IRCC Prioritizes In-Canada Candidates for PR Under New Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028
Updated On
-
Copy link
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to place a strong emphasis on transitioning temporary residents already living in Canada to permanent residency, though no official In-Canada focus category has been included in this year's Immigration Levels Plan.
During a recent media briefing, Immigration Minister Lena Diab reaffirmed that the government will give priority for permanent residence to temporary residents who are already living and settled in Canada. This approach is intended to help manage overall immigration numbers while supporting those who are already contributing to Canada's economy and communities
According to the Immigration Levels Plan 2026-2028, the government aims to align targets for both temporary and permanent residents, with a clear focus on converting qualified temporary residents, especially those with in-demand skills and Canadian experience, into permanent residence
Express Entry Targets Remain Strong in 2026
The federal high-skilled category, which includes Express Entry programs, would continue to play a crucial role in Canada's economic immigration framework. While the admission targets have been slightly lower from 124,680 in 2025 to 109,000 and 2026, they are still expected to rise again and stabilise at around 111,000 admissions per year in 2027 and 2028.
With 64% of 2026 PR admissions allocated to economic immigration, the Express Entry System remains a key pathway for skilled workers, particularly for those present in Canada under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates in the CEC program often perform well in the Canadian labor market due to their prior work experience, which helps boost their integration and long-term success.
*Experts suggest that, given IRCC's focus on in-Canada candidates, larger CEC-specific draws could return in 2026, though no specific confirmation is provided as of date
Also Read: Canada’s New Immigration Plan Confirms 3,80,000 Annual PR Intake Till 2028
Provincial Nominee Programs Witness a Major Expansion in 2026
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has received a significant increase in the Plan 2026-2028, as provinces' admission targets under PNP have risen from 55,000 and 2025 to 91,500 in 2026, marking a remarkable 66% growth, with the allocations further projected to grow to 92,500 admissions for the years 2027 and 2028.
This expansion signals that IRCC is granting provinces greater authority to nominate more temporary residents, who are already working or studying within their borders, for PR. PNPs are specifically important for candidates who have established ties to a particular province through employment or education, as this indicates a higher likelihood of their long-term settlement in the province.
In 2025, IRCC directed provinces to ensure that at least 75% of nominees were already residing in Canada, which minimizes the number of new arrivals. Though no such confirmation is shared whether this specific requirement will continue in 2026, the substantial increase in PNP targets strongly suggests that in-Canada, candidates will remain central to Canada's immigration strategy.
Also Read: Canadian Provinces to Welcome More Immigrants as Targets Increase Over 66% for 2026
Immigrate to Canada With GetGIS Assistance
Canada's 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening the transition of temporary to permanent residence, particularly for those contributing to Canada's Economy. If you are also planning to start your PR process to Canada, reach out to GetGIS for assistance, which can help you navigate the process seamlessly.
