Big Opportunities Ahead for Indians Seeking Permanent Residency, Canada Releases 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan

By Aptech Visa Editorial Team

This plan is crucial for anyone hoping to build a future in Canada, especially Indian students, workers, and families, who have consistently been among the top contributors to Canada’s labour market and economy. If you are planning for immigration, read along. 

The Government strategizes on reducing temporary residents and also stabilizing the PR targets. Creating the perfect environment for the PR and for the new immigrants. Also, focusing on the development of the country with a better economy, infrastructure, healthcare, education, etc. 

Overall, 2026-2028 is the perfect time to apply for immigration and start your Career or education boost. 

Highlights of Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan

IRCC’s latest plan balances two priorities:

1. Reducing Canada’s temporary resident population to manageable levels.
    

2. Maintaining strong PR admissions to meet labour needs and support long-term economic stability.
    

Here are the core elements of the plan:

1.Reduced Temporary Resident & International Student Arrivals

These caps affect:

• New international student permits
   

• New temporary foreign worker entries under IMP & TFWP
   

• Overall intake of temporary residents arriving for short-term work or studies
   

However, Canada has not placed limits on:

• Visitor visas
   

• Electronic Travel Authorisations (eTAs)
   

• In-Canada permit extensions
   

• In-Canada work or study permit applications
   

• Asylum claimants
   

This means that individuals already in Canada retain flexibility.

Accelerated Pathways to PR: The Most Important Part for Indians

Even as temporary entries are being reduced, Canada is making PR pathways stronger, faster, and more accessible—particularly for people already living and contributing in Canada.

Three major initiatives stand out:
 

1. Transition of 115,000 Protected Persons to PR

Over a two-year period, Canada will streamline the permanent residency process for 115,000 Protected Persons already inside the country.

This reflects Canada’s commitment to humanitarian responsibilities and ensures that beneficiaries can integrate more fully into Canadian society.

2. Fast-Track PR for Up to 33,000 Temporary Workers

One of the most promising developments for Indian workers is the government’s commitment to fast-track PR for 33,000 temporary residents in 2026 and 2027.

These individuals include:

• Skilled workers
   

• PGWP holders
   

• Temporary foreign workers under IMP & TFWP
   

• Those already working and paying taxes in Canada

This is especially beneficial for:

• Indian IT professionals
   

• Engineers
   

• Healthcare workers
   

• Retail and hospitality staff
   

Trades professionals

3. Stabilized Permanent Residency Targets

While temporary entry numbers are decreasing, PR levels remain stable. The government ensures better retention rates, smoother integration, and stronger employment outcomes.

More Opportunities for In-Canada Students and Workers

If you're an Indian student or work-permit holder already in Canada, your chances of securing PR are about to increase significantly.
The government’s priority is shifting toward those who are already contributing to the labour market.

Better Security and Predictability

Permanent residency brings:

• The ability to work without restrictions
   

• Family stability
   

• Access to better job opportunities
   

• Pathways to citizenship
   

The plan gives Indian families more certainty about long-term settlement.

Strong Demand for Skilled Indian Workers

Canada continues to face shortages in:

• Healthcare
   

• Engineering
   

• Technology
   

• Trades
   

• Education
   

• Hospitality and agriculture sectors
   

Indian talent is already well-represented in these areas, making them ideal candidates for PR.

Less Competition from Newcomers

With limits on new temporary arrivals, the competition inside Canada becomes more manageable.

This increases the chances of PR for those who are already studying or working in the country.

What Indians Should Do Now

If you are planning to migrate to Canada—or are already in the country—this is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming PR opportunities.

You should:

• Ensure your skills and qualifications are updated
   

• Improve your English or French language proficiency
   

• Get your ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) completed
   

• Build Canadian work experience if possible
   

• Keep your documents ready for Express Entry or PNP streams
   

The Canadian government will be focusing heavily on workers who are contributing right now. Preparing early means you can take advantage of the upcoming PR programs as soon as they open.

How Aptech Visa Can Help You Succeed

Navigating Canada’s changing immigration landscape can be overwhelming—but that is where Aptech Visa comes in.

As one of India’s leading Canada immigration consultancies, Aptech Visa provides comprehensive guidance, including:

• Personalized assessment based on the new 2026–2028 plan
   

• Advice on Express Entry, PNPs, study-to-PR, and work-to-PR pathways
   

• Assistance with ECA, IELTS, and profile-building
   

• Support with documentation, filing, and follow-up
   

• Strategies to maximize CRS scores
   

• Guidance for in-Canada transitions and PR fast-track programs
   

With years of experience and thousands of successful cases, Aptech Visa is committed to helping Indian families build a secure future in Canada.

Let Aptech Visa guide your journey with clarity, confidence, and success.




 

Call our well-versed team of the best immigration experts at 750 383 2132 / 91310 59075, or you can also write us at info@aptechvisa.com.

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Also Read - Canada’s New Study Permits for 2026. How should you start the preparation?