet local economic demands.

Understanding Base vs. Enhanced PNP Streams

There are two main ways to apply for the PNP:

Base Streams

These streams operate outside of Express Entry. You apply directly to the province. If nominated, you then submit a separate PR application to IRCC.

Enhanced Streams

These are linked to the federal Express Entry system. If selected by a province, you get 600 additional CRS points—virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply in the next draw. This is a fantastic route if you’re already in the Express Entry pool but need a boost.

Final Thoughts: Is Now the Time to Apply Through the PNP?

With the federal government significantly increasing PNP admissions for 2026 and 2027, there’s no better time to consider this pathway. Whether you’re a worker, student, or entrepreneur, the PNP gives you a province-specific route to permanent residency—designed to match your skills to local needs.

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines due to low CRS scores or uncertainty in Express Entry, this could be your moment.

Ready to explore your options? Check out our Manitoba PNP Points Calculator to see how you stack up, or learn more about provincial immigration options.

Contact us today to get personalized advice on the best PNP stream for your situation!