The Immigration Levels Plan: Why It Matters to You
Every few years, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes an Immigration Levels Plan that sets targets for the number of permanent residents, temporary residents, and students Canada will admit over a multi-year period. The 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan consultation is closing on June 14, 2026 — and the results of this consultation will shape Canada’s immigration landscape for the next three years.
For anyone planning to immigrate to Canada, understanding how these targets work and what they mean for your application is essential.
Current Immigration Targets: 2026-2028 Plan
The current 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan set Canada’s annual permanent resident target at 380,000, with an allowable range between 350,000 and 420,000. For comparison, in the years before the pandemic (2017-2019), Canada admitted approximately 340,000 permanent residents per year.
Key features of the current plan include:
- Annual PR target: 380,000 (range: 350,000 to 420,000) — this represents a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels;
- Temporary resident arrivals: Annual targets introduced for the first time, reflecting the government’s need to manage temporary migration alongside permanent immigration;
- Francophone immigration outside Quebec: 9% of admissions for 2026, rising incrementally toward a long-term goal of 12% — this is a new quantitative target that affects provincial nomination allocations;
- Economic immigration: Continued emphasis on skilled workers and Provincial Nominee Programs, with a deliberate shift away from humanitarian and family class dominance.
What the Next Plan Will Determine
The 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan will determine whether Canada’s immigration targets hold steady, increase, or contract. Three key factors are driving this decision:
1. Housing Capacity
Housing availability has become one of the most pressing constraints on immigration. Many Canadian cities face severe housing shortages, making it difficult to absorb large numbers of newcomers. The federal government is being pushed to align immigration targets with housing construction capacity.
This is not just a political issue — it is a practical one. Without adequate housing, newcomers cannot settle effectively, and existing residents face increased cost of living pressures. The government has stated that immigration targets must be sustainable within housing constraints.
2. Labour Market Conditions
Canada’s labour market has shown mixed signals in 2025-2026. While sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, and technology continue to face shortages, other sectors are more saturated. The new plan will likely reflect this by prioritizing immigration in high-demand occupations.
This labour market reality is why category-based selection draws have become so important. IRCC is moving toward a more targeted approach that admits immigrants based on specific skill needs rather than a generic points system alone.
3. Public Feedback
The online survey running until June 14, 2026, is IRCC’s primary channel for gathering public input. Stakeholders include immigrants, employers, settlement organizations, advocacy groups, and provincial governments. The government has committed to considering this feedback when finalizing the 2027-2029 plan.
What This Means for Applicants
If You Are Planning to Apply Soon
The consultation will shape the targets for 2027-2029, but it will not immediately change Express Entry draw patterns or processing times. However, significant changes to targets could affect:
- Express Entry CRS cutoffs — If targets increase, more draws may be held and cutoffs may decrease; if targets decrease, cutoffs may rise and draw frequency may drop;
- PNP nomination criteria — Provinces may adjust their streams to focus on specific occupations aligned with new targets;
- Processing times — Higher admission targets typically mean more applications and longer processing times across the board.
If You Are Currently in the Express Entry Pool
Your current position in the pool is determined by your CRS score, not by the Immigration Levels Plan. The plan sets overall targets; Express Entry draws determine who gets invited. Stay focused on improving your CRS score and maintaining an active profile.
If You Are Applying Through a PNP
Provinces will use the new targets to determine their allocation of nominations. If Ontario, BC, Alberta, or other provinces receive higher allocations, they may expand their streams. If allocations decrease, provinces may become more selective. Monitor provincial announcements closely.
Historical Context: How Targets Have Changed
Understanding current targets requires looking at the trajectory:
- 2017-2019 (pre-pandemic): Approximately 340,000 permanent residents per year — stable and predictable;
- 2020-2021 (pandemic): Dropped to approximately 184,000-188,000 — pandemic restrictions reduced all immigration categories;
- 2022 (recovery): Rose to approximately 401,000 — aggressive recovery targets;
- 2023: Approximately 431,000 — highest level in Canadian history;
- 2024: Approximately 387,000 — slight reduction but still elevated;
- 2025: Approximately 375,000 — further normalization;
- 2026 target: 380,000 — holding steady as the government seeks a sustainable level.
The trend shows that Canada settled on a higher baseline after the pandemic, with 380,000 per year becoming the new normal compared to the pre-pandemic 340,000 level.
Temporary Resident Targets: A New Factor
For the first time, the current Immigration Levels Plan includes annual targets for temporary residents. This is significant because temporary migration has grown enormously — particularly international students and temporary foreign workers — and has created its own set of policy challenges.
The temporary resident targets signal that the government recognizes the need to manage temporary migration more carefully. This could affect study permits, work permits, and visitor visas in ways that indirectly impact your permanent immigration plans.
How to Submit Feedback Before June 14
The online survey for the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan closes on June 14, 2026. IRCC has confirmed that late submissions through the survey portal will not be accepted.
The survey is available online and accessible to anyone. You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to participate. Consider submitting feedback if you:
- Are a prospective immigrant with a stake in Canadian immigration policy;
- Are an employer who relies on foreign workers;
- Represent a settlement organization or advocacy group;
- Are a provincial or municipal government representative;
- Are an international student or temporary worker currently in Canada.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2027-2029
Based on current trends, here is what you can expect:
- Continued focus on economic immigration: Skilled workers and PNPs will remain the primary pathway;
- Category-based Express Entry draws: These will likely expand to cover more occupations;
- Stricter temporary migration management: Study permits and work permits may face tighter scrutiny;
- Provincial divergence: Provinces will increasingly tailor their immigration programs to local needs, creating different opportunities in different regions.
FAQ
Will the new Immigration Levels Plan change my Express Entry score?
No. Your CRS score is calculated independently of immigration targets. The plan may affect draw frequency and cutoffs, but not how your score is calculated.
Can late submissions be made after June 14?
No. IRCC has confirmed that late submissions through the survey portal will not be accepted. If you have feedback, submit it before the deadline.
How do immigration targets affect processing times?
Higher targets typically mean more applications are processed, which can increase processing times. Lower targets may reduce the queue but could also slow down draw frequency in Express Entry. Monitor IRCC processing times regularly.
Official Sources
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Immigration policy and targets change frequently. Always verify information through the official IRCC website or consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or Canadian immigration lawyer before submitting any application.