Canada admitted 182,100 new permanent residents in the first half of 2026, reaching 40.8% of its effective annual target of 446,000, according to a report by CIC News citing IRCC data.The figures include admissions under Canada’s regular immigration programme as well as two one-time initiatives for protected persons and in-Canada workers.Also Read: Canada updates temporary resident visa processing times; what Indians need to knowUnder the regular permanent residence target of 380,000 for 2026, Canada had admitted 155,800 new permanent residents between January 1 and June 30. This was 34,200 below the 190,000 admissions needed by the halfway point to remain on track for the annual target.For Indians and other foreign nationals looking to settle in Canada, the data shows that admissions under the economic category, which includes programmes such as Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), were behind the pace required to meet the 2026 target.Fewer economic immigrants admitted so farIRCC admitted 89,200 permanent residents through the economic category by June 30, against its full-year target of 239,800. This put admissions 30,700 below the pace needed at the halfway point.The economic category includes Express Entry, the Start-up Visa, PNP, Atlantic Immigration Program and federal economic pilots.Also Read: Canada offers open work permits to 2,700 foreign workers in Manitoba, aiding those at risk of losing statusFamily-class admissions were ahead of schedule. Canada admitted 45,100 permanent residents through this category by mid-year, against a 2026 target of 84,000. This was 3,100 above the pace required to meet the annual target.The family class covers spouses, partners and dependants sponsored by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as well as applicants under the Parents and Grandparents Program.Why Canada’s target is higher in 2026Canada has also introduced two one-time initiatives for 2026 and 2027 covering protected persons and certain workers already living in the country.For 2026, the government has set targets of 46,000 protected persons and 20,000 in-Canada workers under these initiatives. By June 30, IRCC had admitted 15,000 protected persons and 11,300 in-Canada workers.These admissions are in addition to the regular 380,000 permanent residence target, taking Canada's effective 2026 target to 446,000. At the end of June, total admissions stood at 182,100, leaving Canada behind the pace needed to meet the full-year target.IRCC also reported that 12,400 permanent residents admitted outside Quebec during the first half of 2026 were French-speaking or bilingual. Canada has set a target for this group to account for 9% of permanent residence admissions outside Quebec in 2026.