Latest Immigration News

The International Experience Canada (IEC) program opens doors for youth and early career professionals from 30+ partner countries to work in Canada under LMIA-exempt permits. These permits are quicker and simpler to obtain than traditional LMIA-based options, available for individuals aged 18–30/35 depending on nationality, and valid for up to two years. With categories such as Working Holiday, Young Professionals, and International Co-op, the program supports both participants seeking valuable international exposure and employers needing fresh global talent without lengthy processing.

On September 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #363, inviting 249 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program. The minimum CRS cut-off was 772, which is 28 points lower than the previous round, showing a more competitive landscape for provincial nominees. With over 254,000 profiles in the pool and more than 56,000 invitations issued so far in 2025, these targeted draws highlight Canada's ongoing commitment to supporting provinces in addressing local labour needs through immigration.

Ontario continues to strengthen its workforce by inviting candidates across three Employer Job Offer streams — Foreign Worker, International Student, and In-Demand Skills. On September 2, 2025, the province issued over 2,600 invitations, with a focus on high-demand fields like healthcare and early childhood education. This brings Ontario's total invitations for the year to 6,906, reinforcing its role as a top destination for skilled immigrants. By prioritizing critical occupations, Ontario is ensuring both immediate labour market needs and long-term economic growth are met.

Minister Lena Metlege Diab has reaffirmed that Canada is on track to meet its revised immigration targets for 2025, despite political criticism. Official data shows 246,300 permanent residents admitted in the first seven months, with more than 100,000 transitioning from temporary status. Compared to 2024, arrivals of temporary workers and international students have dropped significantly, aligning with the government's intentional 21% reduction. This approach balances Canada's economic and social needs while addressing pressures on housing and services, showing immigration remains sustainable and carefully managed.

Ontario has introduced a landmark "As of Right" reform that will significantly improve labour mobility across Canada. Beginning January 1, 2026, certified workers in regulated professions such as architects, engineers, electricians, and more will be able to start working in Ontario within just 10 days of credential verification, replacing a process that often took months. Covering over 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, the reform is designed to fill labour shortages quickly, reduce red tape, and foster national workforce unity. By cutting barriers and speeding up access to good jobs, Ontario strengthens both its economy and Canada's overall competitiveness.

On August 29, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador issued 202 invitations through its Enhanced Expression of Interest system. Of these, 125 were under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and 77 under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). The province has invited a total of 2,251 candidates so far in 2025, all now processed through the new Immigration Accelerator platform. This streamlined system demonstrates the province's commitment to efficiency and to attracting talent that supports its local economy, especially in areas with pressing workforce needs.

Canada's international education sector is under pressure as study permit applications dropped by 50% in the first half of 2025 compared to last year. Only 143,485 applications were submitted, with approval rates averaging around 48%. While universities fared better (45–59% approval) than colleges (23–33%), the downward trend signals challenges that began with the foreign student cap in 2024. This sharp decline threatens to leave institutions short of their enrolment goals, affecting both their financial stability and Canada's reputation as a global education hub.

A recently released internal memo, shared through ATIP notes by Mandeep Lidher, offers a rare glimpse into Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) plans for Express Entry draws this year. The document confirms that IRCC is prioritizing Francophone immigration, with 18,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued early in the year to reach an 8.5% target outside Quebec. Beyond that, clear quotas have been set for Healthcare (8,000 ITAs), Trades (3,300 ITAs), and Education (3,000 ITAs). The memo also indicates that general draws will continue to alternate with category-based rounds, with Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates likely facing CRS cut-offs in the high 500s.

Recent research by Statistics Canada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveals a significant shift in employment patterns among provincial nominees. A joint study examining 2021 Census data found provincial nominees are increasingly filling high-skilled positions, particularly in technology, with 15.7% working as computer professionals in 2021 compared to just 4.2% in 2011. While nominees had similar representation in professional jobs as Canadian-born workers (25%), they were more likely to work in lower-skilled positions and less likely to be in technical trades, with notable provincial variations in employment outcomes.