Canada has published its Immigration Levels Plan for 2027–2029. Released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on 5 November 2026, it sets how many temporary and permanent residents the country plans to admit over the next three years. For students, the key line is unchanged: room for up to 150,000 new international students a year.
What the plan sets
- Temporary residents: 370,000 new arrivals a year in 2027, 2028 and 2029, made up of 220,000 workers and up to 150,000 international students.
- Permanent residents: 380,000 admissions a year, with economic immigration kept above 64% of the total.
- Population: permanent resident admissions are to stay below 1% of Canada's population beyond 2027, and the temporary resident population is to shrink.
As The PIE News reports, last year's plan had already fixed the 150,000 figure for 2027 and 2028; the new plan keeps those years unchanged and extends the same level to 2029.
A one-time route for people already in Canada
Separately from the plan's totals, IRCC announced that up to 200,000 people already in Canada can become permanent residents in 2027: up to 100,000 workers and up to 100,000 people in humanitarian and family streams. IRCC also notes that its permanent resident admissions include people already working or studying in the country, although no separate figure is given for graduates.
How the sector reacted
The Canadian Bureau for International Education and Universities Canada both welcomed the decision. CBIE's president Larissa Bezo praised the "stability and predictability" of the plan, but added that, according to the latest 2026 data, Canada is still far from reaching its current student targets.
Why it matters
A fixed target for three years gives students and universities a clearer picture than the frequent changes of recent years. The caps and tighter post-graduation work rules introduced earlier still apply, so a well-prepared study permit application remains essential.
Key points
- Up to 150,000 new international students a year in 2027, 2028 and 2029.
- 370,000 new temporary residents and 380,000 permanent residents a year.
- Up to 200,000 people already in Canada can become permanent residents in 2027.
- Sector groups welcome the stability, but current student targets are not being met.
Thinking about Canada or comparing it with other destinations? Book a consultation with Study and Work Abroad and we will check your options and handle your application and visa.
Sources
- Building a stronger Canada through a well-managed, predictable immigration systemImmigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · Nov 5, 2026
- Canada extends 150,000 international student arrivals target to 2029The PIE News · Nov 6, 2026
Written by the Study and Work Abroad team in our own words from the sources above. Rules change often: before you apply, ask us to check the current rules for your case.
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