Canadian Provinces to Welcome More Immigrants as Targets Increase Over 66% for 2026

Canada has delivered the long-awaited good news for skilled immigrants and provinces as the new Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028 was unveiled on November 4, 2025.

This new Immigration Levels Plan comes as a major advantage for the applicants eyeing Provincial Nominee Programs, as after the dip in 2025, the federal government's New Immigration Levels plan for 2026-2028, restores the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) reaching the height of 2023 and 2024.

The total number of PNP allocations will rise from 55,000 in 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, further stabilising at 92,500 for both years 2027 and 2028. This is a 66.36% rebound, far greater to be termed as growth, but a strong recovery to the levels that made the PNP, as Canada one of the most powerful immigration pathways.

• The 2026-2028 PNP allocations are just behind 1-1.5%, compared to the record years of 2023 and 2024, in terms of the proportion of overall economic permanent residency targets.
• This change re-empowers provinces and territories to nominate skilled newcomers who meet local labour needs, affirming Ottawa's trust in decentralised region-specific immigration management

Provincial Nominee Program Rebound Explained

PNP remains the backbone of Canada's economic immigration system, which allows provinces and territories to select candidates for PR based on regional labour demands and demographic needs. In 2023 and 2024, Canada witnessed record-high PNP targets exceeding 105,000 nominations.

However, 2025 brought a temporary contraction, as the overall quota dropped to 55,000 with the federal government recalibrating economic immigration and introducing new policy categories.

Now, in the 2026 to 2028 plan, Canada's federal government has decisively reversed the decline.

Witnessing Ottawa's new emphasis on PNP growth, this strongly reflects the confidence in provincial nomination systems, labour market readiness, and settlement capacity.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clearly positioned the PNP as the engine of Canada's regional immigration strategy, aiming to balance economic priorities

Province-Wise Canada PNP Targets (2026-2028)

Using the 2025 official or reported quotas as the baseline, the projections for 2026 reflect a 66.36% increase, while projections for 2027 and 2028 reflect a complete 68.18% increase over 2025 values.

These projections also maintain proportional distribution and provide an indicative overview of what each province and territory may expect under the new federal plan.

• Ontario, which is already the largest PNP province, will continue to lead with nearly 18,000 projected nominations annually, from 2026 onwards.
• However, the Atlantic Province - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador will see the fastest relative growth, with quotas increasing by more than 65% across the board.
• Atlantic provinces might even ask for higher annual PNP allocations mid-year, since they face a major retention problem, as many leave after getting permanent residency
• British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba have already established newcomer hubs and are expected to recover from 2025 cuts and return to their typical prep reduction levels, ensuring strong options for temporary residents who are seeking to transition to permanent residency.

Also Read: November 2025 Express Entry Draw Predictions & CRS Score Trends

What Does This Mean for Skilled Workers and Students?

The new PNP allocations signal a wave of new opportunities for skilled workers in Canada in 2026, as provinces will now be able to nominate more applicants through their PNP streams, which means applicants have higher chances for receiving invitations.

Those who are already present in Canada, especially international graduates and temporary foreign workers, will have the most benefit, as many provinces prioritise candidates with Canadian work or study experience, as well as a job offer. In short terms

• More frequent provincial draws
• Faster turnaround in nomination processing
• Broader intake for in-demand occupations
• Expansion of smaller regional and pilot programs

Reasons for Target Rebounds by the Federal Government

• The sharp rebound in PNP allocations perfectly aligned with Ottawa's broader 2026-2028 strategy - “Balancing population growth with labour demand while reducing dependence on temporary residents.”
• By increasing permanent immigration through the PNP, Canada strengthens local economies and ensures communities can plan housing, healthcare, and education more sustainably. This restoration to decentralisation is giving more power to the province, as requested from time to time after the 2025 cuts, and is also politically strategic
• This rebound in allocations also allows Ottawa to maintain high immigration levels while managing regional diversity and provincial autonomy

The Time is Right to Plan Your Canada Immigration Through PNP

The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan solidifies the dominance of provinces, making the PNP the centrepiece of regional economic and demographic development. So, if you are also planning to immigrate to Canada and secure permanent residency, opting for the PNP pathway in 2026 provides you with optimal chances of success.

For trusted Canada PR assistance, you can reach out to GetGIS. Our team provides personalised, dedicated guidance with your eligibility verification, choosing the right pathway, job search assistance, and more for your safe immigration and integration into Canada.

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