Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan: 380,000 PRs a Year, Plus a New Path for 200,000 Temporary Residents
Canada's 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, released with Budget 2026 on November 5, 2026, keeps permanent resident admissions at 380,000 a year for 2027, 2028 and 2029, with 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals a year, as reported. The budget also announces a new one-time initiative to move up to 200,000 temporary residents already in Canada to permanent residence, including about 100,000 workers eligible for Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program. Category-by-category targets and program details haven't been published yet.
The headline targets
| Year | Permanent resident admissions | New temporary resident arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 380,000 | 370,000 |
| 2028 | 380,000 | 370,000 |
| 2029 | 380,000 | 370,000 |
The 2027 and 2028 targets are unchanged from last year's plan, which also set 380,000 permanent residents a year. The government is keeping its goal of reducing temporary residents to 5% of Canada's population by the end of 2027.
The new 200,000 temporary-to-permanent initiative
- A one-time initiative to grant permanent residence to up to 200,000 temporary residents who have been in Canada for some time, as reported.
- Ottawa plans to work with provinces and territories, including identifying about 100,000 temporary workers eligible for Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program.
- This is separate from the existing two-year initiatives (2026–2027) for protected persons and in-Canada workers, which continue into their final year.
- Eligibility rules, timing and how to apply have not been announced. Be cautious of anyone claiming to offer a spot.
Other measures
The budget also announces reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to better match regional labour needs, improve processing and strengthen employer compliance, with $151.5 million set aside, as reported. Details are still to come.
What this means for you
| You are… | What to watch |
|---|---|
| In the Express Entry pool | Stable PR levels; draws are still paused after the November 3 changes. Keep your profile up to date. |
| A temporary worker in Canada | The new initiative may help, especially if you're eligible for Express Entry or a PNP. Keep your status valid and wait for official criteria. |
| Hoping for a provincial nomination | Provincial allocations for 2027 haven't been announced yet. |
| Outside Canada | Overall PR numbers aren't increasing, and the new initiative is for people already in Canada. |
What we're still waiting for
- Targets by category (economic, family, refugees, humanitarian) and by program.
- Francophone admission targets outside Quebec.
- Eligibility and timing for the 200,000 initiative.
Update, November 6, 2026: IRCC has published its supplementary information with the full targets. Express Entry's federal high-skilled target falls to 100,000 and the PNP rises to 95,000. IRCC describes a time-limited 2027 measure for in-Canada workers and long-waiting humanitarian cases, but gives no number; the 200,000 figure comes from budget reporting. See the full targets and 8 changes to flag.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
What is Canada's immigration target for 2027?
Under the 2027–2029 levels plan released with Budget 2026, Canada plans to admit 380,000 permanent residents and 370,000 new temporary residents in 2027, as reported.
Did Canada increase immigration levels for 2027–2029?
No. Permanent resident admissions stay at 380,000 a year, but a separate one-time initiative could move up to 200,000 temporary residents to permanent residence.
Who qualifies for the 200,000 temporary residents to PR initiative?
Details haven't been announced. The budget mentions about 100,000 temporary workers eligible for Express Entry or a Provincial Nominee Program, identified with the provinces and territories.
When will the category targets be published?
IRCC hadn't published the full breakdown as of November 5, 2026. Watch IRCC's immigration levels page.
Does the levels plan affect Express Entry draws?
Stable targets suggest continued draws, but draws are paused after the November 3 changes while scores are recalculated.
Fact-checked: Based on Budget 2026, Chapter 3, as reported by The Canadian Press and Law360 Canada on November 5, 2026. IRCC's immigration levels page had not yet been updated. Figures will be checked against IRCC's supplementary information when it's published. Verified November 5, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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