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.

On July 11, the Canadian government updated its list of restricted regions for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). According to the latest directive, 26 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) across the country will suspend the processing of "low-wage stream" Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) applications due to unemployment rates at or exceeding the 6% threshold. This measure is a continuation of a policy announced by the federal government in early 2024, aimed at protecting job opportunities for local residents in areas with high unemployment. The expansion of this list, which includes major immigration destinations like Toronto and Vancouver, undoubtedly has profound implications for many foreign nationals and their employers seeking to obtain or extend work permits for low-wage positions.

In late June 2025, the province of Alberta conducted two targeted draws through its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), focusing on inviting candidates from the construction and agriculture sectors. The draws featured relatively low cut-off scores, reflecting the province's precise strategy to address labor shortages. However, official data indicates that despite a significant number of nominations still available for the year, tens of thousands of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) have accumulated in the main candidate pools, signaling exceptionally fierce competition ahead.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced on June 2, 2025, an upcoming adjustment to the proof of funds requirement for study permit applicants. Effective September 1, 2025, a single applicant will need to demonstrate access to at least C$22,895 for living expenses. The change, which excludes applicants destined for Quebec, is intended to ensure the financial threshold accurately reflects Canada's current cost of living.

Effective July 1, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has officially implemented a series of new regulations. Under the Working for Workers Seven Act, Ontario's immigration authority has been granted greater autonomy. The most notable change is that the OINP now has the authority to return applications that do not align with current priorities and issue a full refund. This measure aims to ensure that the limited provincial nomination spots are used to attract candidates who can best meet the urgent needs of Ontario's labour market. The new policy also includes mandatory in-person interviews, adjusted education requirements for specific occupations, and the full launch of a new Employer Portal, signaling a fundamental shift in Ontario's immigration selection strategy.

On June 26, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted its latest draw, issuing Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to foreign skilled workers and international students with strong connections to the province. The highlight of this draw was the International Education Stream, which invited 478 candidates, all of whom were required to have a close relative supporter residing in Manitoba. The Skilled Worker streams targeted high-scoring candidates selected through strategic recruitment initiatives, issuing 14 invitations and showcasing the province's strategy for targeted talent acquisition.

Between June 5 and 19, 2025, Alberta's Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted an intensive series of five separate provincial nomination draws, issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. This series of draws precisely targeted key gaps in the province's labour market, focusing on attracting talent with professional experience and in-demand skills in specific sectors. Data reveals that over 2,300 nomination spots remain for Alberta's 2025 annual allocation, presenting significant opportunities for global applicants.

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has recently released its 2024 annual statistical report. The report shows that the province successfully issued its full allocation of 8,000 nominations in 2024, with the Skills Immigration category accounting for a staggering 99%. A notable trend is that, driven by the provincial government's prioritization of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), occupations in education and social services have surpassed the tech sector to become the category with the most nominees. Furthermore, the report provides a detailed breakdown of nominee salary levels, primary countries of origin, and confirms major changes made to immigration pathways for international students in 2024.

On June 25, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a sweeping overhaul of the eligible fields of study for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The changes, designed to align the program with Canada's projected labour market needs for 2025, introduce 119 new eligible programs while removing 178. The new policy heavily favors fields such as healthcare, education, and the trades, while significantly scaling back eligibility for programs in transport and agriculture. These adjustments will primarily impact international students in non-degree programs who apply for their study permit on or after November 1, 2024.

The global higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) has released its highly anticipated 2026 World University Rankings. This year's edition highlights a major shift in Canada's top-tier academic landscape: McGill University in Montreal, ranked 27th globally, has surpassed the long-reigning University of Toronto (29th) to become the nation's highest-ranked institution. The University of British Columbia and the University of Alberta also secured their places within the global top 100. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the performance and key metrics of Canada's leading universities, along with an essential guide for prospective international students on applying for a Study Permit and a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).