Canada's updated immigration levels plan expected in Thursday's federal budget, sources say
Key points
- Sources say the updated immigration levels plan will be released with the federal budget on Thursday, Nov. 5
- Current targets are 380,000 permanent residents a year for 2026-2028
- New temporary resident targets are 385,000 for 2026 and 370,000 each for 2027 and 2028
Multiple government sources told CTV News that Prime Minister Mark Carney's updated immigration levels plan will be released with the federal budget on Thursday, Nov. 5. Statistics Canada estimates the population at 41,798,407 on July 1, 2026, up 0.5%, the slowest July-to-July growth since 1944-45. Current targets are 380,000 permanent residents a year for 2026-2028. New temporary resident targets are 385,000 for 2026 and 370,000 each for 2027 and 2028. For reference only, not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Watch for the formal immigration levels plan in Thursday's federal budget and check whether targets change
- Assess whether current foreign national employees and hiring plans are affected by the revised temporary resident targets
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Canada (federal)
- Status
- Proposed rule
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- Canadian employers nationwide (immigration and temporary resident entry targets)
- Official source
- Official source pending
Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.