The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted its latest draw on March 21, prioritizing invitations for candidates with post-secondary education completed in Manitoba, along with some Skilled Workers Overseas. Concurrently, the Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) has announced the closure of its 2025 application intake, proceeding with a random selection of applications for processing and providing details on its quota allocation.

The province of Saskatchewan in Canada has implemented major reforms to its Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), effective March 27, 2025. The adjustments include reopening the acceptance of Job Approval Forms (JAFs) for employers, but with the recruitment of overseas skilled workers now restricted to three key areas: healthcare, agriculture, and technical trades. Simultaneously, the province has closed the immigration streams for entrepreneurs and farm owners/operators, tightened the eligibility requirements for certain open work permit holders and international students, and set annual nomination quota limits for the accommodation and food services, retail, and truck transportation sectors.

Canada's Yukon Territory has announced a significant overhaul of its Yukon Nominee Program (YNP), transitioning to a new Expression of Interest (EOI) pool-based system effective March 31, 2025, replacing the previous direct application model. This change aims to manage a substantially reduced federal nomination allocation and better target candidates aligning with the territory's priorities. Under the new system, employers must first submit an EOI and receive an invitation before applying for nomination for a foreign worker. Yukon has also outlined priority candidate groups for 2025 and launched a temporary measure offering work permit support to certain foreign nationals already in the territory.

The international higher education research institution Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) recently released the 15th edition of its World University Rankings by Subject. The report indicates that several Canadian universities are ranked among the global top 100 in multiple subject areas, reaffirming the outstanding strength of Canadian higher education. Notably, the University of Toronto, University of British Columbia (UBC), and McGill University are among the top performers across several broad subject categories. For international students intending to pursue further studies in Canada, understanding the areas of strength at these leading institutions, as well as the latest study permit application process, is essential.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officially implemented the latest Ministerial Instructions on March 25, 2025, eliminating the additional 50 to 200 CRS points previously awarded to Express Entry candidates for valid arranged employment. This measure aims to curb illegal activities such as purchasing Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), enhance the integrity of the immigration system, and is explicitly stated as a temporary measure.

The Canadian federal government recently announced a significant increase in the processing cap for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025, raising it to 25,000 applications. This decision reverses the tightening policy announced earlier this year and signifies a new opportunity for sponsors who submitted an interest form in 2020 but have not yet received an invitation to apply. The move aims to better address the family reunification needs of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Last week, British Columbia (BC) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued immigration invitations through their respective Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). BC's target is foreign entrepreneurs who have established new businesses or purchased existing businesses in the province, while PEI focuses on talents in key industries and occupations in high demand within the province.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a relaxation of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) application requirements for College Bachelor's Degree graduates, removing the previous restrictions on fields of study. While this policy is positive news for some international students, new language requirements remain in place, and not all graduates will meet the eligibility criteria.

In its third Express Entry draw of the month, IRCC issued 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). In addition to the focus on PNP, IRCC reaffirmed its commitment to applicants with French language proficiency and Canadian work experience, and has now included the education sector in its list of priority categories. These measures indicate Canada’s active adjustment of its immigration policies to better meet labor market demands.

Against the backdrop of substantial reductions in immigration quotas, New Brunswick conducted its first provincial nominee draw in March 2025, inviting candidates in specific high-demand occupations. This draw demonstrates the province's commitment to adjusting its immigration policies to more accurately meet labor market needs. In addition, a series of adjustments have been made to the provincial nominee program to address the new immigration situation.