🇨🇦 Canada Immigration 2026–2028 Levels Plan — Key Takeaways for International Students

 

Executive Summary

Canada's latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2026-2028 signals a major pivot: a significant cut in the intake of new international students, effectively halving the target starting in 2026. However, this change presents a positive opportunity for students and graduates already residing in Canada.

 

The reduced competition from new arrivals is expected to ease the path for current Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders seeking employment and permanent residency (PR).

 

The plan prioritizes the transition of existing temporary residents to permanent status, with the Economic Class slated to account for 64% of all PR admissions in 2026. Crucially, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) target will increase by 66% from 2025 levels, significantly expanding PR avenues for in-province graduates.

 

Furthermore, Master's and Doctoral degree students will be exempted from the study permit cap starting January 1, 2026.

 

1. Significant Reduction in New International Student Targets

The government has drastically lowered the targets for new study permit holders from 2026 to 2028.

 

Year	Previous Plan (2024 Release)	New Plan (2025 Release)	Change
2026	305,900	155,000	-49.4%
2027	305,900	150,000	-50.9%
2028	N/A	150,000	N/A

 

Key Insight: While the reduction seems radical, it aligns more closely with the actual number of new Study Permits issued in 2025 (e.g., 89,430 issued from Jan-Aug 2025).

 

2. The Advantage for Current Residents and Graduates

The decrease in new student intake creates positive conditions for those already within the Canadian system.

 

• Eased Competition: Fewer new arrivals now mean fewer PGWP holders competing for entry-level jobs and PR pathways in 2-4 years.
• Focus on 'In-Canada' Talent: The plan explicitly prioritizes "transitioning those who already have the skills and experience needed and are currently residing in Canada to permanent residence."
• Economic Class: This category dominates the plan, accounting for 64% of all PR admissions in 2026.
• Federal High Skilled Programs: Targets for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which requires a minimum of one year of Canadian work experience (often gained via PGWP), remain robust (e.g., 109,000 in 2026).

 

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Targets Surge

The PNP is set to become an even more crucial pathway for international graduates.

 

• Massive Increase: PNP admission targets will rise by 66% in 2026 compared to 2025 levels.
• Expanded Provincial Streams: Since many PNPs operate dedicated streams for provincial post-secondary graduates, this increased allocation provides provinces with the capacity to:
• Nominate significantly more candidates.
• Potentially reactivate or launch new graduate streams (e.g., increased likelihood of new BC student streams starting in 2026).

 

4. New Policy: Exemption for Advanced Degrees

IRCC is introducing policies to continue attracting high-skilled academic talent.

• Study Permit Cap Exemption: Effective January 1, 2026, students enrolling in Master's and Doctoral degree programs will be exempt from the new study permit cap. This ensures a smoother application process for these advanced degree seekers.
• Faster Processing: IRCC has also announced fast-track processing for Doctoral degree students and their accompanying family members, aiming for a processing time as short as two weeks.

 

Conclusion

The 2026-2028 plan fundamentally shifts the immigration strategy: fewer temporary residents, more permanent residents. For international students currently in Canada or applying for a Master's/Doctoral program, this policy pivot offers a clearer, less crowded path to Canadian permanent residency.

 

At GS Consulting, we provide clear, strategic, and realistic immigration solutions tailored to this evolving environment.

 

⚡One & Only Consulting, GS Consulting⚡

 

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