Newfoundland and Labrador issued 328 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) on May 8, 2025, in its second round of draws through the new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. This system, implemented on February 19, 2025, manages candidates for both the Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Despite facing an initial halving of its federal nomination allocation, the province successfully secured additional spaces, enhancing opportunities for prospective immigrants.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted several rounds of invitations between April 29 and May 8. These draws, spanning six distinct immigration pathways, prioritized candidates in key sectors, healthcare, and those addressing rural workforce shortages, issuing a total of 295 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Notably, the province's 2025 nomination allocation has been halved compared to the previous year.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) announced on May 15, 2025, an update to its list of designated employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This revision includes the addition of 20 new businesses and the removal of 14 previously recognized employers, bringing the total number of designated employers in the province to 364. Notably, due to reduced federal immigration allocations for 2025 and a high volume of applications, PEI is currently prioritizing applications from workers in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, construction, and manufacturing.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw in over three months on May 13, issuing 500 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 547, who had created their profiles before May 21, 2024, at 5:26 p.m. (UTC). According to the information provided, 34,440 ITAs have been issued via Express Entry so far in 2025. On the same day, Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Lena Metlege Diab as the new Minister of Immigration, who is expected to implement policies focused on stabilizing permanent resident levels, increasing Francophone immigration, revamping the Global Talent Stream, and managing temporary resident numbers.

In its latest Express Entry draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) once again focused on candidates from the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). A total of 511 invitations to apply (ITAs) were issued to applicants, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score set at 706. This marks the third draw in May 2025 and brings the total number of ITAs issued this year via Express Entry to nearly 34,000, clearly reflecting Canada's sustained preference and strategic focus on specific skills and PNP talent.

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.

Canada's Express Entry system underwent a landmark reform on February 27, 2025, with its Trade category experiencing significant adjustments. This change added 19 new occupations and removed 4, bringing the total number of certified occupations in this category to 25. This move aims to more accurately address the urgent needs of Canada's labor market, paving a smoother path to permanent residency (PR) for professionals with specific skills, significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), even if their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is not top-tier.

For international graduates who have completed their studies in Canada and aspire to long-term development, multiple pathways to permanent resident status (Maple Leaf Card) are opening up. Currently, eight Canadian provinces have specific Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams tailored for international student graduates. These programs aim to simplify the process for foreign nationals who have studied in a province to transition to permanent resident status. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of these provinces, their specific graduate immigration streams, an overview of eligibility criteria, and key requirements, offering a comprehensive and up-to-date reference for prospective applicants.

In a historic first, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a targeted draw specifically for education professionals through its Express Entry system on May 1, 2025. A total of 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence were issued in this draw, with the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for invited candidates being 479. This move marks the official launch of the newly established education category priority stream introduced in February of this year. It is also the first Express Entry draw following the recent, closely watched Canadian federal election, further highlighting Canada's policy direction towards attracting professionals in specific fields.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a new draw through the Express Entry system on April 28, 2025. This draw was specific to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and issued 421 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. Invited candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 727 and needed to have created their Express Entry profile before a specific timestamp on September 9, 2024. This marks the second PNP draw this month and contributes to the 31,929 ITAs issued through the Express Entry system in 2025 thus far.