New Brunswick recently announced that certain occupations will no longer be eligible for nomination under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This change is part of a broader adjustment to Canada’s immigration policy, with the provincial government prioritizing immigration applications in the healthcare, education, and construction sectors.

The Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Department (IRCC) recently issued 646 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) invitations through the Express Entry system, requiring candidates to have a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750. Starting in 2025, IRCC will prioritize PNP and CEC candidates in the draws and will not conduct category-based draws for French speakers, healthcare workers, or skilled trades. IRCC plans to allocate 41,700 permanent resident spots for these priority groups in the 2025-2027 immigration plan.

New developments in Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for 2025: Alberta completed its first round of provincial nominee draws for the year from February 3 to 6, issuing a total of 308 invitations for the Rural Renewal Stream and Medical Care stream (including both Express Entry and non-Express Entry categories); meanwhile, New Brunswick announced delays in issuing invitations due to technical issues from system overload. It is expected that formal draws will begin in March, and applicants are reminded to pay attention to updated occupational restrictions.

British Columbia and Manitoba in Canada issued more provincial nomination invitations, while Alberta also updated the candidate pool status for several of its immigration programs. These provinces attract entrepreneurs, international students, and overseas candidates with technical backgrounds through economic immigration channels, and Alberta has also released statistical data on the current candidates.

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.

A recent study revealed that international students at the University of Waterloo earn significantly higher average salaries after graduation compared to domestic students. These earnings surpass not only their peers at the university but also the national average. The study attributes this success to degrees in technology and engineering and the university’s robust co-op program. Furthermore, approximately 70% of international students choose to become permanent residents, highlighting their recognition of opportunities for long-term development in Canada.

With adjustments to Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) policies, some international graduates may no longer qualify for this program. However, this does not mean they lack opportunities to continue working in Canada. In fact, Canada offers various work permit pathways to help graduates maintain legal work status.