Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed it will begin accepting a new English language test, the TOEFL Essentials, for its economic permanent residence programs. Once implemented, this will provide applicants with a fourth option for proving English proficiency, alongside the existing IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core tests. The Educational Testing Service (ETS), the organization behind the test, is collaborating with IRCC on the final details, and the official start date and available test locations will be announced upon confirmation.

In 2025, Canada's Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is entering a new strategic phase due to adjusted federal immigration allocations. To manage reduced quotas, the four Atlantic provinces are concentrating their resources on key sectors vital to their local economies. Healthcare, construction, and information technology have become focal points for attracting talent. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the latest priority sectors and occupations for each province, examines the alternative pathways available in New Brunswick following its AIP pause, and offers authoritative guidance for applicants planning to immigrate through this program in 2025.

For many families hoping to reunite with parents or grandparents in Canada, the limited lottery for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) presents a significant hurdle. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Canada's Super Visa program, which serves as an attractive alternative by offering a long-term visitor visa with year-round applications. The report details the core differences between the Super Visa and the PGP, outlines eligibility criteria and application procedures, and offers professional strategies to address common reasons for refusal, helping applicants increase their chances of success.

Recent Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws across Canada reveal a growing trend towards highly targeted invitations for specific industries and communities. Manitoba issued a small number of high-scoring invitations through a strategic initiative; Alberta focused on construction and tech workers with two targeted, low-score draws; and Newfoundland and Labrador invited nearly 400 candidates through its provincial and Atlantic programs. These actions underscore a nationwide shift towards using immigration to precisely fill specific economic and community needs.

The Canadian federal government is contemplating a significant reform of its flagship immigration program, Express Entry, by proposing three new selection categories for 2026 targeting senior managers, scientists and researchers, and military personnel. The move aims to more strategically attract top-tier talent capable of driving Canada's economic growth, enhancing its global competitiveness, and supporting national security. The proposal is now open for public consultation until September 3, 2025. These adjustments not only signal a shift in Canada's future immigration strategy but could also have far-reaching implications for the study choices and post-graduation career paths of international students.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a pivotal change to its Express Entry system. Effective August 21, 2025, all candidates applying for permanent residence through this stream will be required to complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application. This marks a significant shift from the current "apply-then-test" model to a new "upfront medical" protocol, directly impacting future applicants' timelines and preparatory strategies.

According to the latest BMO Labour Market Report Card released on July 11, 2025, the landscape for immigrant employment in Canada is undergoing a significant transformation. Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina have emerged as the top three cities for newcomers to find a job, driven by strong employment growth and falling unemployment rates. The report not only highlights the economic vitality of the Prairie provinces but also provides an invaluable guide for skilled workers and prospective immigrants planning their move to Canada.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador successfully conducted its sixth provincial immigration draw of the year on July 29. A total of 150 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates in the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Notably, the total number of invitations in this round reflects a significant change compared to previous draws, characterized by a marked adjustment in NLPNP invitations while the AIP maintained its consistent pattern.

On July 25, Alberta conducted a new provincial nominee draw, specifically targeting candidates in the federal Express Entry pool with experience in the construction sector. A total of 39 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a remarkably low minimum score requirement of 66. This targeted draw highlights the province's strategy of using the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) to tackle critical labor shortages. Data shows that a significant number of nomination spots are still available for the remainder of the year.

In 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has undergone a series of profound structural changes. In response to reduced federal immigration allocations and pressing labour market needs, the province has implemented a significant overhaul of the OINP. This article provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of the core policy changes effective from July 2025, which include a full transition to a new "employer-led" application model, enhanced review powers for immigration officers to protect program integrity, and relaxed application requirements for key occupations such as early childhood educators.