Canada has announced a consultation survey for the 2026- 2028 Immigration Levels Plan. This is a rare window of opportunity, unlike previous plans, as they are seeking public opinion of migrants and future applicants.
India, one of Canada’s top source countries, continues to contribute significantly to economic and student admissions. With the launch of broader consultations, Indians can now share input for the next immigration plan.
The feedback of the survey will help IRCC recalibrate between permanent and temporary flows and refine program priorities, from economic mobility to family, refugee, or linguistic-targeted streams.
A Glimpse Of Canada Immigration Levels Plan 2025-2027
The Immigration Levels Plan in Canada determines the range of immigrants that they are going to welcome each year.
The 2025–2027 plan, tabled by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), marked a notable shift from the record-high targets of previous years.
First, let’s understand what the 2025–2027 immigration levels plan looks like:
- The PR targets are set at 395,000 for 2025, 380,000 for 2026, and 365,000 for 2027.
- The plan has more emphasis on transitioning temporary residents already in Canada.
- This plan promotes economic immigration. Over 58% of newcomers will arrive through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other pathways.
- Significant allocations for family sponsorship and humanitarian programs.
- Skilled talent is highly considered. Key industries like healthcare, IT, and trades will see targeted invitations under Express Entry draws.
Insights from the 2026–2028 Consultation Survey
From July 21 to August 17, 2025, Canada is running public surveys and outreach to gather input on future immigration priorities. This engages migrants, employers, settlement agencies, and the public at large.
- Migrants (current applicants and permanent residents)
- Employers and business leaders
- Settlement agencies
- The general public across Canada and abroad
Respondents like migrants, experts, employers, and communities are being asked to rank priorities: filling labour gaps, reuniting families, humanitarian needs, population growth, regional support, diversity, and Francophone communities.
They’re also asked whether temporary resident targets (e.g., 210,700 workers and 305,900 students in 2026) are too high, too low, or just right.
- Canada faces labour shortages, an ageing population, and rising housing demands. Through immigration, this labour gap can be filled, and also aids in balancing economic growth with sustainability.
- IRCC is gathering data, opinions, and suggestions from affected groups to finalise admission numbers, program priorities, and regional allocations.
- A balanced immigration framework addressing workforce needs while ensuring smooth integration.
This consultation is a signal: Canada wants newcomers to co-create its immigration future.
India has been one of the leading countries for new Canadian PR holders. According to IRCC data, 44% of new PRs in 2023 were Indians. This shows Canada’s strong demand for Indian talent.
For students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, it means you already have a strong advantage when applying for future immigration programs.
If Indian professionals show high demand for skill-based pathways, IRCC may place more emphasis on economic categories suited to sectors such as health care or IT. This may impact how Express Entry draws or PNP quotas are set in the coming years.
Participating in the 2026–2028 immigration consultation lets individuals and organisations help shape a fair and future-ready Canadian immigration system, ensuring it is better aligned with both migrant aspirations and Canada’s societal needs.
Why does the India-Canada Migration surge? Trends & Opportunities
There has been a surge in Indians migrating to Canada in recent years. Canada is one of the largest countries that welcomes more immigrants; let’s explore the trends and opportunities.
- Thousands of Indian students choose Canada every year, attracted by affordable tuition, post-study work permits, and clear PR pathways.
- Skilled Professionals in Demand: IT engineers, healthcare workers, nurses, and trade professionals from India continue to be among the most invited candidates under Express Entry and PNPs.
- With a strong Indo-Canadian diaspora presence, Indians benefit from community networks supporting smoother settlement.
- Business immigration programs are gaining traction for entrepreneurs who are exploring investment-led migration.
If India’s migration voice is strong in the consultation, we may see expanded visa quotas, province-specific programs, and faster PR pathways designed with Indian talent in mind.
Challenges Migrants Face – And How Consultants Help
Canada’s high-volume immigration stream comes with challenges:
- Policy Complexity: The immigration system has over 80 pathways, each with evolving eligibility rules.
- Processing Delays: Backlogs are common, and a single error in documentation can set applicants back months.
- Changing Requirements: Recent changes like targeted Express Entry draws or province-specific requirements can confuse unassisted applicants.
Being one of the best immigration consultants in Kerala for Canada, we can guide clients through:
- Eligibility assessments (Express Entry, PNP, student permit, work visa)
- Timely updates on immigration policy shifts, including the 2026–2028 plan
- Documentation accuracy and submission strategies
- Post-landing support guidance through partner networks
By seeking the help of professional consultants, you can avoid mistakes while applying for PR and maximise your chances of getting PR.
Final Note
Canada has one of the world’s most transparent immigration systems. Canada’s 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan is signalling that its future depends not only on policy but also on people’s opinions.
Now, through the 2026–2028 consultation survey, even the aspiring candidates from India can play a direct role in shaping the future intakes. Do you want to know how it affects your migration dreams? Reach out, the best Immigration Consultants In Kerala.
We’re here to guide you through your PR options. Our role is to position your profile in the best way possible so the process feels clear, simple, and stress-free, helping you move closer to your dream of building a life in Canada.