Canada maintains immigration targets while opening new permanent residency pathways

OTTAWA — The federal government has unveiled its immigration plan for 2027 to 2029, maintaining annual permanent and temporary resident admission targets while introducing new measures to help approximately 200,000 people already living in Canada obtain permanent residency.

The plan, released alongside the federal budget on November 5, establishes a target of 380,000 permanent resident admissions and 370,000 new temporary resident arrivals annually over the next three years.

The temporary resident targets include 220,000 foreign workers and up to 150,000 international students each year, reflecting Ottawa’s efforts to stabilize immigration levels while addressing labour shortages.

Economic immigration will remain a central priority, accounting for more than 64 per cent of permanent resident admissions.

A major component of the plan provides additional permanent residency opportunities for up to 200,000 existing residents through two separate pathways. One would support approximately 100,000 workers already established in Canada, while the other would accommodate up to 100,000 people through humanitarian and family-related programs.

The government says the measures will help meet regional labour requirements, reduce application backlogs and fulfill existing humanitarian commitments.

Ottawa has repeatedly emphasized the need to balance immigration with available housing, health care and public infrastructure, following several years of rapid population growth.

The new plan also includes increased collaboration with provinces and territories, particularly through provincial nominee programs, and measures to strengthen Francophone immigration outside Quebec.

The government’s approach seeks to reconcile Canada’s long-term economic and demographic needs with growing public concerns about housing affordability, public services and the pace of immigration.