Alongside the broader levels plan, IRCC confirmed on 5 November that the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) will receive 91,500 permanent-resident places in 2026—up 66 % from last year’s target. At the same time, admissions under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) will drop to 60,000, while International Mobility Program (IMP) work-permit ceilings rise to 170,000.
The shift gives provinces more influence over economic immigration and offers foreign workers who lack high Comprehensive Ranking System scores an alternate PR pathway. British Columbia and Ontario officials told CIC News they expect to broaden eligibility lists as a result. Employers in sectors such as construction and health care should monitor provincial Invitations to Apply, which are likely to accelerate in early 2026.
![Provincial Nominee Program allocation surges 66 % as Ottawa rebalances worker streams]()
For global mobility teams, the takeaway is that intra-company transferees (processed under the IMP) will face fewer numeric constraints, while low-wage LMIA-based hires could be squeezed by the smaller TFWP quota. Organisations may need to pivot towards PNP nominations or IMP categories like CUSMA professionals to secure work authorization.
Finally, immigration lawyers caution that higher PNP targets will also mean heightened compliance scrutiny by provinces—particularly around genuine job offers and settlement intent—so HR departments should tighten documentation practices now.
The shift gives provinces more influence over economic immigration and offers foreign workers who lack high Comprehensive Ranking System scores an alternate PR pathway. British Columbia and Ontario officials told CIC News they expect to broaden eligibility lists as a result. Employers in sectors such as construction and health care should monitor provincial Invitations to Apply, which are likely to accelerate in early 2026.
For global mobility teams, the takeaway is that intra-company transferees (processed under the IMP) will face fewer numeric constraints, while low-wage LMIA-based hires could be squeezed by the smaller TFWP quota. Organisations may need to pivot towards PNP nominations or IMP categories like CUSMA professionals to secure work authorization.
Finally, immigration lawyers caution that higher PNP targets will also mean heightened compliance scrutiny by provinces—particularly around genuine job offers and settlement intent—so HR departments should tighten documentation practices now.
