On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new round of targeted draws through the Express Entry system. This draw specifically invited candidates in the healthcare and social services category, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). To be eligible, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 470. This draw highlights Canada's continued emphasis on attracting professionals in the healthcare sector.

On August 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 534. Compared to the last CEC draw, this round saw a significant drop in the number of invitations issued and a corresponding increase in the score requirement, reflecting the heightened level of competition among candidates.

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.

The federally-funded "Pre-Arrival and Post-Arrival Supports and Services (PASS) Program" is now officially open, designed to provide a suite of free, customized supports for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who have already obtained permanent resident status in Canada. Operated by the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses, the program aims to help them overcome barriers in language, culture, and professional licensure through systematic online courses, expert mentorship, and personalized case management, thereby accelerating their entry into the Canadian healthcare workforce.

On July 22, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its latest Express Entry draw, once again focusing on specific occupational fields. This draw, the 357th, specifically targeted candidates in the "Healthcare and social services" category, issuing 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for invited candidates was 475. This move underscores Canada's clear policy focus on addressing labor market shortages, particularly for talent in critical sectors.

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 October 3, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated guidelines concerning the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) work permit category. These revisions introduce a more restrictive interpretation of the ICT category, significantly impacting foreign companies seeking to establish or expand operations in Canada.