The Government of British Columbia announced on October 2, 2025, that the province's Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) has received an additional 1,254 nomination allocations from the federal government. This brings British Columbia's total allocation for 2025 from 4,000 to 5,254. The provincial government stated that it will prioritize using these additional allocations to process backlogged International Post-Graduate (IPG) stream applications from 2024, while continuing to focus on attracting healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and high economic impact candidates.

On October 2, 2025, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) conducted another round of draws for the year, issuing a total of 485 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for provincial nomination to candidates across two major immigration categories. The Skills Immigration category issued 474 invitations, marking the first reopening of this category since May 8, 2025. The Entrepreneur Immigration Base Stream issued 11 invitations, continuing the province's policy direction of attracting entrepreneurial talent.

The province of British Columbia held a new Provincial Nominee Program draw on August 19, 2025, exclusively targeting candidates in the Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) category. A total of no more than 16 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued through the Base and Regional Pilot streams. The results confirm a clear trend in 2025, with the BC PNP prioritizing business and investment streams, marking this the sixth entrepreneur-focused draw of the year.

In its June 24 draw, Newfoundland and Labrador issued 320 invitations and successfully negotiated a 1,000-spot increase to its 2025 PNP allocation, signaling a strong commitment to attracting new immigrants. British Columbia’s July 8 draw once again targeted entrepreneurs, issuing no more than 17 invitations and underscoring its high priority for business and investment-class immigrants. Meanwhile, Manitoba extended 67 invitations on July 10, prioritizing international students who graduated from its institutions and skilled workers identified through "Strategic Recruitment Initiatives." These moves clearly reflect the unique immigration strategies each province is deploying based on its economic and labor market needs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced significant revisions to the "Maintained Status" provisions for temporary residents, effective May 28, 2025. The new rules specify that if a temporary resident's initial extension application, submitted while on maintained status, is refused, a subsequent application filed after the expiry of their original permit will no longer automatically allow them to maintain legal status in Canada. This change has profound implications for temporary residents submitting multiple extension applications and requires close attention.

For many international students aspiring to work and settle in Canada, obtaining a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a crucial first step. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) clearly states that PGWP eligibility hinges on studying at a qualified Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and enrolling in a PGWP-eligible program. Notably, beginning November 1, 2024, graduates at certain study levels will face new language proficiency and field of study restrictions. This report provides a detailed interpretation of IRCC's relevant regulations, guiding international students on how to choose schools and programs correctly to ensure successful PGWP acquisition.

Recent news of the U.S. planning a high-threshold "Gold Card" visa has sparked interest in whether Canada offers a similar pathway for directly purchasing permanent residency. Canada does not have such a "Gold Card"; its economic immigration programs primarily focus on attracting skilled talent rather than pure investment. However, Canada does provide several immigration streams for entrepreneurs and investors intending to establish or operate businesses within the country, leading to permanent residence. These include the federal Start-Up Visa Program, the unique Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, and various Provincial Nominee Programs for entrepreneurs.

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.

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.