Maple News reports that Canada is set to significantly expand its Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), targeting 91,500 new permanent residents through the PNP in 2026. This marks a 66% increase compared to the 2023 target of 55,000 admissions, providing a major opportunity for candidates hoping to immigrate through provincial streams.
Outlined in Canada’s latest Immigration Levels Plan, the government’s revised targets show a strong pivot back toward supporting provinces in selecting immigrants that meet local labour and demographic needs. The PNP allows each province or territory to design its own selection criteria for nominating newcomers, especially those who may not qualify through national programs like Express Entry.
This surge in PNP allocations is particularly promising for temporary residents in Canada, such as international students and foreign workers, who are often well-positioned to be nominated under these provincial streams. Many PNP streams prioritize candidates who have studied or gained work experience specific to a province, giving these individuals a streamlined path to permanent residency (PR).
In previous years, the federal government reduced PNP targets, but the 2026 targets not only reverse that trend—they nearly double the previous figures. By 2027, targeted PNP admissions are set to climb an additional 67%, reinforcing a long-term strategy that empowers provinces to address their specific immigration needs.
For candidates with lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores or limited French proficiency, the PNP could offer a critical alternative to Canada’s more competitive Express Entry system. The upcoming target increases may improve the chances for more skilled workers and graduates without top-tier CRS scores to secure pathways to permanent residency.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) holders are among those poised to benefit the most. With a PNP nomination, they can apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), which allows them to continue working lawfully in Canada while awaiting a decision on their PR application—a key advantage for maintaining employment stability.
This expansion reflects the federal government’s broader commitment to decentralizing immigration by giving provinces more influence in choosing immigrants who are more likely to stay and integrate locally long-term. This shift is a strategic step to ensure that immigration more closely supports regional economic growth and labour shortages.
With rising interest in Canadian immigration and heightened competition across federal pathways, the increased PNP targets highlight a valuable and increasingly viable route to permanent residency.
Maple News will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as provinces respond with updates to their individual streams and selection processes in the months to come.