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.

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.

In 2025, Canada’s Express Entry system will undergo significant changes, affecting how economic immigrants are selected. These changes include an increased proportion of Express Entry in overall immigration targets, the removal of CRS score bonuses for job offers, and the division of the “Federal High-Skilled” category into two new subcategories. These adjustments not only reflect Canada’s goal for more efficient immigration management but also highlight the government’s strategic focus on labor market orientation and cultural-linguistic integration.

The Canadian federal government has recently announced a cap on permanent residency applications under the Agri-Food Immigration Pilot (Agri-Food Pilot). In 2025, the program will accept a maximum of 1,010 applications, significantly reduced from the previous annual quota of 2,750. This adjustment aims to address the surge in demand and align with the 2025–2027 immigration levels plan. The pilot program is expected to expire on May 14, 2025, after which applications may no longer be accepted.

In 2024, Canada’s Express Entry immigration system underwent significant changes that had a profound impact on foreign nationals aspiring to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This article provides a comprehensive review of the policy adjustments, trend changes, and related data for Express Entry in 2024 and offers insights into potential developments in 2025.

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to end the longstanding “flagpoling” policy, which has provided expedited services to newcomers and temporary residents. Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the decision aims to ease border management pressure, enhance the integrity of the immigration system, and require applicants to submit their extension requests through online systems. While no specific implementation date has been announced, Miller indicated that the changes would take effect “as soon as possible.”

In 2024, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a series of new permanent resident immigration pathways and made significant adjustments to existing programs. These initiatives aim to attract a diverse range of talent, support the development of Francophone communities, and meet the demand for specific occupations and skills in various provinces. This article provides a detailed analysis of these major changes and explores their profound impact on Canada’s immigration landscape in the future.

On December 14, the Canadian government officially announced detailed eligibility criteria for the “Rural Community Immigration Class” (RCIC). This new permanent residency pathway aims to attract foreign nationals who can contribute to the economic development of designated rural communities and offer them the opportunity to settle long-term in Canada. The policy excludes Quebec and requires applicants to meet several conditions, including work experience, a certificate of recommendation, a job offer, educational background, and intent to reside.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced four new permanent residency pilot programs to launch in 2025. These programs target caregiving, rural communities, Francophone communities, and Manitoba regional immigration. The new policies aim to address labor market shortages while promoting economic growth in smaller communities and specific industries. These changes provide more diverse immigration options for eligible international candidates.