Canada Announces Plans for Up to 622,000 New Permanent Residents in 2027

Canada could welcome up to 622,000 new permanent residents by the end of 2027, based on figures in Budget 2026 and the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, both published on November 5, 2026. That number is not a single official target. It combines two separate pieces: a top-of-range admissions level of 422,000 and a new transition measure of up to 200,000 spaces for temporary residents already in Canada.

If you are following Canada immigration plans 2027 because you want to stay in Canada or move here, the short version is this: more permanent residence spaces are planned, and skilled workers already in the country appear to be a major focus. It does not mean everyone who applies will qualify. This guide explains what was announced, what remains unclear, and how to prepare.

Quick facts

• Budget 2026 and the 2027–2029 Levels Plan were both published on November 5, 2026.
• The official 2027 permanent resident target is 380,000, within a range of 352,500 to 422,000.
• Up to 200,000 in-Canada temporary residents are planned to transition to permanent residence by the end of 2027.
• Of those 200,000 spaces, 100,000 are earmarked for skilled workers through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
• The announcement does not guarantee permanent residence for any individual.

What Is Canada’s New Immigration Plan for 2027?

Canada’s plan for 2027 comes from two documents released on the same day. Budget 2026 announced measures to transition up to 200,000 in-Canada temporary residents to permanent residence by the end of 2027. The 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), set the targets for how many people Canada plans to admit as permanent and temporary residents over the next three years.

Under the Levels Plan, Canada projects 380,000 permanent resident admissions in each of 2027, 2028 and 2029. Each year has a range of 352,500 to 422,000. The midpoint of 380,000 breaks down as follows:

• Economic immigration: 244,700
• Family reunification: 81,000
• Refugees and protected persons: 49,300
• Humanitarian and compassionate and other: 5,000

The plan also raises the target for French-speaking admissions outside Quebec as a share of all permanent resident admissions: 9.5% in 2027, 10.5% in 2028 and 12% in 2029. For anyone planning around Canada permanent residency 2027, French language ability is becoming a more visible part of the system.

Understanding the 622,000 Permanent Residence Target

The 622,000 figure is the sum of two numbers that come from different sources and work differently. Reading it as “Canada will admit 622,000 immigrants in 2027” would be a mistake. It is better understood as the upper limit of what the combined measures could produce.

Up to 422,000 Regular Permanent Resident Admissions

The Levels Plan sets the 2027 permanent resident target at 380,000, with a range of 352,500 to 422,000. The 422,000 in the 622,000 total is the top of that range. Actual admissions can land anywhere inside the range, so the real number may come in lower.

An Additional 200,000 Spaces for Temporary Residents

Budget 2026 announced the 2027 temporary resident to permanent resident transition measures. These are designed to move up to 200,000 people who are already living in Canada on temporary status onto permanent residence by the end of 2027. According to the Budget, 100,000 of those spaces are earmarked for skilled workers through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, in collaboration with provinces and territories.

Two points are worth noting:

• The public information so far does not explain how the other 100,000 spaces will be allocated.
• The documents also leave open how these spaces relate to the remaining admissions under the 2026–2027 one-time initiatives. Those initiatives, announced in 2025, promised permanent residence to up to 115,000 protected persons and 33,000 in-Canada workers, for a total of 148,000.

IRCC data shows 46,330 people were admitted under those one-time initiatives between January and August 2026. That suggests roughly 100,000 admissions remain over the following 16 months, though the Levels Plan does not state this directly. It is also unclear whether those remaining admissions are counted inside the 200,000 or would come on top of the 622,000. Until the government clarifies this, treat any firm total as provisional.

Who Could Benefit From Canada’s 2027 Immigration Plans?

Who qualifies for Canada’s 2027 PR pathway depends on which program you apply under. The announcements describe spaces and priorities, not eligibility rules. Final criteria will come from IRCC and the provinces. Based on what has been published, these groups are the most likely to be affected.

Skilled Workers Already Living in Canada

The 100,000 spaces earmarked for Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program point to skilled workers with Canadian experience as a priority group. People who already work in Canada, speak English or French, and have a track record of employment are often well placed in economic immigration programs. Whether you qualify still depends on your score, occupation, language results and the draw or nomination criteria that apply at the time.

Temporary Foreign Workers

Many temporary foreign workers are on employer-specific permits, and their route to permanent residence is not always direct. The transition measures suggest the government wants to retain eligible temporary residents, but the details on who counts as eligible have not been fully published. Workers should keep their status valid, keep records of their employment and watch for IRCC announcements.

Provincial Nominee Program Candidates

Provincial nomination remains one of the main ways to reach permanent residence, especially for workers whose occupations match a province’s labour needs. Because the Budget says the earmarked spaces will be delivered in collaboration with provinces and territories, provincial programs are likely to play a role. Each province sets its own streams and requirements, so candidates should follow their province’s updates closely.

Eligible Family Members and Humanitarian Applicants

The Levels Plan keeps dedicated spaces for family reunification (81,000 at the midpoint) and for refugees and protected persons (49,300 at the midpoint), plus 5,000 for humanitarian and compassionate and other cases. These categories sit apart from the transition measures. The 2026–2027 one-time initiatives for protected persons and in-Canada workers are also still in progress.

What Does the 2027 Immigration Plan Mean for Foreign Workers?

For foreign workers, the 2027 plan sends two signals at once: Canada intends to keep admitting permanent residents, and it intends to keep temporary entry limited.

The Levels Plan sets 2027 temporary resident admissions at 370,000. Of these, 220,000 are for temporary foreign workers and 150,000 are for international students. Within the worker share, 50,000 spaces are for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, where employers need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), and 170,000 are for the International Mobility Program, which is generally LMIA-exempt. The same temporary targets apply in 2028 and 2029, and the 2027 figures match what the government set in the 2026–2028 plan published in November 2025.

In practical terms, workers already in Canada may have a stronger case for a transition to permanent status than people hoping to enter on a temporary permit. Employers who rely on foreign workers may also want to plan earlier, since LMIA-based hiring has a comparatively small allocation.

Will It Be Easier to Get Permanent Residence in Canada in 2027?

Not necessarily. More spaces can help, but they do not remove eligibility requirements.

A larger allocation can create more opportunities, especially for candidates already in Canada. Even so, several factors will still decide who gets invited or approved:

• Express Entry candidates are ranked by Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and invitations depend on cut-offs that change from draw to draw. For example, an Express Entry trades draw on October 1, 2026 invited 3,500 candidates at a CRS cut-off of 476.
• Provincial programs set their own streams, occupations and requirements.
• Applications must be complete and accurate, and IRCC can return an incomplete application.
• The government has not yet published all the rules for the new transition measures.

If you are asking how to get permanent residency in Canada in 2027, the practical answer is to identify the pathway that fits your profile now, rather than wait for every detail of the new measures to be confirmed.

Immigration Pathways to Consider When Planning to Move to Canada

Several established routes lead to permanent residence. Which one suits you depends on your work history, language ability, education, occupation and where in Canada you want to live.

Express Entry

Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates create a profile, receive a CRS score and may be invited to apply in a draw. Improving language results, gaining Canadian work experience or securing a provincial nomination can raise a score. See our guide to permanent residence options for more detail.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each province and territory runs its own nominee streams for workers, graduates and business candidates who fit local labour needs. A nomination can add significant points to an Express Entry profile or lead to a direct application, depending on the stream. In Alberta, for example, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program has several streams, and our article on the best immigration pathways for Alberta in 2026 explains how they work.

Work Permits and LMIA-Based Employment

A work permit often serves as the first step toward permanent residence because it builds the Canadian experience that many programs reward. Employer-specific permits usually require a job offer supported by an LMIA or an LMIA exemption. Understanding the difference between work permit options and how an LMIA fits in helps both workers and employers plan their timelines.

Regional and Community-Based Immigration Programs

Some regions and communities run programs designed to attract workers to smaller centres, often with a local employer or community recommendation. Availability, eligible occupations and requirements vary and change over time, so check the current IRCC and provincial pages before relying on one.

How Can You Prepare for Canada’s Immigration Opportunities in 2027?

You cannot control government announcements, but you can prepare your own file. These steps are useful whichever pathway you end up choosing:

1. Check your status dates. Know when your work or study permit expires and whether you can extend or restore it.
2. Book or retake a language test. Language results strongly influence Express Entry scores and many provincial streams. Test results expire, so check their validity.
3. Get your education credentials assessed if you studied outside Canada.
4. Gather employment records, including reference letters, pay stubs and contracts, so your Canadian and foreign experience is documented.
5. Confirm your occupation code (NOC) and check that your duties match the official description.
6. Review provincial streams that match your occupation and region.
7. Keep copies of everything, including identity documents, police certificates and previous applications.
8. Follow official sources such as IRCC and your province for announcements about the new transition measures.

Starting early matters because missing documents, expired test results or a lapsed status can limit your options later.

How Foothills Immigration Can Help You Explore Canadian Immigration Options

Canada’s 2027 immigration plans highlight the importance of skilled workers, economic contributions, and retaining eligible temporary residents. However, the availability of permanent residence spaces does not automatically mean every applicant will qualify.

Whether you are currently working in Canada or planning to immigrate from abroad, understanding your available options can help you make more informed decisions.

Foothills Immigration is a Calgary-based firm led by Leann Sousa, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (CICC R507256). The team works with individuals and employers on work permits, LMIAs, Express Entry, provincial nomination and family sponsorship. A consultation can help you understand which programs may apply to your situation, what documents you will need and what to expect at each step.

Need guidance on your Canadian immigration options? Contact Foothills Immigration to discuss your circumstances, explore potential immigration pathways, and understand the steps involved in pursuing permanent residence in Canada.