The Immigration Levels Plan unveiled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) emphasizes the importance of transitioning temporary residents currently living in Canada to permanent resident (PR) status. Although no specific admissions category for in-Canada candidates was announced, Immigration Minister Lena Diab reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritize individuals already settled in Canada, aiming to reduce new arrivals while supporting those with the skills needed in the country.
The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan outlines an integrated approach targeting both temporary and permanent residents, focusing on facilitating pathways for those already present in Canada. A notable aspect of this policy is the high allocation maintained for Express Entry, particularly benefiting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Despite a slight decrease in Federal High-Skilled admission targets, these are set to stabilize at 111,000 annual admissions by 2028. Candidates in the CEC program, who typically possess prior Canadian work experience, are expected to be significant beneficiaries of this plan.
Additionally, IRCC is significantly increasing the admissions quotas for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), raising the target from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, which will further rise to 92,500 in the following years. This surge indicates a strategic move to enable provincial authorities to nominate more temporary residents already residing in Canada, especially those with qualifications and work experience aligned with local requirements.
To reinforce its objectives, IRCC has introduced two key one-time initiatives for 2026 and 2027. Firstly, it plans to fast-track PR applications for up to 33,000 foreign workers currently in Canada working in high-demand sectors, with particular attention to those in rural communities. Secondly, the plan includes granting PR status to approximately 115,000 individuals recognized as Protected Persons who are already on pathways to permanent residency. This initiative highlights Canada's commitment to humanitarian efforts while ensuring that those allowed to stay can effectively contribute to the economy.
As Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada moves forward, the combination of high Express Entry targets, expanded PNP opportunities, and one-time initiatives aim to streamline the immigration process for those already living and working in Canada, thus supporting their transition to permanent residency and reinforcing the labor market with experienced individuals.