Canada immigration: H1 2026 admissions and BC PNP expansion

Canada admitted 182,100 new permanent residents during the first half of 2026, representing 40.8 percent of the effective annual target of 446,000. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows that admissions under the regular immigration programme reached 155,800, which is 34,200 below the pace required to meet the annual target of 380,000. The economic immigration category, including the Provincial Nominee Program, experienced the largest shortfall, recording 89,200 admissions against a required halfway pace.

In contrast, family-class admissions are ahead of schedule, with 45,100 residents admitted against a mid-year target of 42,000.

To support economic development and address labour shortages, British Columbia has been allocated 1,000 additional Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) spaces for 2026. This brings the province’s total nomination allocation for the year to 6,254. The additional spaces will focus on three priority areas: Care (healthcare, education, and childcare), Build (construction and skilled trades), and Innovate (high-earning skilled workers and entrepreneurs).