If you have been found to be a protected person in Canada — a successful refugee claimant or someone granted protection — you may be waiting to take the next step: permanent residence. For 2026 and 2027, Canada has set out a special plan aimed at moving a large group of protected persons into permanent status.
This guide explains what the initiative is, how the permanent-residence process generally works for protected persons, why these files can stall, and what options may exist when an application sits unreasonably long. It is general information, not legal advice.
Key takeaways
As of 2026, Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 includes a two-year (2026–2027) initiative aimed at moving roughly 115,000 protected persons to permanent residence.
Being recognized as a protected person is generally a step toward permanent residence, but it is a separate application that must be made and processed.
Permanent-resident admissions are being held flat at 380,000 per year for 2026, 2027 and 2028, so timing and competition matter.
When an application stalls for an unreasonably long time, an order called mandamus from the Federal Court can, in some cases, compel a decision.
These figures and targets can change — confirm current details with IRCC on canada.ca.
What is a protected person?
Generally, a protected person is someone Canada has recognized as needing protection — for example, a person whose refugee claim was accepted by the Refugee Protection Division, or someone granted protection through another route. Being a protected person is an important status, but on its own it is not the same as being a permanent resident.
To become a permanent resident, a protected person normally has to apply for permanent residence and have that application approved. That is a separate process with its own forms, documents, and processing time.
The 2026–2027 protected persons initiative
Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028 sets out the government’s planning targets for how many people it aims to welcome. Within that plan is a special two-year initiative, running across 2026 and 2027, aimed at moving approximately 115,000 protected persons into permanent residence.
The goal, as reflected in the plan, is to help people who already have protection in Canada settle into permanent status. If you are a protected person with a permanent-residence application in progress — or one you have not yet filed — this initiative is part of the backdrop, though it does not change the need to file a complete, accurate application.
The initiative reflects a planning target, not an automatic approval. If you are a protected person, you still generally need to file a complete, accurate permanent-residence application, and it still has to be processed.
How the numbers fit together for 2026–2028
The initiative sits inside a broader plan that, as of 2026, holds overall permanent-resident targets steady. Understanding the shape of the plan helps explain why competition and timing matter.
Element of the 2026–2028 plan
What it says (as of 2026)
Permanent-resident admissions
Held flat at 380,000 per year for 2026, 2027 and 2028
Economic class share
Roughly 63–64%
Family class share
Roughly 21–22%
Refugees and protected persons share
Roughly 13%
Protected persons initiative
About 115,000 to permanent residence over 2026–2027
Temporary-resident arrivals target
Cut to 385,000 for 2026
Because the overall permanent-resident number is flat rather than growing, getting an application right the first time — complete, accurate, and well documented — generally matters more, not less.
Why protected-person PR files can stall
Even where someone clearly qualifies, permanent-residence applications can take a long time to process. Delays can come from background and security checks, requests for further documents, identity and admissibility questions, or simply the volume of files in the system. For protected persons, gathering the right identity and status documents can add time.
Long waits are frustrating and, for many people, carry real consequences — for family reunification, travel, and stability. But a long processing time is not, by itself, the same as an unreasonable delay in the legal sense.
When delay becomes unreasonable: mandamus
When an application stalls for an unusually long time with no adequate explanation, one possible remedy is an order called mandamus. This is an order from the Federal Court that can compel Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to make a decision on a stalled file. It does not order IRCC to say “yes” — it orders a decision to be made.
In deciding whether to grant mandamus, the Federal Court generally weighs the factors set out in the case law often called the Conille factors, which look at matters such as:
whether there is a public legal duty owed to the applicant to make a decision;
whether the delay in making that decision has been unreasonable;
whether there is any adequate alternative remedy; and
whether the balance of convenience favours granting relief.
In practice, a formal demand letter to IRCC often comes before any court filing, giving the department a clear opportunity to act. Mandamus is a demanding remedy and every file is different, so this is an area where tailored advice matters.
Practical steps while you wait
Keep copies of your protection decision, application, and any correspondence with IRCC in one place.
Respond promptly and completely to any request for documents or information.
Keep your contact details up to date with IRCC so you do not miss a request or a decision.
Track how long your file has been in process against IRCC’s posted processing times on canada.ca.
If your file appears stalled well beyond the norm, consider getting legal advice about your options.
Frequently asked questions
Does being a protected person mean I am already a permanent resident?
Generally no. Protected-person status is an important recognition, but permanent residence is a separate application that must be filed and approved. The 2026–2027 initiative is aimed at helping protected persons make that transition.
Will the 115,000 initiative approve my application automatically?
No. The initiative reflects a planning target, not an automatic approval. You still generally need to submit a complete, accurate permanent-residence application, and it still has to be processed. The target helps explain the government’s direction, not the outcome of any one file.
My PR application has been pending for years. Is that “unreasonable”?
It depends. A long wait alone is not automatically unreasonable in the legal sense; courts look at the full context, including the reasons for delay and whether a decision-making duty is owed. If your file seems stalled well beyond normal processing times, it may be worth seeking advice about whether a demand letter or a mandamus application makes sense.
Where can I confirm the current targets and processing times?
Immigration targets and processing times change. Confirm the current figures and timelines with IRCC on canada.ca before relying on any number, including the ones in this article.
If you are a protected person waiting on permanent residence — or your application seems stuck — you do not have to navigate it alone. Azimi Law can talk with you about how the process applies to your situation and whether steps such as a demand letter or a Federal Court application may be appropriate. You are welcome to reach out to discuss your circumstances; there is no obligation and no guarantee of any particular result.
Waiting on protected-person permanent residence?
Get a clear, plain-language read on the 2026 initiative and whether a demand letter or mandamus may help a stalled file.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Laws, benefit amounts, deadlines, and government policies change and depend on your specific circumstances. Please confirm current details with the official source or contact Azimi Law for advice about your situation.
Express Entry is the online system Canada uses to manage many applications for permanent residence in its economic immigration programs. In 2026, the system leaned decisively into category-based draws — inviting candidates with specific skills, occupations, or language abilities, rather than simply the highest-ranked profiles overall.
This guide explains how Express Entry works, what the 2026 shift toward category-based draws means for candidates, and what options exist when a permanent-residence application is refused. It is general information about the law and process in Canada, not advice about your particular case.
Key takeaways
Express Entry ranks candidates and invites them to apply for permanent residence in economic programs.
In 2026, Canada pivoted decisively to category-based draws; the categories were announced on February 18, 2026.
Targeted categories include physicians, researchers, senior managers, transport, skilled military recruits, healthcare and social services, and French-language.
An invitation is not a guarantee — applications can be refused for misrepresentation, inadmissibility, or eligibility issues.
Options after a refusal include responding to a fairness letter, reapplying, or Federal Court judicial review; deadlines are short.
How Express Entry works, in brief
At a high level, Express Entry runs in a few stages:
Profile. Eligible candidates create an online profile and enter the pool for one or more economic programs.
Ranking. Each profile receives a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability.
Draws and invitations. The government periodically selects candidates from the pool and issues invitations to apply (ITAs).
Application. Invited candidates submit a full application, which is assessed for eligibility and admissibility before a decision is made.
The 2026 pivot to category-based draws
Historically, many draws were “general” — inviting the top-ranked candidates across the pool. In 2026, Canada made a decisive pivot toward category-based selection, which targets candidates who meet the criteria for a defined category, such as a particular field of work or French-language ability.
On February 18, 2026, the categories for that year were announced. They included:
Physicians and other foreign-trained doctors;
Researchers;
Senior managers;
Transport occupations;
Skilled military recruits;
Continuing categories for Healthcare and Social Services occupations; and
A continuing French-language category.
For candidates, the practical effect is that eligibility for a targeted category can matter as much as a high overall score. Someone whose occupation or language ability lines up with a category may have a meaningful path even if their general ranking would not otherwise stand out.
Eligibility for a targeted category can matter as much as a high overall score. Someone whose occupation or language ability lines up with a category may have a meaningful path even if their general ranking would not otherwise stand out.
Who tends to benefit
Category (2026)
Who it targets
Physicians / foreign-trained doctors
Medical doctors seeking to practise in Canada.
Researchers
Candidates with research-focused experience.
Senior managers
Experienced management-level professionals.
Transport occupations
Workers in eligible transport roles.
Skilled military recruits
Candidates connected to military service pathways.
Healthcare and social services
Workers in eligible health and social-service occupations.
French-language
Candidates with French-language ability, supporting Francophone immigration.
Because the specific eligible occupations and criteria for each category are set by the government and can change, candidates should always confirm the current list and requirements on the official IRCC pages before relying on them.
What the shift means in practice
The move toward category-based draws changes how candidates should think about their profile. A few practical points generally follow:
Fit can matter as much as score. Meeting the requirements of a targeted category can create an opportunity that a general ranking alone might not.
Categories are set year by year. The categories chosen for one year may differ from another year’s, so a candidate’s prospects can shift as priorities change.
Accurate profiles are essential. Category eligibility often depends on details such as occupation, work experience, and language results. If those details are wrong or cannot be supported later, an invitation can turn into a refusal.
Language ability remains important. The French-language category, along with the language factors in the ranking system, means language testing can be a meaningful lever for many candidates.
Because the emphasis and the eligible occupations can change during the year, it is wise to treat any category information as a snapshot and to confirm the current rules before making decisions based on it.
Why applications get refused
Receiving an invitation is not the end of the process. The full application still has to pass an eligibility and admissibility review, and refusals do happen. Common reasons include:
Misrepresentation. Inaccurate or incomplete information — even unintentional — can lead to a finding of misrepresentation and a period of inadmissibility.
Inadmissibility. Issues such as certain criminal, security, medical, or financial grounds can make a person inadmissible.
Eligibility problems. Work experience, education, or language results that do not match what was claimed in the profile, or that fall short of program requirements.
Documentation gaps. Missing, inconsistent, or unpersuasive supporting documents.
Options when you are refused
The right response depends on the reason for refusal and your circumstances. Speaking generally, the options include:
Responding to a procedural fairness letter. If the officer raises a concern — such as credibility or a possible misrepresentation — before deciding, you may get a chance to respond. A focused, well-supported reply is often the most important step.
Reapplying. Where appropriate, a candidate may re-enter the pool or submit a stronger application that addresses the earlier weakness.
Judicial review at the Federal Court. You may be able to ask the court for leave to review whether the refusal was reasonable and procedurally fair. This is a review of how the decision was made, not a fresh decision. Deadlines are short — generally 15 days for a decision made in Canada and 60 days for one made outside Canada.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a general draw and a category-based draw?
A general draw invites the highest-ranked candidates across the pool, regardless of occupation. A category-based draw invites candidates who meet the criteria for a defined category — for example a particular field of work or French-language ability. In 2026, Canada leaned heavily on category-based draws.
Does an invitation to apply guarantee permanent residence?
No. An invitation lets you submit a full application, but that application must still pass eligibility and admissibility checks. Applications can be refused, so accuracy and complete documentation matter.
Which categories were targeted in 2026?
The 2026 categories announced on February 18, 2026 included physicians and foreign-trained doctors, researchers, senior managers, transport occupations, and skilled military recruits, along with continuing healthcare and social services and French-language categories. Confirm the current eligible occupations on the official IRCC pages, as they can change.
My application was refused — can I challenge it?
Often, yes. Depending on the reason, you may respond to a procedural fairness letter, reapply with a stronger application, or ask the Federal Court for leave to seek judicial review. Because court deadlines are short, it is important to act quickly.
How do I know if I qualify for a category?
The specific occupations and criteria for each category are set by the government and can change during the year. Check the current requirements on canada.ca or speak with counsel before relying on any category.
If your Express Entry application has been refused, or you are unsure how the 2026 category-based system applies to you, Azimi Law can review your circumstances and explain the options that may be available. You are welcome to reach out for a conversation about your situation — with no obligation and no promises about any outcome.
Refused after an Express Entry invitation?
Get a clear, plain-language read on your options after a refused permanent-residence application.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Laws, benefit amounts, deadlines, and government policies change and depend on your specific circumstances. Please confirm current details with the official source or contact Azimi Law for advice about your situation.
If you are hoping to become a permanent resident of Canada, the numbers behind the scenes affect you more than you might think. Every year, the federal government sets an Immigration Levels Plan that tells departments how many people to admit and in which categories. The 2026–2028 plan holds permanent-resident admissions steady while cutting the number of temporary residents — and that combination has real, practical effects for applicants.
This guide explains, in plain language, what the 2026–2028 plan says, how the targets are split between economic, family, and refugee streams, and what steadier permanent-resident numbers alongside tighter overall competition can mean for you. It is general information, not advice about your specific case.
Key takeaways
Permanent-resident admissions are held flat at 380,000 per year for 2026, 2027, and 2028.
The targets are split roughly into economic (~63–64%), family (~21–22%), and refugees and protected persons (~13%).
The temporary-resident arrival target is cut to 385,000 for 2026, then 370,000 for 2027 and 2028.
Two special initiatives aim to move about 115,000 protected persons to permanent residence over 2026–2027, and up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residence.
Flat targets and tighter competition make getting each application right the first time more important, and can mean more refusals, delays, and litigation.
What the 2026–2028 plan says
The Immigration Levels Plan sets Canada’s admission targets over a rolling three-year window. For 2026–2028, permanent-resident admissions are held flat at 380,000 per year across all three years. This is a shift from the pattern of steadily rising targets in earlier years, and it signals a period of consolidation rather than expansion.
At the same time, the plan reduces the number of temporary residents arriving in Canada. The temporary-resident arrival target is set at 385,000 for 2026, then falls to 370,000 for 2027 and 2028. Temporary residents include many students and workers, so this reduction ripples through the pathways that people often use before applying for permanent residence.
How the permanent-resident targets break down
The 380,000 annual figure is divided among broad categories. The exact mix can shift year to year, but the plan aims for roughly the following split.
Category
Approximate share of PR admissions
Economic class
~63–64%
Family class
~21–22%
Refugees and protected persons
~13%
The heavy weighting toward the economic class reflects Canada’s continued focus on skilled workers and economic streams. The family class — which includes spouses, partners, children, and other eligible relatives — remains a substantial share, and refugees and protected persons make up a smaller but meaningful portion.
These shares matter because they shape how much room exists in the pathway you are using. If you are applying through an economic stream, you are drawing from the largest share of spots, but you are also competing in the most contested space. If you are being sponsored by a family member, your application falls within the family-class share. Knowing which category applies to you helps set realistic expectations about competition and timing, and it tells you which set of rules and options governs your case.
Two special initiatives to watch
The plan also includes two focused initiatives that could matter a great deal to specific groups:
Protected persons to permanent residence: a two-year initiative over 2026–2027 aims to move about 115,000 protected persons — people who have been recognized as needing Canada’s protection — into permanent residence.
Temporary workers to permanent residence: an accelerated transition of up to 33,000 temporary workers to permanent residence, helping people already contributing in Canada move toward a permanent status.
If you fall into one of these groups, these initiatives may open a pathway — but as with all things immigration, the details and eligibility matter, and applications still need to be complete and accurate.
What flat targets mean in practice
Steady numbers may sound reassuring, but flat permanent-resident targets combined with a shrinking pool of temporary residents can create pressure in a few ways.
More competition
When the number of permanent-resident spots holds steady while interest in Canada remains high, competition for those spots can intensify. In economic streams, that can translate into higher expectations and tighter selection. For applicants, it raises the value of presenting the strongest, best-documented case possible.
Less room for error
In a tighter environment, a preventable mistake — a missing document, an inconsistency, or an unclear explanation — can be costly. Getting an application right the first time becomes more important when there is little slack in the system.
In a tighter environment, a preventable mistake — a missing document, an inconsistency, or an unclear explanation — can be costly. Getting an application right the first time becomes more important when there is little slack in the system.
More refusals, delays, and disputes
Tighter competition and heavy application volumes tend to produce more refusals and longer waits. That, in turn, tends to push more matters into review — whether that is a request for reconsideration, an appeal where one is available, or a Federal Court judicial review of a refusal. In other words, steadier targets at the top can mean a busier dispute landscape below.
Where litigation fits in
When an application is refused or stalls for an unreasonable length of time, applicants are not always without options. Depending on the type of decision, the paths can include asking the decision-maker to reconsider, appealing to a tribunal where an appeal right exists, or challenging the decision at the Federal Court. Deadlines for these steps are generally short, so it helps to understand your options quickly rather than waiting. Because the rules are changing quickly in 2026, confirm current requirements and timelines on canada.ca or with counsel.
Frequently asked questions
Does a flat target mean my chances are lower?
Not necessarily. It means the number of spots is holding steady rather than growing. Whether that affects you depends on your category, your profile, and how competitive your particular stream becomes. The practical takeaway is to make your application as strong and complete as possible.
What is the difference between permanent and temporary residents in the plan?
Permanent-resident admissions (held at 380,000 per year) are people becoming permanent residents. The temporary-resident arrival target (385,000 for 2026, then 370,000) covers people arriving on a temporary basis, such as many students and workers. The plan holds one steady while cutting the other.
I am a protected person. What does the plan mean for me?
The plan includes a two-year initiative over 2026–2027 aimed at moving about 115,000 protected persons to permanent residence. If you have been recognized as a protected person, this may be relevant to your pathway, though eligibility and process details still apply.
Can I do anything if my permanent-residence application is refused or stuck?
Often, yes. Depending on the decision, options can include a reconsideration request, an appeal where one is available, or a Federal Court challenge. Delay cases sometimes support other remedies as well. Because deadlines are short, it is worth getting advice promptly.
Will the targets change before 2028?
Immigration plans are updated periodically, and policy is moving quickly in 2026. The figures here reflect the 2026–2028 plan as set, but you should confirm the current numbers and any updates on canada.ca.
Whether you are planning a permanent-residence application in a more competitive environment or dealing with a refusal or a file that has stalled, understanding your options early makes a difference. Azimi Law would be glad to talk with you about your situation and the paths that may apply. There is no pressure and no guarantee of any particular result — just a clear conversation about where you stand.
Facing a more competitive PR landscape?
Flat targets and tighter competition raise the stakes on every application. Get a clear read on your options and paths forward.
This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create a lawyer–client relationship. Laws, benefit amounts, deadlines, and government policies change and depend on your specific circumstances. Please confirm current details with the official source or contact Azimi Law for advice about your situation.