New Canada Immigration Plan: More PR Pathways via Provinces, Fewer Temporary Visas

The Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028, announced by IRCC, presents a big advantage for those seeking permanent residence (PR) in Canada. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets have been drastically increased, and the primary focus for PR is on the transition of temporary residents with a work permit, study permit, or protected person status to full PR status. The new plan thus clearly puts the in-Canada candidates in the center stage, with those already contributing to the country's economy given preference over the latest arrivals.

The new changes – What the applicants need to know

Increase in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) targets for 2026, as announced by IRCC, are 91,500, a sharp rise from the 2025 target of 55,000. This, in turn, gives provinces the chance to nominate people already in the province who have valuable local experience. Furthermore, in-Canada applicants have an easy route to PR. 

PNP streams may be more viable for:

• Candidates whose Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores do not meet the requirements of the Express Entry cut-offs.
• Applicants who do not qualify for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Lower-skilled workers (TEER 4 and 5) – the increase in the PNP allocations allows provinces to nominate low-skilled workers critical to local labour market requirements.
• Entrepreneurs and investors - They can apply through PNPs with investor and entrepreneur streams for permanent residence in Canada.
• Applicants who were excluded last year – Applications to specific sectors were suspended in the previous year, and with the new increased PNP quotas, provinces are likely to reopen them.
• Applicants waiting in provincial Expression of Interest (EOI) pools who have not yet received an invitation.

Work Permit

According to the latest Immigration Levels Plan, the number of work permits through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is reduced, with targets cut to 60,000 from 82,000. In contrast, work permits through the International Mobility Program (IMP) increased to 170,000 from 128,700. The IMP is a more controlled pathway, as its eligibility criteria are more specific. 

Any admissible foreign national is eligible under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) only if the employer submits a positive or neutral Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). TFWP includes only closed work permits, is economic and employer-driven, and can be obtained for almost any occupation. The reduced number of work permits through TFWP in 2026 means less flexibility for employers wanting to hire urgent workers, fewer pathways for foreign workers, and fewer options for PGWP holders whose permits are expiring. 

International Mobility Program (IMP) does not require an LMIA. It includes both open and closed work permits, and eligibility is limited to categories such as Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs), Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs), Bridging Open Work Permits (BOWPs) for PR applicants, International Experience Canada (IEC), and Various LMIA-exempt employer-specific permits. Through IMP, the government can control the admissions and meet the economic and cultural objectives.

Temporary resident population to be reduced by 5%

Canada has realigned its immigration system, and as part of this, the percentage of temporary residents is to be reduced by 5% by the end of 2027. The government has always introduced new Canadian immigration policies and revised them in line with socio-economic requirements. Some of the key policy changes in 2024 include decreasing the temporary level of residents through:

• Study permit application cap.
• Removal of PGWP eligibility from international students in post-secondary curriculum licensing programs.
• Including language and field-of-study criteria for non-exempt programs.
• Limiting Spousal open work permit to PhD students, Master's students studying programs of 16 months or more, temporary foreign workers in high-skilled occupations or in-demand mid-skilled occupations.
• Introducing the LMIA moratorium in the low-wage stream in areas where unemployment exceeds 6%.

Need counsel on the latest Immigration Levels Plan? ImmiLaw Global will assist you!

Canada's Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028 features a 66% increase in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocation compared to the previous plan, as well as significant reductions in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) work permits and a reduction in study permits. To navigate changes in Canadian immigration policies and settle in Canada, it is essential to have a strategic plan that is compliant and successful. Here is where ImmiLaw Global will help you.

We will track the IRCC updates and prepare strong applications. The sharp increase in the PNP targets means more provincial nomination streams will open up. Also, it is the best chance to convert from temporary resident status to permanent residence, and our lawyers will assist you with the pathway. We will evaluate your profile and will match you with the best-fit province and stream. We will also guide you with the change in the work permit strategy (limiting TFWP and emphasizing LMIA-exempt IMP routes). After assessing your eligibility, we will direct you to the correct permit type. In addition, as per the new plan, the study permits issued will be reduced, and the PGWP rules will become stricter. We will help you tackle it by guiding you to choose the program and institution wisely to maximize your success. Contact us today.

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