Maxine Khalfon
According to a recent announcement, Canada is taking significant moves toward immigration's future. The federal government's Budget 2025 reveals that the upcoming Immigration LevelsPlan (ILP) for 2026-2028 will include many changes, including a new pathway for many temporary residents, tighter targets on international students and foreign workers, and a continued emphasis on economic immigration.RK Immigration believes that these changes create both obstacles and opportunities for potential immigrants, temporary residents, and immigration service clients. Here's a rundown of what you should know.
Key highlights of the plan:
-A new program will offer permanent residence (PR) status to up to 33,000 work permit holders between 2026 and 2027.
-The objective for temporary resident admissions in 2026 is 385,000, down 43% from673,650 in 2025.
- Within that, the aim for international students in 2026 is 155,000 (a 49%decrease from 305,900 in 2025).
- The objective for temporary foreign workers is 230,000, down 37% from 367,750in 2025.
-For permanent residents:
- The overall target remains at 380,000 for 2026 (same as last year).
- For 2027 and 2028, the notional target also stands at 380,000 each.
- The share of permanent admissions allocated to economic immigration increases from 59 % to 64 %.
The government also indicates a more targeted use of the Temporary Foreign WorkerProgram (TFWP) and other work permit streams, tailored to critical sectors and regional need.
What this means for RK Immigration’s clients
- For temporary residents living and working in Canada:
This is a good development: if you have a valid work permit (and complete other requirements), you may be eligible for the up to 33,000-slot track to permanent residency in 2026-2027. It sends a clear message that Canada is favouring "stay and settle"prospects. At RK Immigration, we'll help you determine whether your permit, occupation, work history, region, and other aspects are compatible with the next program.
- For international students and foreign workers considering Canada:
Lower admission targets may make it more difficult to join Canada as a student or foreign worker in 2026. Planning ahead of time becomes even more important: verify that your program or employment offer is in line with critical sectors or regional needs, and that the necessary documentation is in order. RK Immigration can assist you in assessing programs or career prospects with excellent immigration paths.
- For family sponsorship / refugee-humanitarian clients
The total PR target of 380,000 remains intact, but the increased share of economic immigration means that the relative share of other streams (family, refugee/humanitarian) may tighten. We recommend that clients in family sponsorship or related categories work with us to develop solid applications, guarantee eligibility, and optimize submission times.
- For employers and regional economic initiatives
If you are a Canadian business looking to hire international talent, you must keep a closer eye on program modifications. As Canada becomes strategic about where and who it admits through temporary and permanent programs, you may benefit from working with RK Immigration for compliance, strategic planning, and advise on regional labour market needs.
Why RK Immigration is your strategic partner
- We stay closely attuned to policy changes like this ILP, so you don’t have to.
- We offer personalized guidance: whether you’re a worker, student, employer or family sponsor, we evaluate your situation in light of evolving thresholds and priorities.
- We help you plan ahead, especially in light of tightened targets and increasing competition for admission slots.
- We provide transparent road-maps and checklists to navigate each phase, from eligibility assessment to document preparation to submission
What you should do now
- If you’re working in Canada or hold a work permit: Contact us to determine whether you can align with the upcoming transition-to-PR programme, and what you need to doin the next 12-18 months.
- If you’re planning to study or work in Canada in 2026: Let’s review your options now, choice of program, job offer, region, timing; to maximise your competitiveness.
- If you’re a sponsor or family applicant: Get in touch and we’ll review how your application fits into the tested landscape and whether any strategic steps can increase success.
- If you’re an employer or HR leader: Talk to us about how Canada’s shifting labour-immigration priorities may affect your talent acquisition plans, and how we can support you with compliance and strategy.
Final thoughts
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan signals a clear shift: Canada is reaffirming its Commitment to economic immigration and pathways to permanency for those already contributing through work. At the same time, it is placing more selective limits on temporary resident admissions. For clients of RK Immigration, this means it’s a time to act wisely and strategically. Whether you’re already in Canada or planning to come, the steps you take today will shape your immigration journey in the years ahead.Have questions or want to review your eligibility? Contact us at RK Immigration, we are ready to help you turn policy into opportunity
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