November 5, 2026 Edition
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Your Immigration Update
Canada has officially released its 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan (get the full picture here). One key part of the plan is how many skilled workers Canada plans to invite in 2027.
Economic immigration will remain a mainstay in this levels plan, making up 64.39% of total PR admissions.
The economic immigrant admissions target for 2027 will be 244,700, up 2% from 2026.
Federal High Skilled target was lowered from 109,000 in 2026 to 100,000 in 2027.
PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program, and Federal Business categories will get increased allocation
The new(ish) Rural Community Immigration Program will get a target of 6,000 spaces in 2026.
Canada also released its targets for Temporary Resident levels for 2027–2029.
There were no surprises whatsoever in the temporary resident targets. The numbers stayed exactly the same as the notional targets that had been set last year.
Student arrivals: Canada is set to welcome 150,000 students in 2027, down from its 2026 target of 155,000.
Worker arrivals: The target for workers will decrease to 220,000 in 2027. Specifically, the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program target is being reduced from 60,000 in 2026 to 50,000.
However, with actual arrivals already tracking well behind 2026 targets, it is unlikely that the decrease in 2027 targets will have any practical impact.
Canada’s Levels Plan 2027
Watch Dane’s explainer video on the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan.
Economic Immigration Levels
Rebecca explains what the levels plan means for skilled workers.
Immigration In The Media
Don’t just take it from us that the Immigration Levels Plan 2027-2029 is big news: Global News (and tons of other media outlets) covered it too.
Their take noted that the budget provided for $56.9 million in funding for IRCC over 4 years to implement the new levels plan. It also notes that $151.5 million will be funnelled through Employment and Social Development Canada for reforms to Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The budget doesn’t outline what these changes will be.
Money Matters: Masters of our Destiny Budget 2026
Canada’s 2026 Budget focuses on affordability and strengthening the country’s economy by attracting foreign investment.
Here are some budget announcements that will matter to you:
Another one-time top up is coming for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CEGB) early next year.
Mortgages will become more affordable through increased transparency.
The tax system is being simplified and the tax filing deadline is moving to May 15.
A Build Canada Workers Benefit is coming.
The government will invest $44.7 billion over 11 years to build affordable housing.
Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) will become lifelong plans, eliminating the need to convert them into Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) at 71.
Career Moves: Look for Opportunities Beyond Big Cities
The new Immigration Levels Plan brought good news for those targeting regional and rural immigration programs.
Both the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) and the Rural Community Immigration Program (RCIP — and yes, it is a full-fledged program now!) received higher allocations. If you’re wondering what this has to do with your career, stay with us.
Both of these programs are employer-driven, which means candidates need job offers from local designated employers to qualify for PR under these programs. Higher targets mean more room for employers in the Atlantic provinces and the 14 RCIP communities to hire foreign nationals.
Today's Tip: No High-Wage Occupation Boost? Look to Canada’s PNPs
The 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan makes space for additional provincial nominee program admissions in 2027. Given there’s fewer spots open in the Federal Skilled Worker quota — and those spots are likely to be more competitive with a growing pool and high-wage occupation points potentially increasing the CRS scores for at least the short-to-mid term, Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs are a potential pathway worth considering.
If you’re unsure about your eligibility for Canada’s PNPs, consider either booking a consult with our in-house RCIC Rebecca Major or joining us for our Ask-us-anything live webinar on November 20.
