Maple News reports that Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 continues to prioritize applicants already living in the country, even though the plan doesn’t outline a specific admissions category labeled ‘In-Canada focus.’
In a recent media briefing, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab made it clear that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to prioritize permanent residency (PR) for temporary residents who are already settled in Canada. This approach is designed not only to support societal integration, but also to moderate the pace of new international arrivals.
According to the Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC will align both temporary and permanent resident targets to streamline the transition of foreign nationals already in the country—especially those with in-demand skills and Canadian work experience—into permanent residents.
One of the clearest indicators of this strategy is the government’s continued commitment to high Express Entry allocations. Although the admission target for Federal High-Skilled workers drops modestly from 124,680 in 2025 to 109,000 in 2026, the number is projected to climb slightly and stabilize at 111,000 in both 2027 and 2028.
The Express Entry system, particularly the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream, is poised to serve as a major pathway for in-Canada applicants to achieve PR status. CEC candidates—typically individuals with prior Canadian work experience—are widely seen as highly successful in the labor market, making them ideal long-term contributors to Canada’s economy.
The plan reinforces the government’s focus on economic immigration, with 64% of 2026 PR admissions designated under this category. With many CEC applicants already residing and working in Canada, the strategy reflects a deliberate push to solidify their status, harness their local experience, and reduce reliance on international arrivals.
This strategic pivot by IRCC highlights a growing recognition of the benefits of consolidating talent already within Canada’s borders. With high retention rates and proven adaptation to Canadian society, in-Canada candidates are a logical cornerstone of Canada’s future immigration system.
As Maple News continues to monitor these developments, it’s clear that temporary residents with Canadian work experience are well-positioned for permanent status in the years ahead.