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IRCC held the largest PNP-targeted Express Entry draw of 2025 and invited over a thousand candidates
On December 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a massive Express Entry draw #383. The Government of Canada issued 1,123 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in this draw, making it the largest draw of the year for the category. This round’s cut-off score was 729 points, 30 points more than the previous PNP-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was March 05, 2025, at 05:10:48. As of December 7,
6 days ago


New IRCC immigration measures support international doctors
Canada is streamlining the path to permanent residence for international physicians already working in the country. The Federal Government announced a dedicated Express Entry category for doctors with at least one year of recent Canadian work experience, with invitations expected in early 2026. Additionally, 5,000 federal spaces have been allocated for provinces and territories to nominate licensed doctors with job offers, who will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit p
6 days ago


Manitoba's temporary work permit policy for PNP candidates closes December 15
Manitoba has announced the approaching deadline for its temporary public policy supporting work permit extensions for Provincial Nominee Program candidates. Eligible applicants have until December 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST to submit their Support Letter applications through the online portal. After this date, the submission form will close, and no new applications will be accepted. The Federal Government will continue processing applications received under this policy until
Dec 5


IRCC implemented new fees for restoration, IEC and inadmissibility services, effective December 1, 2025
IRCC has officially updated several immigration fees effective December 1, 2025, affecting International Experience Canada (IEC) applicants, restoration of status, and multiple inadmissibility services. The changes include higher charges for authorizations to return to Canada, temporary resident permits, criminality and serious criminality assessments, as well as restoration of visitor, worker, and student status. Applicants who submit online must pay the new fees immediatel
Dec 4


IRCC conducted 2025’s 8th Express Entry draw for Francophone candidates
On November 28, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for French language proficiency candidates. In round #382, IRCC issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to francophone candidates. The cut-off score of this draw was 408 points, eight points fewer than in the previous draw in this category. The tie-breaking rule for this round was May 26, 2025, at 12:28:38 UTC. This year, Canada issued 94,476 ITAs through 52 Express Entry
Dec 1


IRCC conducted the 13th Express Entry draw for CEC candidates and issued 1,000 invitations
On November 26, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. IRCC again issued only 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates in the CEC-targeted draw. In round #381, the cut-off score was 531 points, two points fewer than it was in the previous CEC-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was October 08, 2025, at 19:02:26 UTC. As of November 24, 2025, 246,656 profi
Nov 27


IRCC invited 777 PNP candidates in the new Express Entry draw
On November 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the Express Entry draw #380. The Government of Canada issued 777 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in this draw. This round’s cut-off score was 699 points, 39 points fewer than the previous PNP-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was September 06, 2025, at 01:16:22 UTC. As of November 23, 2025, 245,758 profiles were registered in the Exp
Nov 27


IRCC updated the study permit policy for international students transitioning between education levels
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced policy changes on November 24, 2025, affecting study permit applications for designated learning institutions. Students moving from secondary to post-secondary education can now start classes at their new institution while awaiting permit approval, provided they applied before their current permit expired. The update also clarifies requirements for joint programs leading to a single credential. These students need only o
Nov 27


Canada extends legal protections for out-of-status home care workers
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has implemented a five-year temporary measure allowing out-of-status and unauthorized home care workers to regularize their immigration status while awaiting permanent residence decisions. The policy, which became effective March 31, 2025, enables eligible workers who applied under Stream A of the Home Care Worker Immigration program to restore their status and secure work authorization. Family members residing in Canada who are i
Nov 27


Canada extended the pause on refugee sponsorship applications until the end of 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced an extension to the temporary pause on new applications under the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program's group of five and community sponsor streams, now lasting until December 31, 2026. The decision comes as the department works to address a significant backlog caused by high demand and lengthy processing times. While new applications remain on hold, previously submitted cases will continue to be processed, and C
Nov 24


Canada extended fee-free immigration support for Haitian nationals amid ongoing security crisis
The Government of Canada has announced the continuation of special immigration measures for Haitian nationals and foreign family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents beyond November 20, 2025. The extension allows eligible individuals to apply for study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits, or status extensions without application fees. Initially launched in May 2024 in response to Haiti's deteriorating security conditions, these measures ref
Nov 21


IRCC updates work permit eligibility rules for family members of military personnel
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has updated its operational guidelines for work-permit applications submitted by family members of military personnel, effective November 14, 2025. The revision confirms that dependent children are no longer eligible for open work permits under codes C46 or C48 for applications filed on or after January 21, 2025, where no reciprocal agreement applies. It also clarifies that spouses of TEER 4 workers are no longer eligible for open
Nov 17


Ottawa invited 3,500 healthcare workers in the new Express Entry draw
On November 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the sixth occupation-specific Express Entry draw of the year for candidates working in healthcare and social services occupations. In round #379, IRCC issued 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA), and the cut-off score was 462 points (ten points fewer than the last draw for this category). The tie-breaking rule for this round was December 02, 2024, at 22:19:41 UTC. This year, Canada issued 86,699 ITAs
Nov 17


IRCC updated study permit rules for protected persons and their families
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that protected persons and their family members can now apply for study permits from within Canada, regardless of whether they have submitted permanent residency applications. This policy update, effective November 13, 2025, expands access for various groups, including students at all educational levels, work permit holders, temporary residents, refugee claimants, and families of foreign government officials. The
Nov 14


Canada extended temporary relief for Sudanese nationals until October 2026
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced the continuation of temporary measures for individuals affected by the Sudan conflict, extending support until October 28, 2026. Sudanese nationals in Canada — as well as eligible foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents — may continue to extend their temporary resident status or modify the conditions of their stay without paying the applicable fees. Sudanese nationals who are read
Nov 13


IRCC issued 1,000 invitations for CEC candidates under Express Entry
On November 12, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a new Express Entry draw for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. IRCC again issued only 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITA) to candidates in the CEC-targeted draw. In round #377, the cut-off score was 533 points, the same as it was in the previous CEC-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was October 17, 2025, at 03:39:05 UTC. As of November 9, 2025, 245,706 profiles were re
Nov 13


Cambrian College suspends more programs amid the drop in international students
Cambrian College in Sudbury has suspended intake for six additional programs after an earlier pause on ten, citing a “catastrophic” decline in international student enrollment following IRCC’s new post-graduate work permit rules. The college now faces a projected $1.4 million deficit for 2025–2026, ending a decade of surpluses. Enrollment of international students dropped to 1,430 from 2,631 last year, while domestic numbers rose only slightly. Affected programs include Busi
Nov 12


The Express Entry pool sees a dramatic shift as the number of high-scoring candidates surges
Canada's Express Entry system has experienced a notable transformation in recent weeks, with approximately 11% of all candidates now holding CRS scores exceeding 500 points. While the overall pool contracted by 2,547 profiles between late October and early November, the competitive landscape has intensified significantly. The number of candidates in the highest scoring bracket (601-1,200) more than doubled from 306 to 696, while the 501-600 range expanded by 417 profiles. Th
Nov 12


IRCC conducted a new PNP draw under Express Entry, inviting over 700 candidates
On November 10, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the Express Entry draw #377. The Government of Canada issued 714 Invitations to Apply (ITA) for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates in this draw. This round’s cut-off score was 738 points, 23 points fewer than the previous PNP-targeted draw. The tie-breaking rule for this round was February 22, 2025, at 2:12:01 UTC. As of November 9, 2025, 245,706 profiles were registered in the Expres
Nov 11


Canada extended the open work permit policy for provincial nominee program candidates
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has extended its public policy allowing certain foreign workers in Provincial Nominee Program expression of interest pools to obtain open work permits until December 31, 2025. The program, originally scheduled to end in late 2024, enables eligible foreign nationals currently employed in participating provinces to secure work permits valid for up to 2 years with provincial support letters. Manitoba and Yukon remain active participa
Nov 10
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