Canada’s 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: Why Studying in Canada Remains a Strong Pathway to Permanent Residence

As Canada prepares its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028, one thing is clear — Canada is still open for immigration. Despite recent adjustments to the number of study permits issued, international students continue to play a central role in the country’s long-term growth strategy. For many, studying in Canada remains the first and most reliable step toward permanent residence.

Canada Is Managing Growth — Not Closing Its Doors

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration, there were more than 516,000 international students with active study permits in 2024, including nearly 294,000 new arrivals that year.

While this represents a planned reduction from 2023, it shows that Canada remains committed to welcoming international learners — the difference is that the government is now managing growth to ensure housing, services, and job markets can keep up.

In January 2024, IRCC introduced an intake cap on new study permit applications (with a target of 485,000 for the year). The goal is to balance the number of temporary residents while maintaining opportunities for genuine students who contribute to

Canada’s education system and economy.

International Students Still Becoming Permanent Residents

Even with these changes, the data proves that the study-to-PR pathway remains viable. In 2024, 25,580 international students became permanent residents, almost the same as in 2023.

This shows that the system continues to reward international graduates who gain Canadian education and work experience through programs such as:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP)

These pathways are designed to help students transition from temporary to permanent status once they’ve proven they can integrate into Canada’s workforce and communities.

Study in Fields that Match Canada’s Workforce Needs

IRCC has also stated that it will prioritize students pursuing studies that align with labour market needs — such as healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and education. This means students who choose programs that fill gaps in Canada’s economy may have a better chance of finding meaningful work and qualifying for PR in the future.

Canada's Immigration Levels Plan Remain High

Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for the next three years (2026-2028) is expected to maintain its strong targets — welcoming 380,000 new permanent residents each year. The message is simple: Canada remains one of the most open and opportunity-rich destinations for immigrants and international students worldwide.

Plan Your Pathway with Gateway to Canada

At Gateway to Canada, we help aspiring international students and skilled workers turn their Canadian dream into reality. Our team guides clients through every step — from school admission and study permit application to permanent residence planning.

We’re partners with Proactive Immigration Advisers Corp., a licensed and experienced consultancy with a proven track record of helping students choose the right program, institution, and immigration pathway.

Whether your goal is to study, work, or settle permanently in Canada, Gateway to Canada can help you plan your next move with confidence.