Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan
380,000 permanent residents a year, up to 200,000 in-Canada transitions
Last updated 6 November 2026
On 5 November, the Government of Canada released its Immigration Levels Plan, which sets how many permanent and temporary residents Canada plans to admit over the next three years. The overall numbers match what last year's plan promised, but there is a new time-limited measure to help people already living in Canada become permanent residents.
· In 2027, a time-limited measure will help up to 200,000 people already in Canada move to permanent residence, including up to 100,000 workers and their families.
· New temporary resident arrivals are set at 370,000 a year (220,000 workers, 150,000 students).
Permanent residents: 380,000 a year
The target is 380,000 permanent residents in each of 2027, 2028 and 2029. The 2027 range is 352,500–422,000, and the 2028 and 2029 figures are notional and will be confirmed or adjusted each year. Here is the 2027 breakdown.
| Category | 2027 target |
|---|---|
| Economic | 244,700 |
| Family | 81,000 |
| Refugees and protected persons | 49,300 |
| Humanitarian and other | 5,000 |
| Total | 380,000 |
Within the economic class, Federal High Skilled (the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class programs) is set at 100,000, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) at 95,000. Federal High Skilled is managed through Express Entry; the points changes that took effect on 3 November are covered in our Express Entry article. The government says the plan increases admissions under the PNP and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). For British Columbia, see BC PNP's 1,000 additional nominations.
Up to 200,000 people in Canada to move to PR
For 2027 only, the government is creating additional admissions space to help up to 200,000 people already living in Canada become permanent residents. There are two cohorts.
| Cohort | Up to | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Workers | 100,000 people and their families | Provinces get larger PNP allocations to nominate workers who meet regional needs. Provinces can also identify workers who already applied under the AIP or certain federal programs now closed to new applications (Start-up Visa, Self-Employed Persons, Agri-Food Pilot, home care worker programs). |
| Humanitarian | 100,000 people | Remaining Hong Kong pathway and Ukraine Family Reunification applications, people already found eligible on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, and spouses, partners and dependent children of Canadians and permanent residents living in Canada |
Who can apply, and how, hasn't been announced yet.
One outlet, CIC News, added this to the 380,000 target and reported a figure of up to 622,000 for 2027. The government's pages don't give a combined total.
Temporary residents: 370,000 a year
The target for new temporary resident arrivals is 370,000 a year for 2027–2029 (range 355,000–385,000), in line with the previous plan.
| Group | Target per year |
|---|---|
| Workers | 220,000 |
| · LMIA-exempt work permits (IMP) | 170,000 |
| · LMIA-based work permits (TFWP) | 50,000 |
| Students | 150,000 |
The plan is built around the target of bringing the non-permanent resident population below 5% of Canada's population.
K2 Canada's analysis
The overall numbers match last year's outlook, so there's no big shift. What matters for people already working here is the larger provincial nominee allocation and the 2027 measure for in-Canada workers.
Because the workers cohort runs through provincial nominations, it's worth keeping your work permit valid, continuing to build work experience, and checking your province's PNP requirements now.
Frequently asked questions
Did the 2027 PR target go down?
No. It's 380,000, as the previous plan said. The same figure is set for 2028 and 2029, but those are confirmed or adjusted each year.
When and how can I apply for the 200,000 transition measure?
It's a time-limited measure for 2027. The application process and eligibility haven't been announced yet. The workers cohort will run through provincial nominee programs.
What's the target for Express Entry's federal programs?
Federal High Skilled (FSW, FST and CEC), managed through Express Entry, is set at 100,000 a year for 2027–2029.
Is the number of new students going down further?
The target for new international students is 150,000 a year for 2027–2029, the same 2027 figure the previous plan set out.
Are post-graduation work permits counted in the 370,000?
No. IRCC treats PGWPs as an extension or change of status, not a new arrival, so they aren't included in these targets.
Supplementary Information for the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan — IRCC (2026-11-05)
Building a stronger Canada through a well-managed, predictable immigration system — IRCC backgrounder (2026-11-05)
Canada announces plans for up to 622,000 new permanent residents in 2027 — CIC News (2026-11-05)
This article is general information based on IRCC material and news reports published as of 6 November 2026. It is not legal advice for any specific case. Figures for 2028 and 2029 are notional and may be adjusted, and details of the time-limited transition measure have not yet been announced. Always check official IRCC and provincial guidance before applying.