Canada’s new immigration level plan revealed in Budget 2026

Canada's new immigration level plan has been unveiled in the 2026 Budget. According to the budget, the number of temporary resident arrivals will remain steady at 370,000 per year for the years 2027, 2028, and 2029. Similarly, the target for permanent resident admissions will stay at 380,000 annually for the same period.

To fund this plan, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will receive $56.9 million over four years, beginning next year. Up to 200,000 temporary residents will have the opportunity to become permanent residents by the end of 2027, with half of them considered for the Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program. This shift aims to provide more flexibility for provinces and territories to address regional labour market needs.

An additional $302.3 million will be allocated to support this initiative. The updated immigration plan seeks to strike a balance between the needs of the economy, housing, health care, and social services. The budget states that the plan will continue to prioritize the needs of Canada's employers, industries, and communities while ensuring newcomers' needs are met and avoiding undue pressures on housing, health care, and social services.

The budget also plans to reform Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program, with a $151.5 million investment over five years, starting this year, directed through Employment and Social Development Canada. The federal government aims to align the TFWP with regional labour market needs, improve processing time, and strengthen employer compliance.