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Canada to Grant PR to 33,000 Temporary Residents in New 2026-2028 Immigration Plan

The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has announced the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan as part of Budget 2025. Trenity Consultants, renowned for its expertise in Canadian immigration, is prepared to help applicants successfully navigate this new landscape and secure their status. The plan introduces a new permanent residence pathway for temporary residents, aiming to reduce the number of non-permanent residents. This is the biggest change to Canadian immigration policy in recent years.

This announcement provides thousands of temporary residents in Canada with greater clarity and new opportunities. The government will launch a program to assist individuals already working in Canada in transitioning from temporary to permanent status.

Key highlights of the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan

The newly tabled plan outlines several key reforms:

A new program will give permanent residence to 33,000 work permit holders in 2026 and 2027.
The target for temporary resident admissions in 2026 will be cut by 43%.
A stable permanent residence admission target of 380,000 for 2026, with a greater share allocated to economic immigration.

A New Permanent Residence Pathway for Temporary Residents

A key part of the new plan is a pathway to Canadian permanent residence for people already in the country with work permits.

The government plans to help up to 33,000 work permit holders become permanent residents in 2026 and 2027.

Eligibility: Specific eligibility criteria for this new program are yet to be announced. The government has not yet announced the specific eligibility rules for this program. It has also promised to grant permanent residence to eligible Protected Persons in Canada over the next two years. communities and filling critical roles in the Canadian economy.

Major Cuts to Temporary Resident Targets

The most dramatic changes in the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan primarily affect temporary residents. The table below shows the large reductions planned for each year. It is worth noting that these reductions are based on targets, not actual admissions. Data from January to August 2025 shows admissions have already lagged significantly, with only 42% of the Temporary Foreign Worker target and 29% of the international student target met. This suggests the new 2026 targets may better align with on-the-ground reality.

Permanent Residence Plan: Stable Numbers, New Focus. The headlines focus on temporary resident cuts; the plan for permanent resident admissions remains stable, but with a clear strategic shift.

The total permanent resident admissions target for 2026 will stay at 380,000.
The share of economic immigrants will rise to 64% of all admissions, up from 59%. This means 239,800 spots for economic class immigrants. Correspondingly, targets for family reunification and refugee/humanitarian streams have been slightly reduced to accommodate this economic focus.

Upcoming Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled a major change to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. In a speech in September 2025, he said the program “must have a focused approach that targets specific, strategic sectors and needs in specific regions.” The Immigration Levels Plan begins to reflect this. The combined 2026 target for work permits is set at 230,000, representing an increase from the target established in the previous plan. Budget 2025 indicates the government will “consider industries and sectors impacted by tariffs and the unique needs of rural and remote communities,” suggesting a more granular and needs-based approach to the TFWP and International Mobility Program (IMP).

Secure Your Spot: Assess Your Eligibility for the New PR Pathway

If you are seeking expert advice on Canadian immigration or want to understand your eligibility under the new Temporary to Permanent Resident Canada Program, Trenity Consultants can provide the guidance you need. As the best Canadian immigration consultants in the UAE, we are committed to helping you achieve your Canadian dream.