IRCC PRIORITIES FOR 2026-27

Key priorities

IRCC has identified the following key priorities for 2026–27: 

• Sustainable, managed migration aligned to Canada’s social, economic and regional needs, and that supports improved newcomer outcomes, based on strong collaboration with provinces, territories, industry and other partners.
• Programs are simplified, modernized, and delivered efficiently through a transformed digital infrastructure that enhances productivity.
• An orderly and responsible migration system that actively and fairly manages risk and program integrity to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and newcomers.
• Strong management accountability, fiscal responsibility, and human resources planning that supports our diverse, inclusive workforce and capitalizes on data to drive results and reduce operational costs.

Highlights:

The 2026-2028 Levels Plan stabilizes permanent resident (PR) admission targets at 380,000 for 2026, while increasing the share of economic migrants from 59% to 64% by 2027

Francophone immigration will continue to play an important role in achieving IRCC’s broader objectives.

IRCC recognizes that a strong Canadian economy depends on a highly skilled workforce, with immigration helping to fill critical labour gaps in priority industries. By contributing to the Government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan, IRCC will help ensure that Canada has the requisite talent to drive innovation and growth

IRCC will continue modernizing its digital infrastructure through the Digital Platform Modernization (DPM) initiative to support more streamlined, digital processes, stronger risk management through better data, faster technical implementation of policy changes, and an improved client experience.

IRCC also continues to examine new ways to use technology, including exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI), to develop, enhance, and scale digital solutions that will boost workforce productivity, enable collaboration, and support high performance, all while protecting IRCC assets and information.

IRCC Core Responsibility:

IRCC will continue facilitating the entry of visitors, international students and temporary workers – processing visas, electronic travel authorizations, and work and study permits to bring economic benefits to Canada

The Department will continue selecting economic immigrants, supporting family reunification, and providing a safe haven to refugees and protected persons, while recalibrating overall permanent resident admissions to sustainable levels. Working with partners, including provinces and territories, IRCC will bolster efforts to attract and retain top global talent in support of key sectors and industries like healthcare, emerging technologies, and skilled trades, as well as work to make it easier for internationally educated newcomers to work in in-demand, regulated professions

IRCC will continue supporting eligible permanent residents to become Canadian citizens, including by improving processing efficiency through technology.

The Department also continues to modernize its Passport Program to facilitate Canadians international travel, with a simplified, digital application process and the deployment of a new system to support passport processing abroad.

Source: IRCC Corporate Publications: 2026-27 Departmental Plan