Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly updates processing times for various visa and immigration applications for applicant reference. This article provides an in-depth analysis of changes in processing times for major permanent resident, temporary resident, and citizenship applications over the past year (comparing current data with that of June 25, 2024). Data shows that while processing times for programs under the Express Entry system have maintained high stability, others, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (non-Express Entry) and inland spousal sponsorships (outside Quebec), have seen substantial increases. Meanwhile, processing efficiency for some overseas work permits and inland study permits has improved. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for applicants planning to come to Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced the extension of a temporary public policy introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy allows foreign workers on closed work permits to apply to change employers and/or occupations before their new work permit is approved. The newly revised policy will take effect on May 27, 2025, revoking and replacing the original policy first signed in May 2020. The most significant change is the removal of the previous exemption for submitting biometrics for new work permit applications. This measure aims to continue providing flexibility for foreign workers in Canada while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system.

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, recently issued a landmark mandate letter to his cabinet members, listing the reform of the immigration system as one of the government's top seven priorities for future work. The directive clearly outlines two core immigration goals: first, to return overall immigration numbers to sustainable levels; and second, to attract the world's best top talent to help build Canada's economy. This signals that Canadian immigration policy will seek a new balance between controlling overall numbers and optimizing its structure.

Canada's Federal Court announced special measures on May 14, 2025, extending the period for immigration applicants to perfect their application for leave for judicial review. Under the new rules, after filing an initial request for leave, applicants will now have an additional 45 days, totaling 75 days, to prepare and submit their complete applicant record. This initiative is a response to the significant backlog of applications for leave and judicial review that accumulated during 2024 and 2025.

Newfoundland and Labrador issued 328 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on May 8, 2025, in its second round of draws through the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This system, implemented on February 19, 2025, manages candidates for both the Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Despite facing an initial halving of its federal nomination allocation, the province successfully secured additional spaces, enhancing opportunities for prospective immigrants.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) announced on May 15, 2025, an update to its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This revision includes the addition of 20 new businesses and the removal of 14 previously recognized employers, bringing the total number of designated employers in the province to 364. Notably, due to reduced federal immigration allocations for 2025 and a high volume of applications, PEI is currently prioritizing applications from workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.

Following the Liberal Party's victory in the recent federal election, Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney has swiftly initiated a cabinet reshuffle. The highly watched position of Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been officially assigned to Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West. The new minister takes office with an outstanding background in provincial immigration management and law, carrying public expectations for her experience and capabilities. How she will lead the formulation and implementation of Canada's immigration policy will be a focal point of attention.

Canada's immigration landscape sees a significant update as Sault Ste. Marie, a city in Northern Ontario, has officially released its initial list of designated employers for the federal Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This move is a major step for the city in attracting and retaining skilled immigrants and opens new pathways to Canadian permanent residence for eligible applicants globally. Sault Ste. Marie has been allocated 300 spots through this pilot for 2025.

Thunder Bay, a city in Northwestern Ontario, has officially released the first list of its designated employers for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). This program is employer-focused, requiring applicants to secure a full-time job offer from a designated employer within the community and meet specific criteria related to language, education, settlement funds, and more. The release of this list, outlining businesses approved by the Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) across sectors like retail, food service, construction, and healthcare, provides crucial information for individuals interested in immigrating through Thunder Bay's RCIP pathway.

The 2025 Canadian federal election has concluded, with Mark Carney's Liberal Party securing re-election. The direction of the Carney government's immigration policy for its new term is becoming clear, centering on the core principles of 'stabilizing overall numbers, optimizing the composition, and accelerating processing through technology.' This article delves into the specific policy points, including maintaining the permanent resident cap, significantly reducing temporary residents, stabilizing study permit quotas, relaunching the Global Skills Strategy, increasing the proportion of Francophone immigrants, and advancing processing technology upgrades. It also analyzes the potential opportunities and challenges these policies present for various immigration applicants.