IMMERGITY
Why This Report Matters
IRCC's 2025 Annual Report to Parliament signals a clear shift: sustainability over expansion. The federal government is calibrating admissions to community capacity while tilting toward economic immigration and prioritizing in-Canada transitions — temporary residents becoming permanent residents. The implications for anyone planning a Canadian immigration application in 2026–2028 are significant.
Key Numbers at a Glance
Permanent Residence — 2024 Outcomes
- Total PRs admitted: 483,640 (+2.5% vs 2023)
- Economic class: 281,615 (≈58.2% of all PRs)
- PNP admissions: 114,905
- Atlantic Immigration Program: 8,055
- Family class: 105,990
- Refugees and protected persons: 76,685
Temporary Residents — 2024
- Total permits issued: ~1.6M (work, study, TRP)
- TRV/eTA approvals: ~5,031,925 (−8.4% YoY)
- Study permit holders: ~516,275 (cap introduced in 2024)
2026–2028 Outlook
- PR admissions: 380,000 per year 2026–2028 (vs. 395,000 in 2025)
- Economic class share rising to 64%
- New temporary resident targets: 385,000 (2026); 370,000 (2027–2028)
- Workers: ~230,000; Students: ~155,000 in 2026
What Is Shifting and Why
1. Sustainability Over Expansion
IRCC's message is explicit: restore control and bring immigration to sustainable levels aligned with housing, services, and labour capacity. This means steady PR levels but significantly fewer new temporary residents — and more PRs drawn from people already in Canada. If you are already in Canada on a work or study permit, your TR→PR pathway may be actively favoured. Use the Eligibility Assessment to understand your current standing.
2. Economic Immigration Remains the Priority
The economic class rose to 58.2% of all PRs in 2024 and is targeted at 64% by 2026–2028. PNP remained large at 114,905 admissions — confirming decentralized, labour-tied selection as a core mechanism. Category-based selection and provincial priorities will matter more than ever. Use the PNP Program Finder to align your profile to provincial demand.
3. Temporary Resident Tightening
Temporary admissions are dropping sharply — from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026. Study permit holders dropped to ~516k in 2024 with expanded attestation requirements. Employers will face significantly tighter access to temporary foreign workers outside priority sectors.
4. Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec
IRCC surpassed its 2024 Francophone target at 7.2% French-speaking PRs outside Quebec, aiming for 12% by 2029. French-speaking candidates have a material advantage through Express Entry French category draws and targeted pilots. Use the CLB Converter to check your French language scores and calculate the CRS bonus.
5. Program Changes to Know
- Agriculture Express Entry category retired — February 2026
- New categories added: Physicians, Senior Managers, Researchers (all requiring Canadian WE), Skilled Military Recruits
- RNIP sunset: Replaced by RCIP (Rural Community Immigration Pilot) and FCIP (Francophone Community Immigration Program)
- PGWP flagpoling prohibited — no border-hopping for service
- Startup Visa capped; Self-Employed Program paused
What to Do If You Are Planning to Apply in 2026–2028
- Express Entry candidates: Maximize CRS through language (CLB 9), education, and skill transferability. Target provincial needs via PNP interest streams. Prioritize Canadian work experience and French if feasible.
- International students: Verify DLI compliance and provincial attestation early. Build a clear path from program of study to demand occupation to PR-eligible work experience.
- Workers already in Canada: Your TR→PR transition is being actively prioritized. Assess your CEC eligibility and provincial options now.
- Employers: With worker quotas tightening, start LMIA/IMP strategy earlier and explore PNP employer streams.
Use IMMERGITY's Eligibility Assessment to understand exactly where you stand in the current system, and book a consultation with IMMERGITY for a personalized 2026 strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Canada's total permanent resident admissions in 2024?
Canada admitted 483,640 permanent residents in 2024 — a 2.5% increase from 2023. The economic class accounted for approximately 58.2% of all admissions (281,615 people). The Provincial Nominee Program contributed 114,905 admissions. Source: IRCC 2025 Annual Report to Parliament.
What are Canada's immigration targets for 2026 to 2028?
Canada plans to admit 380,000 new permanent residents per year from 2026 to 2028 — down from 395,000 in 2025. The economic class share is projected to increase to 64% of all admissions. New temporary resident admission targets are 385,000 in 2026 and 370,000 in 2027–2028.
Is Canada reducing immigration levels in 2026?
Canada is significantly reducing new temporary resident intake — from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026 — while keeping permanent resident targets relatively stable at 380,000 per year. The focus is shifting to prioritizing people already in Canada on temporary permits for PR transitions.
What does the 2025 Annual Report mean for Express Entry applicants?
The continued emphasis on economic immigration (rising to 64% of PR targets) is positive for Express Entry candidates. Category-based selection and provincial priorities will matter more than ever. Candidates already in Canada with work experience are being prioritized. Use the Eligibility Assessment to understand your position in the current system.
What is Canada's Francophone immigration target?
IRCC surpassed its 2024 target at 7.2% French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. The target is 12% by 2029. This creates a significant opportunity for French-speaking candidates through Express Entry French category draws and Francophone immigration pilots. Use the CLB Converter to check your French language scores.
Will Express Entry become more competitive in 2026?
Expect stronger competition but clearer pathways if your profile matches economic or sectoral needs or provincial priorities. The PNP remains robust at over 114,000 admissions in 2024. Category-based draws continue to offer lower CRS cutoffs for targeted occupations. Use the PNP Program Finder to align your profile to provincial demand.