Canada’s federal government has officially revealed the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, confirming a consistent intake of 380,000 new permanent residents (PRs) annually for the next three years.
This plan highlights a shift toward stability and sustainability, while at the same time opening new pathways for temporary residents — including foreign workers, international graduates, and protected persons — to transition to permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the plan is designed to balance economic growth with population management and address national challenges such as housing shortages, infrastructure pressure, and service demand.

A Balanced Immigration Approach for Long-Term Growth

The 2026–2028 plan focuses on selecting immigrants already living and working in Canada, ensuring a smoother integration into the economy and communities.
Canada aims to maintain strong immigration outcomes while reducing temporary resident (TR) admissions — a major policy shift from the previous years.

Canada’s Immigration Targets 2025–2028

This adjustment aims to bring the temporary resident population down to below 5% of Canada’s total population by the end of 2027.

New Measures: Pathways from Temporary to Permanent Residence

One of the key features of the new plan is the launch of special PR transition programs for temporary residents. The government will introduce a one-time or limited-duration initiative to grant permanent residency to up to 33,000 work permit holders between 2026 and 2027.

Additionally, IRCC announced a two-year measure to recognize and grant PR to eligible Protected Persons currently residing in Canada.

These changes reflect the government’s focus on an “in-Canada selection model”, where preference is given to candidates who already contribute to the economy, speak English or French, and have local experience.

Overview of New PR Transition Programs (2026–2028)

Economic Immigration Remains Canada’s Priority

Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, economic immigration will account for up to 64% of total admissions — an increase from the previous 59%.
Programs like Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) will continue to be the main channels for skilled workers to settle in Canada permanently.

Provinces and territories will also gain greater flexibility to align their immigration nominations with regional labour market needs, especially in healthcare, construction, and technology sectors.

What to Expect in 2026 and Beyond

• Mid-2026: Expected launch of TR-to-PR transition stream.
• Ongoing: Focus on permanent over temporary pathways.
• 2027–2028: Gradual stabilization of immigration growth.
• After 2028: More emphasis on integration, housing, and community development.

Conclusion

The 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan reflects Canada’s continued commitment to inclusive, sustainable immigration.
By maintaining steady PR targets while introducing new Temporary to Permanent Residence (TR to PR) pathways, the government is ensuring that people already contributing to the country’s success can make Canada their permanent home.

For foreign workers, graduates, and temporary residents, 2026 marks the beginning of a new era of opportunity.

Canada’s immigration momentum remains strong as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a total of 21,281 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency in October 2025.
This figure highlights one of the most active months of the year for Canada’s immigration programs, showcasing the country’s continued focus on attracting skilled workers and transitioning temporary residents to permanent status.

These invitations were distributed through a mix of Express Entry draws, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and category-based selection rounds for in-demand occupations and language skills.

Breakdown of Permanent Residency Invitations – October 2025

Total Invitations (October 2025): 21,281

This data shows that October was not only diverse in draw types but also balanced between targeted and general rounds — an indication of Canada’s ongoing efforts to fill both national and provincial labor shortages.

Express Entry Draw Highlights – October 2025

This diversified strategy allows IRCC to balance targeted economic immigration with general skilled migration, ensuring Canada remains responsive to both immediate and long-term labor demands.

IRCC’s 2025–2027 Immigration Plan

Under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to welcome approximately 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025.
More than 40% of these admissions are expected to come from temporary residents already in Canada, such as foreign workers and international students.

The IRCC also announced plans to modernize the Express Entry system with smarter, data-driven selection methods and to enhance collaboration with provinces and territories for regional PNP quotas.

What To Expect in Late 2025 and 2026

Experts predict that Canada will maintain — or even increase — monthly ITA volumes through 2026 as the country continues addressing labor shortages and population growth goals.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• Keep your Express Entry profile active and up to date.
• Improve your language scores — French proficiency is becoming a major advantage.
• Explore Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with your profession.
• If you’re already in Canada, ensure you qualify under CEC or in-Canada transition programs.

While receiving an ITA is a strong step forward, remember it is not automatic approval — successful applicants must still meet all medical, security, and documentation requirements.

Conclusion

With over 21,000 invitations issued in October 2025, Canada’s immigration landscape continues to show strength and stability.
For international applicants and temporary residents alike, now is an excellent time to position yourself for permanent residency in Canada as the country heads toward another high-intake year in 2026.

Canada has long been one of the world’s most desirable destinations for young travelers and professionals seeking international experience. Through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, young citizens from partner countries can live, work, and travel in Canada temporarily — gaining valuable professional and cultural experience.

Managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the IEC 2025 season welcomes thousands of youth to Canada every year under three categories: Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op (Internship).

1. What Is the International Experience Canada Program?

The International Experience Canada (IEC) initiative is a youth mobility agreement between Canada and 36 countries and territories.
It aims to help young people:

• Gain international work experience in Canada
• Explore Canadian culture and improve English or French language skills
• Build connections that can support future immigration goals

IEC participants receive temporary work permits, typically valid for 12 to 24 months, depending on their country’s agreement.

2. Who Can Apply for IEC 2025?

To apply for IEC 2025, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Basic Requirements

• Be a citizen of one of the countries that have a Youth Mobility Agreement with Canada.
• Be between 18 and 35 years old (some countries limit eligibility to 30).
• Hold a valid passport for the entire duration of your stay.
• Have health insurance that covers your stay in Canada.
• Show proof of sufficient funds (minimum CAD $2,500).
• Be admissible to Canada (no criminal or medical ineligibility).
• Have a return ticket or enough funds to buy one.
• Not be accompanied by dependents (IEC does not include family sponsorship).

Who Cannot Apply

• Refugee travel document holders, even if issued by an IEC partner country.
• Citizens of countries without a Youth Mobility Agreement (unless applying through a Recognized Organization).

3. Full List of Eligible Countries (as of 2025)

According to IRCC, citizens of the following 36 countries and territories can apply under at least one IEC category:

Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

Each bilateral agreement specifies:

• Eligible age range
• Duration of stay (typically 12–24 months)
• Number of participations allowed (one or two)
• Available categories (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, or Co-op)

4. IEC Categories Explained

1️⃣ Working Holiday

• Best for travelers who don’t have a job offer.
• Receive an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer across Canada.
• Perfect for exploring Canada while working short-term or seasonal jobs.

2️⃣ Young Professionals

• For those with a valid job offer in Canada related to their career path.
• Provides an employer-specific work permit.
• Helps participants gain career-building experience in their professional field.

3️⃣ International Co-op (Internship)

• Designed for students who need a work placement or internship as part of their academic program.
• Work permit is tied to a single employer.
• Ideal for university or college students looking for global industry experience.

5. How to Apply for IEC 2025

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Use the IRCC eligibility tool to confirm if your country participates and which category applies.

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec.html

Step 2: Create an IEC Profile

Create an account on IRCC’s website and submit your IEC profile to the appropriate “pool.”

Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts regular rounds of invitations. If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your IRCC account.

Step 4: Submit Application for Work Permit

Once invited, you have 10 days to accept the invitation and 20 days to submit your completed application with:

• Biometric data
• Passport copy
• Police certificates
• Proof of funds and insurance

Step 5: Receive Work Permit

If approved, you’ll receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction, which you present when you arrive in Canada to obtain your work permit.

6. Why Apply for IEC?

Participating in IEC offers numerous benefits:

• Gain international work experience to enhance your resume.
• Improve language and intercultural skills.
• Experience Canadian lifestyle and diversity.
• Build networks that may help with future immigration pathways such as Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs.

7. Conclusion

The International Experience Canada (IEC) 2025 program remains a remarkable opportunity for young people worldwide to work, travel, and grow in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.

If you’re from a participating country, this is your chance to embark on a unique adventure that combines career growth, cultural exploration, and global networking — all while experiencing life in Canada.

According to the Henley Passport Index (October 2025), Canada continues to hold one of the world’s most powerful passports, granting its citizens visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 183 destinations.
This puts Canada in 9th place globally, ahead of the United States, which fell out of the top 10 for the first time in two decades.

Although Canada slipped slightly from 7th earlier this year, experts note that this still reflects strong international partnerships and widespread visa agreements that support Canada’s global mobility.

The Henley Index—based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA)—ranks 199 passports by the number of countries their holders can visit without a prior visa.

U.S. Passport Drops to Its Lowest Ranking in 20 Years

The United States now ranks 12th with visa-free access to 180 destinations, sharing its position with Malaysia.
This marks the lowest point for the U.S. in the 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index.

The decline has been linked to:

• Countries such as Brazil reinstating visa requirements for U.S. travelers.
• The U.S. offering visa-free access to only 46 nations, affecting its “openness” score.
• Rising passport strength in European and Asian countries, reflecting evolving global diplomacy.

Analysts say the U.S. drop highlights a broader shift in soft power and international influence, as global travel freedom becomes more evenly distributed.

Top 10 Most Powerful Passports in the World (October 2025)

Why These Rankings Matter

For Canadians, the strong ranking confirms that Canadian citizenship remains one of the most globally mobile.
For Americans, it’s a reminder that maintaining reciprocal visa agreements and international diplomacy plays a crucial role in global movement.

Post-pandemic policy shifts and strengthening alliances among European and Asian countries have created a more competitive passport landscape—where smaller, highly connected nations now lead.

Conclusion

While Canada maintains its reputation as a global mobility leader, the U.S. experiences its sharpest drop in two decades.
These results from the Henley Passport Index 2025 underscore how international cooperation, diplomacy, and visa reciprocity directly shape global travel freedom.