Canada to Help More Workers and Students Transition to Permanent Residency

Canada Gives Priority to Temporary Residents

Even though the new Immigration Levels Plan doesn’t have a separate “In-Canada Focus” category, Immigration Minister Lena Diab confirmed that IRCC will give first priority to temporary residents already living in Canada when granting Permanent Residence (PR).

This will help more people who are already settled in Canada become PRs, while reducing the number of new arrivals.

Helping Workers and Students Transition to PR

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan focuses on creating a balance between temporary and permanent residents.
The main goal is to help skilled workers and students already in Canada move smoothly toward PR.

So, if you’re already living, studying, or working in Canada, you may have more chances to apply for PR in the coming years.

Express Entry Will Stay Strong

The Express Entry system will continue to play a big role in Canada’s immigration plan.

• In 2026, about 109,000 people will be admitted through this program — slightly less than in 2025.
• The number will rise again to 111,000 per year in 2027 and 2028.
• Around 64% of Canada’s 2026 PR admissions will come from economic immigration programs like Express Entry.

Because many Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates already live and work in Canada, they may benefit the most from this plan. Larger CEC draws could also return in 2026.

Big Boost to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

IRCC has increased its target for Provincial Nominee Programs by a large margin:

• 2025: 55,000
• 2026: 91,500
• 2027 & 2028: 92,500

That’s a 66% jump from last year.

This gives provinces more control to choose and nominate people already living and working in their areas.
In 2025, about 75% of selected applicants were already in Canada — showing that the focus on in-Canada candidates will likely continue.

Two Special Initiatives for 2026–2027

a) Fast-Track PR for Skilled Workers

Over the next two years, IRCC will fast-track PR for up to 33,000 foreign workers already in Canada.
The main focus will be on those:

• Working in in-demand sectors
• Living in rural areas
• Contributing consistently to the economy and community

b) PR for Protected Persons

At the same time, IRCC will offer PR to up to 115,000 people recognized as protected persons (refugees or those needing protection).
This will help them settle fully in Canada and contribute to its economy while also supporting Canada’s humanitarian commitments.

What It All Means

In short, Canada’s new immigration plan is designed to help people who are already in the country students, workers, and refugees become permanent residents more easily.

By keeping high Express Entry targets, increasing PNP spots, and introducing special programs, IRCC aims to support both Canada’s economy and its values of inclusion and opportunity.

Get in touch with us

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Global. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).