The Government of the Northwest Territories (NWT) has announced that its 2025 Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) allocation has been restored to 2024 levels following federal approval. The total quota will rise to 300, up significantly from 197 earlier this year. Minister of Education, Culture, and Employment Caitlin Cleveland stated that preparations are underway for the next NTNP intake period, which will open additional pathways for skilled workers to obtain provincial nomination. This adjustment makes the NWT the first jurisdiction in 2025 to regain its pre-reduction quota, marking a key milestone in the territory’s ongoing efforts to address critical labor shortages through immigration.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the year for trade occupations on September 18, 2025. A total of 1,250 candidates received an Invitation to Apply (ITA). However, the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score soared to 505, significantly higher than the previous draw for this category. The primary reason for the score increase is the long interval between draws, which led to an accumulation of high-scoring candidates. Additionally, internal documents suggest IRCC plans to issue more invitations to trade candidates in the second half of the year.

On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the second-ever Express Entry draw targeting candidates in the "education" category. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 462. Compared to the inaugural draw for this category, this round featured a significantly lower cut-off score and a larger number of invitations, reflecting the flexibility and strategic focus of Canada's immigration policy on attracting professionals from specific fields.

On August 28, 2025, Quebec's Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) issued 231 invitations to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) through its Regular Skilled Worker Program (PSTQ). This round of invitations primarily targeted two specific categories of candidates: highly skilled individuals with work experience outside of regulated professions and those with exceptional talent. The draw takes place against the backdrop of comprehensive immigration policy reforms being developed by the province, highlighting Quebec's current preference for applicants who are already in the province and possess advanced education and specialized skills.

On July 17, 2025, the province of Quebec launched its new Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) with its first invitation round since the program's reform in 2024. A total of 238 candidates were invited, with a precise focus on individuals already residing in Quebec who possess French language skills, local educational credentials or work experience, and are in occupations that address labour shortages. This inaugural draw targeted the "Highly qualified and specialized skills" and "Exceptional talent" streams, signaling a definitive policy shift towards prioritizing candidates already integrated into Quebec society.

Recent news of the U.S. planning a high-threshold "Gold Card" visa has sparked interest in whether Canada offers a similar pathway for directly purchasing permanent residency. Canada does not have such a "Gold Card"; its economic immigration programs primarily focus on attracting skilled talent rather than pure investment. However, Canada does provide several immigration streams for entrepreneurs and investors intending to establish or operate businesses within the country, leading to permanent residence. These include the federal Start-Up Visa Program, the unique Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, and various Provincial Nominee Programs for entrepreneurs.

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.

On October 3, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated guidelines concerning the Intra-Company Transferee (ICT) work permit category. These revisions introduce a more restrictive interpretation of the ICT category, significantly impacting foreign companies seeking to establish or expand operations in Canada.

New research highlights how Canada's Start-up Visa policy has become an attractive option for immigrants in the United States, particularly those holding H-1B visas.