Canada to Admit 1.14 Million Permanent Residents Between 2026 and 2028

Canada plans to admit 1.14 million permanent residents between 2026 and 2028 under its existing immigration framework, holding the annual target steady at 380,000 admissions a year.

The figures come from the country’s 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, released in November 2025, rather than from any newly announced increase. Prime Minister Mark Carney has nevertheless signalled that future increases could be on the table, saying the immigration system is “back under control” and raising the prospect of a “controlled increase” in the country’s population. He has not announced any revised numbers.

Canada permanent residency 2026: the breakdown

For 2026, the plan allocates 239,800 places to economic immigration, 84,000 to family sponsorship and 49,300 to refugees and protected persons. A further 6,900 places cover humanitarian, compassionate and other categories.

Economic admissions are scheduled to rise to 244,700 a year in 2027 and 2028, while family admissions dip to 81,000 each year. The overall permanent residency target stays unchanged across the three years. Canada also plans to reduce new temporary resident arrivals from 385,000 in 2026 to 370,000 a year in 2027 and 2028.

The next immigration plan, covering 2027-2029, must be tabled by November 1, 2026. Any shift following Carney’s comments will only become clear when that document is released.

What it means for Pakistani applicants

Canada remains one of the top destinations for Pakistani emigrants, and the steady targets are good news for aspirants, but the numbers need context. These are nationwide admission targets, not reserved places for any country. Pakistani applicants still compete through the standard economic, family and refugee streams, and every application is subject to the eligibility rules of its programme.

Readers considering the move should start with a clear-eyed look at how Pakistanis can apply for Canadian permanent residence, which walks through the main pathways and their requirements. Skilled Pakistanis are also watching the American route, where H-1B visa holders face shifting rules of their own. It is also worth noting the wider tightening of Western immigration regimes: the United States has revoked hundreds of thousands of visas and expanded social media screening for applicants this year, a reminder that documentation and digital history matter more than ever.

Frequently asked questions

Is Canada increasing immigration in 2026?

No. The 1.14 million figure for 2026-2028 comes from the existing levels plan released in November 2025. PM Mark Carney has hinted at a possible future “controlled increase” but announced no new numbers.

How many permanent residents will Canada admit in 2026?

380,000, split into 239,800 economic, 84,000 family, 49,300 refugees and protected persons, and 6,900 humanitarian and other places.

Does the plan reserve places for Pakistanis?

No. The targets are nationwide totals, not country quotas. Pakistani applicants compete through the normal immigration programmes and must meet their eligibility requirements.

Tags: Canada immigration, permanent residency, Mark Carney, Express Entry, Pakistani applicants, immigration levels plan