Canada Sets Sights on Granting Permanent Residency to Up to 622,000 People in 2027

Canada has announced an ambitious immigration framework that could see up to 622,000 people granted permanent residency in 2027, combining new admissions with pathways for temporary residents already in the country. The plans were detailed in the federal Budget 2026 and the 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan, both released on November 5.

Under the plan, Canada aims to transition up to 200,000 temporary residents to permanent residency by the end of 2027. Of these, 100,000 spots will be allocated to skilled workers through the Express Entry system and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), developed in cooperation with provincial and territorial governments. The government has also set an upper admission target of 422,000 permanent residents for 2027, which, combined with the temporary-to-permanent transitions, could bring the total to 622,000.

Canada will also continue two immigration initiatives announced in 2025, which together aim to grant permanent residency to another 148,000 people during 2026 and 2027. These include 115,000 protected persons and 33,000 foreign workers already residing in Canada. Government figures show that 46,330 people received permanent residency through these initiatives between January and August 2026, leaving approximately 100,000 who could receive permanent residency between September 2026 and December 2027, though the government has not specified how many will be admitted in 2027 alone.

The Immigration Levels Plan sets an annual target of 380,000 permanent residents for 2027, 2028, and 2029, with an admission range of 352,500 to 422,000 each year. This annual target includes 244,700 people under economic immigration programs, 81,000 through family reunification, 49,300 refugees and protected persons, and 5,000 under humanitarian and other categories. The government also aims to increase the proportion of French-speaking permanent residents admitted outside Quebec to 9.5% in 2027, 10.5% in 2028, and 12% in 2029.

In addition, Canada plans to admit 370,000 temporary residents annually from 2027 to 2029, including 220,000 foreign workers and 150,000 international students. Of the foreign worker allocation, 50,000 permits will be issued under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to confirm that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the job. The remaining 170,000 permits will be issued through the International Mobility Program (IMP), which does not require an LMIA.

The measures reflect Canada's ongoing efforts to balance labour market needs with humanitarian commitments while managing the transition of temporary residents to permanent status. The plan provides a clear roadmap for immigration levels over the next three years, with a focus on economic immigration and family reunification.