Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan (2026-2028) puts in-Canada permanent residence (PR) candidates at the heart of its immigration strategy. Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed that temporary residents already living and working in Canada will get priority for PR, reducing new arrivals.

The plan maintains strong Express Entry targets, with 109,000 admissions projected for 2026, followed by a rise in 2027. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) spots also jump by 66% to 91,500, giving provinces more power to nominate local workers.

IRCC will launch two one-time policies, fast-tracking 33,000 skilled workers and granting PR to 115,000 protected persons, to speed up transitions for those already settled in Canada.