Canada Immigration 2025 : Key Mid-Year Updates and Trends
Canada’s Immigration Landscape in 2025: A Comprehensive Mid-Year Policy Review
1. Revised Immigration Levels and Prioritization
In late 2024, Canada unveiled its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, marking a more cautious approach compared to previous years. While permanent resident (PR) targets were slightly reduced, the government introduced formal targets for temporary resident (TR) admissions for the first time.
Notably:
- Over 40% of PR spots for 2025 are expected to be allocated to individuals already in Canada, including international students and temporary workers.
- The plan sets defined quotas for French-speaking admissions outside Quebec, reflecting Ottawa’s push to bolster Francophone immigration across Canada.
- Refugee admissions have been scaled back, while new PR pathways have been introduced to maintain economic and demographic growth.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Adjustments
PNP allocations saw a 50% cut nationwide for 2025, sparking concerns among the provinces. However, some jurisdictions, such as New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador, negotiated higher nomination limits.
- Stream suspensions and intake restrictions to manage volume.
- Stricter eligibility rules targeting specific high-demand sectors like healthcare and construction.
- New Expression of Interest (EOI) systems launched in territories like Yukon, replacing first-come-first-serve models.
3. Launch of New PR Pathways
Job-Offer Dependent Pilots
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) : Encourages settlement in rural areas.
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) : Focuses on attracting French-speaking newcomers outside Quebec.
Home Care Worker Pilots
On March 31, 2025, Canada began accepting applications for:
- Home Care Worker : Child Care (HCWP:CC)
- Home Care Worker : Home Support (HCW:HS)
These pilots have specific NOC codes and are divided into streams for in-Canada and outside-Canada applicants. However, only the in-Canada streams opened this year and quickly hit their application caps.
Agri-Food Pilot Closure
The Agri-Food Immigration Pilot closed on February 13, 2025, after reaching its intake limit, marking the end of a program that had been extended since 2023.
4. Major Express Entry Overhaul
Several transformative changes reshaped the Express Entry system:
Removal of Arranged Employment Points
Since March 25, 2025, candidates no longer receive CRS points for arranged employment, eliminating the 50–200 points advantage previously granted for valid job offers. This move levels the playing field and emphasizes other selection criteria.
Category-Based Selection Updates
On February 27, 2025, IRCC:
- Added a new category: Education (5 eligible occupations).
- Removed the Transportation category.
- Updated occupation lists within other categories.
Occupational changes:
| Category | Added | Removed |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and Social Services | 8 | 6 |
| STEM | 6 | 19 |
| Trades | 19 | 4 |
| Agriculture and Agri-Food | 0 | 2 |
Priority categories for 2025:
- French-language proficiency
- Trade occupations
- Healthcare and social services
5. Shifts in Political Leadership and Immigration Policy
- Slowing overall immigration growth
- Prioritizing temporary residents already in Canada for PR
- Reducing temporary foreign worker numbers
Leadership in IRCC also changed hands:
- Rachel Bendayan briefly served as immigration minister before being replaced by Lena Diab on May 13, following the Liberal minority win.
6. Extensions of Temporary Public Policies
Open Work Permits for PNP Candidates
Special Measures for Ukrainians and Iranians
- Ukrainians under CUEAT can apply for extensions until March 31, 2026.
- Iranians who arrived by February 28, 2025, can access facilitated processing until February 28, 2026.
Changing Jobs on Closed Work Permits
A May 2025 update allows eligible foreign workers to apply for authorization to change jobs before receiving a new permit—offering more flexibility for work permit holders.
7. Changes to Study Permits and PGWPs
Cap on Study Permit Applications
A cap of 550,162 applications has been set for 2025, a notable reduction. Only 437,000 approvals will be granted—a 10% decrease from 2024.
PGWP Policy Changes
- Field of study exemptions were expanded in March 2025.
- On June 25, IRCC adjusted the eligible field list—119 fields added, 178 removed.
- Students applying before these changes are protected under previous criteria.
School Transfer Rules
Since May 1, 2025, international students must receive a new study permit before transferring institutions—replacing the earlier, simpler notification process.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility Tightened
Now restricted to:
- Spouses of students in master's (16+ months), doctoral, or professional programs.
- Spouses of workers in TEER 0/1, or select TEER 2/3 roles.
8. Super Visa and Family Reunification Updates
Health Insurance Flexibility for Super Visa
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
9. Other Notable Policy Updates
Maintained Status Clarification
Work Permit Flexibility for IEC Applicants
As of May 6, 2025, IEC participants in Canada can receive permits by mail, avoiding re-entry—until December 1, 2025.
Judicial Review Extensions
Canada’s Federal Court now allows 75 days (up from 30) to file for leave for judicial review of immigration decisions, effective May 14.
10. Quebec’s Immigration Strategy
- Suspension of several streams, including PEQ – Worker.
- Plans to reopen PSTQ in July.
- Proposed PR admissions targets: 25,000 to 45,000 (all lower than current levels).
- Reduction of temporary workers in Montreal by 50%.
11. Construction Sector Immigration Reforms
- A new PR pathway for up to 14,000 construction workers is in development.
- Up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers may also be granted permanent residency.
- Separately, starting February 26, 2025, certain construction apprentices are exempt from needing a study permit, provided they hold a valid work permit and apprenticeship agreement.
12. Citizenship by Descent and Asylum Reform Bills
Bill C-3 (Citizenship Act Amendment)
- Restore citizenship by descent beyond the first generation.
- Introduce a “substantial connection to Canada” test for eligibility.
Bill C-2 (Asylum Restrictions)
- Bar asylum claims submitted over 1 year after entry.
- Disqualify claims made at the Canada–US border outside ports of entry if filed after 14 days.
Looking Ahead
7. You Qualify Under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
CUSMA Work Permit Categories
| Category | Who is eligible? |
|---|---|
| Professionals | Citizens with a Canadian job offer in one of 63 designated professions and the necessary qualifications. |
| Intra-company transferees | Employees transferred within a multinational company to a Canadian branch, with specialized experience. |
| Traders | Individuals involved in substantial trade of goods/services between their home country and Canada. |
| Investors | Those actively investing in a Canadian business owned by U.S. or Mexican nationals. |
8. You Are Seeking Refugee Protection
Foreign nationals who have submitted a claim for asylum in Canada may be eligible for a work permit while waiting for a decision.
To qualify, you must:
- Have submitted a claim to IRCC.
- Demonstrate a credible fear of persecution, torture, or inhumane treatment in your home country.
This applies to individuals fleeing danger based on race, religion, nationality, or political/social group membership.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The introduction of a unified digital platform and open work permits for vulnerable workers are among the most notable changes.
A: Yes, partners of temporary foreign workers can apply for open work permits, regardless of the job’s skill level.
A: Visit IRCC’s new digital portal to submit your application, upload documents, and track your status in real-time.
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