The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,000 invitations to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates in the third round of Express Entry this year, with a minimum CRS score of 527. This invitation round signifies the continued importance of the CEC in 2025. At the same time, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is facing quota reductions, indicating that Express Entry will once again become the main channel for many skilled immigration candidates.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has recently introduced a pilot program named Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI). The program, open until December 31, 2025, aims to attract up to 800 highly skilled immigrants to four remote and northern regions: Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay. Applicants who secure a provincial nomination through this pilot can use the nomination certificate to apply directly for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Starting in 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a series of new regulations for international student transfers, clarifying situations that require reapplication for study permits and outlining how to maintain eligibility for PGWP after transferring. Notably, IRCC has also implemented temporary transition measures for students transferring between January and May 2025, allowing them to start at their new institution before the new permit is approved. This report provides an in-depth analysis of application requirements, procedures, fees, and PGWP considerations.

In 2024, the Canadian federal government introduced several adjustments to its Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-exempt work permit policies. These changes encompass Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP), New work permit for PNP nominee candidates, Updated instructions regarding ICTs under the IMP and more, aimed at optimizing immigration structures and managing the proportion of temporary residents. Below is a professional analysis of the key policy changes and their implications.

On January 8, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2025 through the Express Entry system. A total of 1,350 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542. This marks the second draw of the week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 7. IRCC is actively working toward its 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, adjusting priority categories in the Express Entry system to better meet labor market demands.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced an expansion of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligible programs, adding several new education-related fields. This adjustment provides international students with more opportunities for employment and immigration in Canada and supports the long-term labor market needs of the country.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2025, issuing 471 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 793 points. As the primary pathway for economic immigration to Canada, Express Entry will continue to focus on French-speaking candidates, healthcare and trades professionals, as well as bolster pathways under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2025.

In 2025, Canada’s Express Entry system will undergo significant changes, affecting how economic immigrants are selected. These changes include an increased proportion of Express Entry in overall immigration targets, the removal of CRS score bonuses for job offers, and the division of the “Federal High-Skilled” category into two new subcategories. These adjustments not only reflect Canada’s goal for more efficient immigration management but also highlight the government’s strategic focus on labor market orientation and cultural-linguistic integration.

The Canadian federal government has recently announced a cap on permanent residency applications under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (Agri-Food Pilot). In 2025, the program will accept a maximum of 1,010 applications, significantly reduced from the previous annual quota of 2,750. This adjustment aims to address the surge in demand and align with the 2025–2027 immigration levels plan. The pilot program is expected to expire on May 14, 2025, after which applications may no longer be accepted.

In 2024, Canada’s Express Entry immigration system underwent significant changes that had a profound impact on foreign nationals aspiring to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This article provides a comprehensive review of the policy adjustments, trend changes, and related data for Express Entry in 2024 and offers insights into potential developments in 2025.