December 1, 2025
Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028 – Analysis by Expert Immigration Consultants in Canada
🇨🇦 Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2026–2028: PNP Rises Strong While Study Permits & LMIA-Based Work Permits Decline
Career Wings Immigration | November 2025
Canada’s newly released 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan has reshaped the immigration landscape—bringing positive news for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants, while tightening pathways for international students and LMIA-based Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) candidates.
If you plan to study, work, or immigrate to Canada, this new plan could significantly influence your pathway. Below is a clear, expert breakdown to help you make informed decisions.
PNP Becomes 2026’s Most Promising Pathway to Canadian PR
The Federal Government has increased the PNP target to 91,500 PR admissions for 2026, marking a 66% rise from the previous target of 55,000.
| Category | 2026 Target (New Plan) | 2026 Target (Previous Plan) |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | 91,500 | 55,000 |
| Express Entry – Federal High Skilled | 109,000 | 124,590 |
This shift demonstrates that Canada is moving PR admissions away from Express Entry and toward province-driven immigration.
Who Will Benefit Most from the PNP Increase?
This is excellent news for:
- Candidates with lower CRS scores struggling in Express Entry
- Skilled workers in TEER 4 & 5 positions
- Applicants impacted by reduced PNP occupation lists in 2024–2025
- Business, Investor, and Entrepreneur stream applicants
- International graduates relying on PNP instead of CEC for PR
Career Wings Insight:
The next three years will favour PNP candidates, especially those with provincial ties, job offers, or in-demand skills.
Work Permits: Canada Shifts Toward IMP and Restricts LMIA-Based Hiring
Canada is directing future workers toward LMIA-exempt International Mobility Program (IMP) work permits, while reducing LMIA-based TFWP opportunities.
| Work Permit Category | 2026 New Target | Previous Plan |
| IMP (LMIA-Exempt) | 170,000 ↑ | 128,700 |
| TFWP (LMIA-Based) | 60,000 ↓ | 82,000 |
What This Means for Workers:
IMP Will Offer More Opportunities
Includes:
- PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
- SOWP (Spousal Open Work Permit)
- BOWP (Bridging Open Work Permit)
- IEC (International Experience Canada)
TFWP Will Become More Challenging
- Limited LMIA approvals
- Reduced hiring options for employers
- Low-wage and some mid-skill LMIA categories restricted
Career Wings Guidance:
Applicants should shift from LMIA-dependent pathways to IMP-linked options, provincial pathways, or employer-supported PNP routes.
International Student Intake Cut Nearly in Half
The annual target for study permits has been dramatically reduced:
| Category | 2026 New Target | Previous Plan |
| Study Permits | 155,000 ↓ | 305,900 |
Additional measures affecting students include:
- Stricter PGWP eligibility rules
- Limited SOWP options (only for select Master’s, PhD & professional programs)
- No PGWP for most licensing-model colleges
Students must now select their institution, province, and program strategically to avoid losing work and PR options.
Canada to Reduce Temporary Resident Population to 5% by 2027
To reduce dependency on temporary residents, Canada will limit annual admissions as follows:
| Category | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 |
| Temporary Workers (Total) | 230,000 | 220,000 | 220,000 |
| International Students | 155,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 |
This reduction will affect:
- Visitor-to-study/work conversions
- LMIA-based PR paths
- Low-skilled migration opportunities
Strategic Recommendations for 2025–2028 Immigration Aspirants
| Applicant Profile | Recommended Pathway |
| Low CRS / No Canadian experience | PNP (Most Suitable Path) |
| Skilled worker abroad | PNP or PNP-aligned Express Entry |
| Students planning PR | Choose PGWP-eligible programs only |
| Workers in Canada | BOWP + PNP |
| Family members of skilled workers | SOWP (if eligible) |
Contact Career Wings Immigration – Speak with a Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant
For reliable, lawful, and up-to-date immigration guidance aligned with the latest IRCC policies, our team is here to support you.
Career Wings Immigration – Office & Contact Details
Office Address:
Unit 3236, Cityscape Landing Plaza, 4310 104 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Email: info@careerwingsimmigration.com
Phone / WhatsApp: +1-778-881-6000
Website: www.careerwingsimmigration.com
Book a professional consultation with our team to receive a personalized immigration plan tailored to your profile and the 2026–2028 Levels Plan.