Canada targets up to 622,000 new permanent residents by end of 2027
Canada will admit up to 622,000 new permanent residents by the end of 2027, as outlined in the 2026 federal budget and the 2027‑2029 Immigration Levels Plan. The target covers skilled workers, provincial nominees, protected persons and temporary residents moving to permanent status.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Up to 622,000 new permanent residents will be admitted by the end of 2027
- Timing
- Targets apply for the calendar year 2027
- Who is affected
- Skilled workers, provincial nominees, protected persons and temporary residents transitioning to PR
The details
- Announced by
- the Canadian government
- Takes effect
- by the end of 2027
- New rule
- The 2027‑2029 Immigration Levels Plan sets a top‑of‑range target of 422,000 regular permanent‑resident admissions and adds up to 200,000 temporary‑resident-to‑PR transitions, bringing the overall 2027 target to 622,000 new permanent residents.
Overall Admission Targets
The 2027‑2029 Immigration Levels Plan, released on 5 November 2026, establishes a maximum of 422,000 regular permanent‑resident admissions for 2027. Combined with the transition measures for temporary residents, the total ceiling rises to 622,000 new permanent residents by the end of the year.
- Regular PR admissions: up to 422,000
- Temporary‑resident‑to‑PR transitions: up to 200,000
- Additional cohort from 2026‑2027 one‑time initiatives included in the total
Transition Measures for Temporary Residents
Budget 2026 announced that up to 200,000 temporary residents already in Canada may transition to permanent residence by the end of 2027. Half of these spaces (100,000) are reserved for skilled workers through Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program, in partnership with provinces and territories.
- Skilled‑worker transition slots: 100,000
- Allocated through Express Entry and PNP
- Remaining 100,000 for other eligible temporary residents
Temporary Worker and Student Admissions
The plan also keeps temporary‑resident admissions steady at 370,000 for 2027, split between 220,000 foreign‑worker permits and 150,000 international‑student permits. Of the worker permits, 50,000 will require Labour Market Impact Assessments under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, while 170,000 will be issued through the International Mobility Program without LMIA requirements.
- Total temporary admissions: 370,000
- TFWP permits needing LMIA: 50,000
- IMP permits exempt from LMIA: 170,000
- International student permits: 150,000
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing travel plans are not directly affected by the admission targets.
- Higher intake may lengthen processing times for permanent‑residence applications, so applicants should monitor updates.
Cost and documents
- No new fees or document requirements were announced in the plan.
- Applicants should continue using the current application forms and fee schedule.
What you need to do
- Potential applicants should check eligibility for the 2027 transition slots before applying.
- Stay informed of any procedural updates released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Who this affects
-
Express Entry skilled workers
100,000 of the temporary‑resident‑to‑PR transition spaces are earmarked for skilled workers through Express Entry.
What to do Apply through the Express Entry system for a 2027 transition slot.
-
Provincial Nominee Program candidates
PNP participants share the 100,000 transition allocation with Express Entry.
What to do Submit provincial nominations that align with the 2027 transition targets.
-
Protected persons from 2026‑2027 OTIs
Up to 148,000 protected persons were part of the one‑time initiatives, contributing to the 622,000 total.
What to do Monitor the issuance of permanent‑resident visas under the ongoing OTI program.
-
Temporary foreign workers
50,000 work permits under the TFWP require LMIA, while 170,000 under the IMP are exempt, affecting future PR eligibility.
What to do Maintain valid work status and track eligibility for future PR transition.
-
International students
150,000 student permits are part of the 2027 temporary‑resident target, influencing future PR pathways.
What to do Complete studies and explore post‑graduation work options that may lead to PR.
Frequently asked questions
How many permanent residents will Canada admit in 2027?
Canada plans to admit up to 622,000 new permanent residents by the end of 2027, combining regular admissions and temporary‑resident‑to‑PR transitions.
What portion of the 2027 target is for skilled workers?
100,000 of the 200,000 transition slots are reserved for skilled workers applying through Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program.
When do the new permanent‑resident targets start?
The targets apply for the calendar year 2027, as set out in the 2027‑2029 Immigration Levels Plan released on 5 November 2026.
Do I need new documents or fees to apply under the 2027 plan?
No additional fees or document requirements were announced; applicants should continue using existing forms and fee structures.
Will the increase in permanent‑resident targets affect processing times?
Higher intake could extend processing times, so applicants should monitor updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and plan accordingly.
