Susan Gong, CPA, CA, RCIC - Altec Global Inc 創辦人兼執行長的獨到見解。Canada has released its 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, and the direction is clear: the government aims to reduce short-term temporary residents and increase the number of long-term permanent residents. This policy shift marks a significant realignment of Canada’s immigration priorities, with the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) emerging as a central pathway.
1. Provincial Nominee Program Capacity Will Rise Sharply
In the previous plan, PNP allocations for 2026 were set at 55,000.
Under the new plan, the 2026 target increases to:
91,500 PNP spots in 2026
This is an increase of 36,500, representing approximately 66 percent growth. According to Susan Gong, this confirms a clear national trend: the PNP will become one of the most important immigration pathways, giving provinces greater control in selecting candidates aligned with local economic needs.
2. Study Permits Will Become More Selective
Canada is shifting from high-volume intake to a more focused, high-quality model. Future study permit approvals will favour applicants who:
Demonstrate strong employability in Canada
Choose programs in in-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, trades, early childhood education and social services
Attend quality-assured institutions
Show clear intent to remain and contribute long term
As Susan highlights, the priority is changing from simply allowing students to study in Canada to supporting those who are likely to stay and integrate successfully.
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program Will Tighten Further
Stricter requirements and increased scrutiny are expected for LMIAs and for overseas work permit applicants. The focus will shift toward individuals who already have Canadian work experience and are committed to long-term settlement.
A particularly notable update is the federal plan to transition approximately 33,000 workers with legitimate Canadian employment history to permanent residency during 2026–2027. This will be a critical opportunity for many temporary workers.
4. What This Means for Different Groups
For International Students in Canada
PNP opportunities will expand
Early planning is essential
Selecting programs aligned with real labour market demand will become even more important
Healthcare, early childhood education, skilled trades and social services remain strong pathways
For Workers in Canada
This group stands to benefit the most from the upcoming changes. Those with Canadian work experience, employer support and long-term residence in a province are well-positioned for PNP nomination and for the 33,000-worker PR transition initiative. This is an ideal time to pursue permanent residency.
For Applicants Overseas
The old “come first, plan later” strategy is becoming riskier. Instead, applicants should consider:
Provincial Nominee Program pathways
Employer-supported immigration
Healthcare or long-term care streams
Selecting fields of study based on provincial labour needs
A strategic reordering of steps is now necessary for overseas applicants.
Insight from Altec Global Inc.
Susan’s key conclusions:
The Provincial Nominee Program is becoming the central pillar of Canadian immigration.
The study-to-work-to-PR pathway remains viable, but program and institution selection must be more strategic.
Work permit holders already in Canada should act quickly; they are in the strongest position to transition to permanent residency.
Overseas applicants should begin planning from provincial labour needs, not from study permits.
At Altec Global Inc., we help clients evaluate their position—whether they are studying, working or preparing to immigrate—and develop a clear path aligned with Canada’s new immigration direction. CONTACT US TODAY.
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