Canada's New Immigration Plan: 2 lakh additional permanent residency opportunities from 2027 to 2029

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the Canadian government announced its new Immigration Levels Plan for 2027 to 2029 on November 6, 2026. Under this plan, Canada has decided to maintain its annual permanent and temporary resident targets through 2029. Most significantly, the government will provide an additional 2,00,000 permanent residency spots in the year 2027 for eligible candidates already residing in the country. This measure will be separate from the annually determined targets, with the primary objective of helping workers, their families, and those residing on humanitarian grounds obtain permanent status.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), 3,80,000 permanent residents will be admitted each year for the next three years. In addition, 3,70,000 new temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students, will also be admitted each year. Out of the total permanent residency target, 64.4% or 2,44,700 spots have been allocated for economic immigration programs. The remaining targets include 81,000 for the family class, 49,300 for refugees and protected persons, and 5,000 for the humanitarian and compassionate category.

The government has also made several changes to economic immigration pathways. The spots under the Provincial Nominee Program have been increased from 92,500 to 95,000, while the allocation for the Atlantic Immigration Program has been increased from 4,000 to 6,000. However, the Federal High Skilled category, which includes Express Entry, has seen its intake reduced from 1,11,000 to 1,00,000. These changes will remain consistent for all three years from 2027 to 2029.

Of the additional 2,00,000 permanent residency spots, 1,00,000 are for eligible workers and their families, while the remaining 1,00,000 spots are allocated for humanitarian and family applicants through other permanent pathways. Furthermore, initiatives to expedite the permanent residency process for 33,000 work permit holders and 1,15,000 protected persons will continue during 2026 and 2027. The government believes these measures will improve process efficiency without increasing pressure on public services or infrastructure, as these applicants are already residing in Canada.

The temporary resident target includes 2,20,000 workers and 1,50,000 international students. The allocation for workers includes 1,70,000 under the International Mobility Program and 50,000 under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. These targets are for new arrivals and do not include permit extensions for those already living in Canada. Additionally, targets have been set to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec to 9.5% in 2027, 10.5% in 2028, and 12% in 2029.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is a department of the Canadian government that manages the processing of foreign nationals, refugees, and permanent residents entering the country.