Canada has announced plans to admit 220,000 temporary workers and 150,000 international students in 2027, as part of its 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan, released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aims to support the country's existing workforce and address demographic pressure. The targets are consistent with the previous year's plan, providing predictability for employers, institutions, and the Canadian public.
The 220,000 temporary worker slots and 150,000 international student places are in addition to the 380,000 permanent resident spots Canada plans to fill in 2027. According to IRCC, the plan is built around three objectives: easing demographic pressure, attracting skilled workers from around the world, and restoring public trust in the immigration system. The targets are meant to support Canada's existing workforce rather than simply grow the population.
Ghanaians interested in applying for a temporary work permit from outside Canada will need to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer and obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Applicants will also need to provide a valid passport, proof of qualifications, and employment paperwork, which can be submitted through an IRCC online secure account. Biometrics may also need to be captured at an authorised Visa Application Centre.
For study permits, applicants will need to obtain a letter of acceptance from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution and provide financial proof. Depending on the province, applicants may also need a Provincial Attestation Letter or a Quebec Acceptance Certificate. The application can be submitted online, with processing fees and biometrics also required. IRCC advises successful applicants to follow its instructions closely on passport submission and collecting travel documents before leaving for Canada.
The sources did not specify how many of the 220,000 temporary worker slots or 150,000 student places will be allocated to applicants from Ghana or West Africa specifically. However, the announcement adds to a run of labour-shortage opportunities across Europe, with countries such as Italy, Spain, Austria, and Croatia opening up their labour markets to foreign workers.
Canada's announcement is part of a coordinated three-year outlook running from 2027 to 2029, which IRCC says gives applicants and institutions a longer planning window than a single-year announcement would allow. The consistency in targets suggests that Canada is holding its intake steady even as several other countries tighten immigration rules.
The Canadian government's immigration plan aims to support the country's workforce and address demographic pressure. With a growing need for skilled workers, Canada is opening up opportunities for international students and temporary workers to contribute to the country's economy.
Key points
- Canada plans to admit 220,000 temporary workers and 150,000 international students in 2027.
- The targets are part of Canada's 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to support the country's existing workforce and address demographic pressure.
- Ghanaians can apply for temporary work permits and study permits, but will need to meet specific requirements, including securing a job offer and obtaining a positive LMIA.
