Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a further extension of the temporary public policy allowing Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates to apply for an Open Work Permit (OWP) until December 31, 2025. Under this policy, eligible foreign nationals can apply for an OWP valid for up to two years without being tied to a specific employer, thereby providing greater flexibility for those seeking to transition to permanent residency via a PNP. Alberta, Manitoba, and the Yukon have taken the lead by implementing this measure and issuing support letters to PNP candidates who live and work in their respective jurisdictions.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued 4,000 invitations to Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates in the third round of Express Entry this year, with a minimum CRS score of 527. This invitation round signifies the continued importance of the CEC in 2025. At the same time, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is facing quota reductions, indicating that Express Entry will once again become the main channel for many skilled immigration candidates.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has recently introduced a pilot program named Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI). The program, open until December 31, 2025, aims to attract up to 800 highly skilled immigrants to four remote and northern regions: Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay. Applicants who secure a provincial nomination through this pilot can use the nomination certificate to apply directly for permanent residency with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

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.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced that starting January 21, 2025, it will further tighten the policy for family Open Work Permits (OWPs) for international students and foreign workers. This measure aims to address housing supply and affordability issues, with an estimated reduction of 150,000 OWPs over three years. The new policy introduces significant changes to eligibility, occupational scope, and application criteria for spouses and children.

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 January 8, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw of 2025 through the Express Entry system. A total of 1,350 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 542. This marks the second draw of the week, following a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw on January 7. IRCC is actively working toward its 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, adjusting priority categories in the Express Entry system to better meet labor market demands.

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.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted its first Express Entry draw of 2025, issuing 471 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 793 points. As the primary pathway for economic immigration to Canada, Express Entry will continue to focus on French-speaking candidates, healthcare and trades professionals, as well as bolster pathways under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 2025.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced that no new applications will be accepted under the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP) in 2025. Only applications submitted in 2024 will be processed, with a cap of 15,000 approvals for the year. This decision comes as part of a 20% reduction in permanent resident admission targets for 2025. Meanwhile, the super visa has become a critical alternative for those looking to reunite with family.