Permanent residence in 2026 under the Immigration Levels Plan

Each year, we aim to meet the number of new permanent residents (PR) set out in the Immigration Levels Plan. The plan outlines the total number of available permanent resident spaces, and how they are divided across immigration categories. This gives us flexibility to adjust to evolving priorities and pressures and stay responsive.

In recent years, about half of new permanent residents were already living in Canada as non-permanent residents, and contributing to our economy. This helps to limit additional pressures on infrastructure and social services.

380,000

New permanent residents targeted for 2026

128,900

New PRs from January to May 2026

Increasing French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec

In 2026, we’re aiming for 9% (30,150) of our new permanent residents outside Quebec to be francophone or bilingual. This goal is part of the levels plan, and it aligns with the Policy on Francophone Immigration—ensuring it’s both ambitious and achievable.


9,900
new French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec between January and May 2026

Breakdown of new permanent residents by category
Economic

People in this category are selected through work-based and regional economic immigration programs.


239,800


Target for economic PR in 2026


73,600

New PRs from January to May 2026 More information on economic immigration targets

Because new economic permanent residents are admitted throughout the year to respond to Canada’s economic, regional, and labour needs, the pace of new economic PR admissions can vary throughout the year.

Family

The family class category supports the reunification of families in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are able to sponsor certain family members to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.


84,000


Target for family class PR in 2026


37,900

New PRs from January to May 2026 More information on family class targets


New family class permanent residents can land in Canada as soon as their PR status is confirmed, but some choose to wait before landing. For that reason, the pace of new family class PR admissions can vary throughout the year.

Refugees and protected persons

Refugees identified for resettlement abroad are referred by the United Nations Refugee Agency, private sponsors and other referral partners. Resettled refugees arrive in Canada as permanent residents. Protected persons in Canada are people who have been granted protection by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or through IRCC’s pre-removal risk assessment process. Protected persons can then apply to become permanent residents.


49,300


Target for PR for new refugees and protected persons in 2026


14,300

New PRs from January to May 2026 More information on refugees and protected persons targets

New permanent residents may land in Canada as soon as they receive their PR documents, but some are unable to come to Canada right away. For that reason, the pace of admission for refugees and protected persons can vary throughout the year.

Humanitarian & Compassionate and Other

This category includes those who have applied for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, those affected by international conflicts, crises, natural disasters and some exceptional circumstances, as well as those who would not be eligible under other programs.


6,900


Target for PR for H&C and Other in 2026