Canada Plans to Grant Permanent Residency to 1.14 Million Immigrants from 2026 to 2028

*Islamabad:* Canada has set a target of granting permanent residency (PR) to approximately 1.14 million immigrants between 2026 and 2028, with an annual target of 380,000 permanent residents. However, no separate quota has been announced specifically for Pakistani nationals, and applications will be assessed according to the eligibility criteria and requirements of the relevant immigration programmes.

According to Canada’s immigration plan, the government aims to address the country’s economic needs, attract skilled workers, support family reunification and provide protection to refugees and other eligible individuals. These targets form part of Canada’s announced multi-year immigration plan and should not be interpreted as a new, additional immigration offer.

For 2026, Canada has set a target of 239,800 permanent residents under economic immigration programmes. Family reunification programmes account for 84,000 admissions, while 49,300 places have been allocated to refugees and protected persons. Another 6,900 admissions are earmarked for humanitarian and other categories.

Under the plan, the annual target for economic immigration will increase to 244,700 in both 2027 and 2028. Family reunification admissions are projected at 81,000 annually during the same period. The overall permanent resident target will remain at 380,000 per year.

Canada has also introduced a special measure to accelerate permanent residency for certain temporary foreign workers already living in the country. Under this initiative, up to 33,000 skilled temporary workers may be granted permanent residency in 2026 and 2027. Priority is expected to be given to workers who contribute to the Canadian economy, pay taxes and have established strong ties to their local communities.

At the same time, Canada is pursuing a policy to manage and reduce the intake of new temporary residents, particularly international students and foreign workers. The target for new temporary residents has been set at 385,000 in 2026, followed by 370,000 annually in 2027 and 2028.

For Pakistani nationals, potential pathways to Canadian permanent residency include skilled-worker immigration programmes, family sponsorship and other eligible immigration categories. Requirements may vary depending on the programme and can include educational qualifications, professional experience, language proficiency, financial resources and other eligibility conditions.

Applicants should carefully review the requirements of the relevant programme before submitting an application. Canada’s overall immigration targets do not guarantee permanent residency or visa approval for applicants from any particular country. Decisions will depend on programme-specific eligibility criteria, available places and assessments conducted by Canadian immigration authorities.