On August 28, 2025, Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 231 invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ). This round of invitations primarily targeted two specific categories of candidates: highly skilled individuals with work experience outside of regulated professions and those with exceptional talent. The draw takes place against the backdrop of comprehensive immigration policy reforms being developed by the province, highlighting Quebec's current preference for applicants who are already in the province and possess advanced education and specialized skills.

The Government of Ontario has recently announced a major reform framework known as "As of Right," designed to break down interprovincial barriers and significantly simplify the certification process for professionals in regulated occupations coming from other Canadian provinces. The new rules, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026, will shorten the certification period from the current several months to as little as 10 business days, thereby promoting free labour mobility within Canada. This initiative will not only have a profound impact on professions like architects and engineers but also establishes a special fast-track entry for certain healthcare professionals from Canada and the United States, potentially creating new opportunities for individuals seeking to immigrate through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).

On September 3, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) conducted two pivotal draws, issuing 1,893 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination to candidates already residing in Canada and possessing job offers in 77 specific priority occupations. These draws primarily targeted the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker and Employer Job Offer: International Student streams, with minimum scores of 42 and 63, respectively. Notably, these invitations were issued following the shift to an employer-led application process in Ontario's immigration system, underscoring the province's ongoing demand for specific skilled talent and reflecting its dynamic adjustments to immigration policy.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) held five targeted provincial nomination draws on August 28, 2025, issuing a total of 468 invitations to apply to eligible candidates. These invitations primarily focused on two categories of applicants: foreign workers and international students with job offers in Northern Ontario, and candidates who qualify for the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program with an employer job offer in a specific community. This round of invitations again highlights Ontario's strategic direction of using immigration policy to address labour shortages in specific regions.

On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 273 invitations to apply for permanent selection through its Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This draw is particularly significant as it is the first time the province has specifically targeted candidates under the "Intermediate and Manual Skills" stream, marking a steady expansion of the program's scope. The initiative aims to provide an immigration pathway for workers already in Quebec who possess specific work experience and French-language skills, in order to address labor shortages in various regions of the province.

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.

On July 17, 2025, the province of Quebec launched its new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) with its first invitation round since the program's reform in 2024. A total of 238 candidates were invited, with a precise focus on individuals already residing in Quebec who possess French language skills, local educational credentials or work experience, and are in occupations that address labour shortages. This inaugural draw targeted the "Highly qualified and specialized skills" and "Exceptional talent" streams, signaling a definitive policy shift towards prioritizing candidates already integrated into Quebec society.

Quebec's immigration ministry announced on July 9 that it has paused the intake of new applications for spousal, partner, and adult dependent sponsorship after reaching its predetermined cap. The measure is part of Quebec's immigration quota management and will remain in effect until June 25, 2026. During this period, the application stream for sponsoring minor children, parents, and grandparents will remain open.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) issued new invitations to Entrepreneur Immigration applicants on May 28. A total of no more than 14 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued across the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) Regional and Base streams, with varying cut-off scores. Notably, compared to its skills immigration streams, BC's Entrepreneur Immigration program has maintained significant invitation frequency and stability in 2025, underscoring the province's continued focus on attracting business investment and promoting economic development.

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.