The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan maintains Canada’s permanent resident admissions at 380,000 per year for the next three years. It also sets limits for temporary residents at 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027 and 2028.

Canada will also implement two one-time measures:

1. Recognize eligible Protected Persons in Canada as permanent residents.
2. Convert up to 33,000 work permit holders into permanent residents between 2026–2027.

These initiatives aim to:

• Support the integration of newcomers into Canadian society.
• Strengthen economic and social outcomes.
• Promote a sustainable immigration system that benefits Canada long-term.

The government notes that newcomer men generally have slightly higher employment rates than Canadian-born men, while newcomer women face greater labour market challenges.

Fiscal details:

• The work-permit-to-PR transition will cost $19.4 million over four years (from 2026–27), partly offset by application fees.
• The Protected Persons initiative will cost $120.4 million over four years (from 2026–27), also partially offset by fees.

Both initiatives reflect Canada’s commitment to providing permanent status to those contributing to the economy and those genuinely in need of protection.