Tag: temporary resident

Last updated: February 8, 2026 | Based on the official 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan released by IRCC on November 5, 2025

On November 5, 2025, the Government of Canada released its 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan, replacing the previous 2025-2027 plan with significant changes that affect every immigration pathway. For Filipino-Canadians and prospective Filipino immigrants, this plan brings both opportunities and challenges that require careful attention.

The new plan stabilizes permanent resident (PR) admissions at 380,000 per year through 2028, while dramatically cutting temporary resident arrivals. It also introduces a one-time pathway for 33,000 skilled temporary workers to gain permanent residence, and increases Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocations by 66%.

As the Philippines consistently ranks as one of Canada’s top three source countries for immigrants, these changes have a direct and significant impact on the Filipino community. Below, we break down everything you need to know.

Overview: A Shift Toward Sustainable Immigration

The 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan signals a fundamental shift in Canada’s immigration strategy. After years of record-high immigration targets (peaking at 485,000 PRs in 2024), the government is now prioritizing sustainability over volume. The key themes are:

• Stable permanent immigration: PR admissions fixed at 380,000 per year for all three years (2026-2028)
• Dramatic temporary resident cuts: New temporary arrivals dropping from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026 (a 43% reduction)
• Economic immigration priority: Economic class will represent 64% of all PR admissions by 2027-2028, the highest proportion in decades
• Population target: Reducing temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada’s total population by end of 2027
• Pathway for existing workers: A new one-time initiative to transition 33,000 skilled temporary workers to PR over 2026-2027

Year-by-Year Permanent Resident Targets

The new plan keeps PR targets flat at 380,000, a notable change from the previous plan’s declining trajectory. Here is how the 2026-2028 plan compares to the previous 2025-2027 plan:

Year	Previous Plan (2025-2027)	New Plan (2026-2028)	Change
2025	395,000	N/A (not covered)	–
2026	380,000	380,000	No change
2027	365,000	380,000	+15,000
2028	N/A (not covered)	380,000	New

Category Breakdown: Where the 380,000 Spots Go

Understanding how the 380,000 annual PR spots are allocated across categories is essential for planning your immigration strategy.

Category	2026	2027	2028	% of Total (2027)
Economic Class	239,800	244,700	244,700	64%
Family Class	84,000	81,000	81,000	21%
Refugees & Protected Persons	49,300	49,300	49,300	13%
Humanitarian & Other	6,900	5,000	5,000	1%
TOTAL	380,000	380,000	380,000	100%

Economic Class: Detailed Breakdown

The economic class is where the most significant changes occur, and where most Filipino skilled workers will find their pathway to Canada. Economic immigration will account for 64% of all admissions by 2027-2028, the highest proportion in decades.

Express Entry (Federal High Skilled)

Program	2026	2027	2028
Federal High Skilled (Express Entry)	109,000	111,000	111,000
Federal Business	500	500	500
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)	91,500	92,500	92,500
Atlantic Immigration Program	4,000	4,000	4,000
Economic Pilots (Caregivers, Agri-Food, Rural, Mobility)	8,175	8,775	8,775
Skilled Temporary Workers Initiative	Included	Included	–
Total Economic Class	239,800	244,700	244,700

Express Entry remains the primary pathway for skilled Filipino workers, with 109,000 to 111,000 spots allocated annually. This includes the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

In early 2026, Express Entry draws have been active, with CRS cutoffs in the 509-511 range for Canadian Experience Class draws. General draws have seen cutoffs around 400-500, with larger draw sizes of up to 8,500 invitations.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Major Increase

The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate immigrants with skills that match their local labour market needs. Popular provincial programs for Filipino immigrants include:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Streams for skilled workers, international students, and in-demand occupations
• British Columbia PNP (BC PNP) – Skills immigration and Express Entry BC streams
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) – Alberta Opportunity and Express Entry streams
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) – Strong Filipino community and skilled worker streams
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – International skilled worker and in-demand occupations

Skilled Temporary Workers Initiative: New PR Pathway

One of the most significant developments in the 2026-2028 plan is a one-time, two-year initiative to fast-track permanent residence for 33,000 skilled temporary workers already working in Canada. This is particularly relevant for Filipino workers on employer-specific work permits.

What we know so far:

• The program targets workers who have established strong roots in their communities, are paying taxes, and working in in-demand sectors
• Focus will be on workers in rural areas and essential occupations such as healthcare, skilled trades, and agriculture
• A minimum CLB 5 language score is expected to be required
• The 33,000 spots will be split across 2026 and 2027
• Selection is expected to be points-based, similar to the 2021 TR-to-PR pathway
• Specific eligibility criteria and launch dates have not yet been announced

Family Class Sponsorship

Family reunification remains a pillar of Canada’s immigration system, but the 2026-2028 plan brings some significant changes, particularly for parents and grandparents sponsorship.

Family Category	Previous Plan 2025	New Plan 2026	New Plan 2027	New Plan 2028
Spouses, Partners & Children	70,000	69,000	66,000	66,000
Parents & Grandparents	24,500	15,000	15,000	15,000
Total Family Class	94,500	84,000	81,000	81,000

Spousal and partner sponsorship remains relatively stable, with 69,000 spots in 2026 decreasing slightly to 66,000 in 2027-2028. This pathway continues to be one of the most reliable routes for family reunification.

Refugees and Protected Persons

The refugee and protected persons category is set at 49,300 per year from 2026 through 2028, down from 58,350 in 2025.

Refugee Category	2026	2027	2028
Government-Assisted Resettled	13,250	13,250	13,250
Blended Visa Office Referred	50	50	50
Privately Sponsored	16,000	16,000	16,000
Protected Persons in Canada	20,000	20,000	20,000
Total	49,300	49,300	49,300

Additionally, approximately 115,000 individuals who already have protected person status in Canada will be granted permanent residence over the next two years as a one-time measure.

Temporary Resident Reductions: The Biggest Change

The most dramatic shift in the 2026-2028 plan is the sharp reduction in temporary resident arrivals. The government aims to reduce Canada’s temporary population to less than 5% of the total population by the end of 2027.

Temporary Resident Category	2025 (Previous Plan)	2026	2027	2028
International Students	305,900	155,000	150,000	150,000
International Mobility Program (Work)	–	170,000	170,000	170,000
Temporary Foreign Worker Program	–	60,000	50,000	50,000
Total Workers	367,750	230,000	220,000	220,000
Total Temporary Arrivals	673,650	385,000	370,000	370,000

Key reductions:

• International students: Down 49% from 305,900 in 2025 to 155,000 in 2026
• Work permits: Down 37% from 367,750 in 2025 to 230,000 in 2026
• Total temporary arrivals: Down 43% from 673,650 in 2025 to 385,000 in 2026

How These Changes Affect Filipino Immigrants

The Philippines consistently ranks as one of Canada’s top three source countries for immigration, contributing approximately 11% of all newcomers. Here is how the 2026-2028 plan specifically impacts Filipino applicants across different pathways:

1. Skilled Workers (Express Entry)

With 109,000-111,000 Express Entry spots annually, Filipino professionals in fields like healthcare, IT, engineering, and finance continue to have strong opportunities. The stable allocation means consistent draw sizes and potentially lower CRS cutoffs over time. Early 2026 draws suggest cutoffs in the 400-511 range depending on the stream.

Tip: Category-based selection draws (targeting healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture) continue to offer lower CRS requirements for workers in high-demand occupations. Many Filipino healthcare workers benefit from these targeted draws.

2. Provincial Nominees

The 66% increase in PNP spots (from 55,000 to 91,500-92,500) is excellent news for Filipino immigrants willing to settle outside major cities. Provinces like Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have large, established Filipino communities and active PNP streams that welcome Filipino workers.

3. Caregivers

Filipino caregivers have historically been a significant part of Canada’s immigration story. The 2026-2028 plan allocates spots under “Economic Pilots” (8,175-8,775 combined), which includes caregivers along with Agri-Food, Rural, and Mobility programs. However, IRCC has paused new caregiver pilot applications as of early 2026 to process the existing backlog. No reopening date has been announced.

4. Family Sponsorship

Family reunification is deeply important in Filipino culture. While spousal sponsorship remains relatively stable (66,000-69,000 spots), the 40% cut to the Parents and Grandparents Program (from 24,500 to 15,000) will create longer wait times. Filipino-Canadians who want to bring their parents to Canada should apply at the earliest opportunity and consider the Super Visa as an interim solution for extended family visits.

5. International Students

The 49% reduction in study permits (from 305,900 to 155,000) is the most dramatic cut in the plan. Filipino students planning to study in Canada will face significantly more competition for study permits. Those already studying in Canada should focus on securing their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and building Canadian work experience toward PR eligibility.

6. Temporary Foreign Workers

Work permit allocations under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program are dropping from higher levels to just 60,000 in 2026 and 50,000 in 2027-2028. Filipino workers seeking LMIA-based work permits will face more restricted access. However, the International Mobility Program (open work permits, PGWP, etc.) remains at 170,000 per year.

What Current Applicants Should Do Now

Whether you are already in Canada or planning your immigration journey from the Philippines, here are the steps you should take in light of the 2026-2028 plan:

If You Are Already in Canada

1. Check your Express Entry profile. With stable allocations of 109,000-111,000, regular draws are expected throughout 2026. Improve your CRS score through language tests, education credential assessments, or provincial nominations.
2. Explore PNP options. The 66% increase in PNP spots is a major opportunity. If you have a job offer or work experience in a province, apply for a provincial nomination to boost your CRS score by 600 points.
3. Prepare for the Skilled Temporary Workers Initiative. If you are on a work permit, gather your employment records, language test results, and community ties documentation now.
4. Maintain your legal status. With temporary resident reductions, ensure your work permits and status documents are current and renewed on time.
5. Consider spousal sponsorship. If you have a Canadian citizen or PR spouse, spousal sponsorship remains a stable pathway with 66,000-69,000 spots.

If You Are Applying from the Philippines

1. Take your IELTS or CELPIP early. Language scores are critical for Express Entry and PNP applications. Aim for CLB 7 or higher.
2. Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). This is required for Express Entry and takes several weeks to process.
3. Research provincial programs. With PNP allocations at all-time highs, identify provinces where your skills are in demand and where Filipino communities are established.
4. Plan study permit applications carefully. With the 49% reduction in student permits, ensure your application is strong with clear ties to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and a genuine study plan.
5. Consult an immigration lawyer. The changing landscape makes professional guidance more important than ever.

Comparison: Previous Plan vs. New Plan at a Glance

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of key allocations between the previous 2025-2027 plan and the new 2026-2028 plan:

Category	Previous Plan (2026)	New Plan (2026)	Difference
Total PRs	380,000	380,000	No change
Economic Class	229,750	239,800	+10,050
Express Entry	47,400	109,000	+61,600
PNP	55,000	91,500	+36,500 (+66%)
Family Class	88,000	84,000	-4,000
Parents & Grandparents	21,500	15,000	-6,500 (-30%)
Refugees	55,350	49,300	-6,050
Temporary Arrivals	516,600	385,000	-131,600 (-25%)
Study Permits	305,900	155,000	-150,900 (-49%)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Canada stop accepting immigrants?

No. Canada will continue accepting 380,000 permanent residents per year through 2028. The reductions are primarily in temporary residents (students and workers), not in permanent immigration. Canada remains one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants globally.

Is it harder to get PR now?

It depends on your pathway. Express Entry and PNP allocations have actually increased compared to the previous plan, making skilled immigration more accessible. However, pathways that rely on transitioning from temporary to permanent status (like PGWP to CEC) may become more competitive due to fewer temporary resident entries.

How does this affect my pending application?

Applications already in processing are generally not affected by changes to levels plans. The levels plan sets targets for new admissions, not for applications in progress. However, processing times may fluctuate as IRCC adjusts to the new targets.

Should I apply for Express Entry or PNP?

Both pathways have increased allocations. If your CRS score is competitive (generally above 470-510 for general draws), Express Entry is a strong option. If your CRS score is lower, a provincial nomination adds 600 points and virtually guarantees an invitation. Many Filipino applicants successfully use PNP-aligned Express Entry streams.

What happened to the Parents and Grandparents Program?

PGP allocations have been reduced from 24,500 to 15,000 per year. The program remains active, but with fewer spots, wait times will likely increase. Filipino-Canadians should consider applying early and exploring the Super Visa as an alternative that allows parents and grandparents to visit for up to 5 years at a time.

What is the Skilled Temporary Workers Initiative?

This is a new one-time program to transition 33,000 work permit holders to permanent residence over 2026-2027. It targets workers already in Canada in in-demand sectors, particularly in rural areas. Details on eligibility and application process are expected to be announced in 2026.

Can Filipino caregivers still come to Canada?

The caregiver pilot programs exist in the levels plan, but IRCC has paused new applications as of early 2026 to process existing backlogs. No reopening date has been announced. Caregivers already in Canada should focus on meeting their PR requirements under existing programs.

How JCA Law Office Can Help

At JCA Law Office Professional Corporation, we specialize in serving the Filipino-Canadian community with expert immigration guidance. Our team understands the unique challenges Filipino immigrants face and can help you navigate the 2026-2028 immigration landscape effectively.

Our immigration services include:

• Express Entry profile optimization and application preparation
• Provincial Nominee Program applications across all provinces
• Family sponsorship for spouses, partners, children, parents, and grandparents
• Work permit applications (LMIA and LMIA-exempt)
• Study permit applications and post-graduation pathways
• Caregiver program applications and PR transitions
• Citizenship applications and test preparation

Related Resources

Sources: This article is based on the official Supplementary Information for the 2026-2028 Immigration Levels Plan published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). All figures and targets are sourced directly from official government publications. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.