Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Canada's 2026-28 Immigration Plan: Key Changes
Canada is making big changes to its immigration rules for 2026-2028.
They will let more people born abroad become citizens if their Canadian parents meet certain rules.
The country will also welcome fewer immigrants, including students and workers.
Some people already in Canada, like temporary workers and protected persons, can become permanent residents.
New rules will let immigration officials pause or cancel applications if needed.
Doctors and people with US H-1B visas will have easier ways to immigrate.
Student visas will be capped, and some programs for home care workers are paused.
Canada will allow 115,000 'Lost Canadians' born abroad to become citizens under new rules.
Immigration caps for 2026-2028 will reduce the number of permanent residents, temporary workers, refugees, and international students.
Bill C-12 gives immigration authorities more control to suspend or cancel applications in process.
A new Express Entry category will be created for doctors, requiring at least 12 months of work experience in Canada.
An accelerated immigration pathway will be available for US H-1B visa holders, with a 10,000-application cap already reached.
- Who
- Canadian government under Prime Minister Mark Carney
- What
- Introduction of new immigration laws and changes for 2026-2028
- When
- Changes to take effect in 2026
- Where
- Canada
- Why
- To correct past citizenship issues, manage immigration levels, and improve system integrity
- Lost Canadians
- 115,000 people born abroad could become eligible for citizenship
- Permanent Residents Cap
- 380,000 in 2026, down from 395,000 in 2025
- Temporary Foreign Workers Cap
- 230,000 in 2026, down from 367,750 in 2025
- Refugees and Protected Persons Target
- 56,200 in 2026, down from 68,200 in 2025
- International Students Cap
- 155,000 in 2026, down from 437,000 in 2025
- Temporary Residents Admissions
- 385,000 in 2026, down from 673,650 in 2025
- Express Entry for Doctors
- New category for general practitioners, surgeons, and specialists
- H-1B Visa Holders Pathway
- Accelerated immigration route for US H-1B visa holders