Canada Unveils Immigration Plan to Grant PR Status to 33,000 Workers

Canada is set to implement a new immigration program that will allow up to 33,000 work permit holders to transition to permanent residency (PR) during the years 2026 and 2027. This initiative forms part of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan outlined in the Budget 2025, which was presented to Parliament by Prime Minister Mark Carney on November 4, 2025. The plan indicates a significant shift in policy aimed at stabilizing temporary migration while addressing economic needs and labor market demands.

Key Changes in Immigration Targets

As detailed in a report by CIC News, the Canadian government is making notable adjustments to its immigration targets for 2026. The overall target for temporary resident admissions will be reduced to 385,000, a substantial decrease of 43% from the previous year’s target of 673,650. This includes a nearly halved cap on international student admissions, dropping from 305,900 in 2025 to 155,000 in 2026. Additionally, the number of temporary foreign workers permitted will decline by 37%, from 367,750 to 230,000.

Despite these reductions, the permanent residence target for 2026 remains firm at 380,000. Of these, 64% will be allocated to economic immigration, an increase from 59% in the previous plan. Officials have indicated that this new strategy will take into account the unique needs of rural and remote communities, as well as industries affected by tariffs.

Focus on Economic Immigration and Family Reunification

The economic immigration stream will see a slight increase in its target for 2026, rising to 239,800 from 229,750 in the prior year’s plan. Meanwhile, the family reunification target will experience a minor decline to 84,000, and the refugee and humanitarian stream will see admissions reduced to 56,200, down from 62,250.

These modifications reflect the ongoing emphasis on economic categories, which now account for nearly two-thirds of Canada’s PR intake. As the government recalibrates its immigration strategy, further details are anticipated in the upcoming 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration. This report is expected to shed light on the framework for the new PR transition program for work permit holders and clarify allocations under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP).

In summary, Canada’s new immigration initiative seeks to enhance stability within its workforce while addressing pressing economic concerns. With a clear focus on permanent residency for skilled workers, the government appears poised to align its immigration policies with local labor demands and community needs.