Canada Sets Family Immigration Targets for 2026-2028

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published its multi-year permanent resident admission targets under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, detailing three family categories for immigration. Family Class admissions represent about 22% of total planned permanent resident intake.

In 2026, Canada aims to admit 69,000 spouses, common-law partners, and dependent children, decreasing to 66,000 for 2027 and 2028. Processing times for overseas applicants average 12.6 months, while those in Canada wait around 14 months.

Quebec applicants face longer waits of 33 months from abroad and 25 months from within Canada. The Parents and Grandparents Programme is capped at 15,000 admissions annually, with processing times averaging 23 months outside Quebec and 46 months for Quebec-bound applicants.

As of January 1, 2026, IRCC has paused new applications for this programme to address the backlog. The Super Visa is promoted as an alternative for families not yet eligible for permanent sponsorship.