Canada's immigration system is experiencing significant shifts this fall, with a focus on reducing temporary resident numbers, addressing backlogs, and prioritizing economic needs amid housing and infrastructure pressures. Below is a summary of the most recent developments from the past week, drawn from official IRCC announcements, provincial updates, and enforcement actions.
IRCC Issues 2,500 Invitations in Healthcare-Focused Express Entry Draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a category-based Express Entry draw targeting Healthcare and Social Services occupations.
Details: 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were sent to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 472. Profiles had to be created before May 12, 2025, at 11:17 p.m. UTC.
Impact: This continues IRCC's emphasis on filling labor shortages in critical sectors, with over 40% of 2025 economic immigrants expected from in-Canada temporary residents.
Federal Government Restores Additional PNP Nomination Slots
In a policy reversal, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the restoration of extra nomination allocations to Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), responding to provincial demands for more flexibility.
Provinces like Nova Scotia received significant increases after earlier cuts, pushing the adjusted 2025 permanent resident target from 395,000 to around 401,418.
This aims to balance regional labor needs but could signal upcoming increases in overall targets for the 2026–2028 plan, expected in November 2025.
New Brunswick PNP Issues 522 Invitations (October 17, 2025)
New Brunswick held a major draw under its Critical Worker Pilot and Express Entry Labor Market Stream.
Invitations went to skilled workers in high-demand occupations, with minimum scores varying by stream (e.g., 300 points for Express Entry-aligned candidates).
Part of broader provincial efforts to attract talent in healthcare, trades, and tech, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.
Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot Extended to End of 2025
IRCC extended this pilot, which supports refugees and displaced persons in gaining work experience for permanent residency.
The extension allows continued employer-specific work permits, with a focus on integration into the labor market.
Provides a bridge for vulnerable newcomers amid reduced temporary resident targets (673,650 for 2025, down to 516,600 in 2026).
Immigration Backlog Surges to 958,850 Applications (Latest Data: August 31, 2025)
IRCC reported a 57,150-application increase in one month, with the backlog now at 43.6% of total inventory (2,199,400 applications).
Permanent residency programs face extreme delays—up to 50 years in some cases—stunning applicants and lawyers. This includes surges in family class and refugee claims.
Despite efforts to align with the 2025 target of 395,000 permanent residents (a 20% cut from 2024), processing inefficiencies persist. IRCC insists the figures are accurate but plans tech upgrades.
Key Trends and Outlook
Temporary Resident Cuts: Targets drop sharply in 2026 due to International Mobility Program reductions (from 285,750 to 128,700 permits), aiming for 5% of population by end-2026.
Francophone Focus: Targets for French-speaking PR outside Quebec rise to 8.5% in 2025.
Watch for the 2026–2028 Levels Plan in November, potential PNP expansions, and Quebec's levels announcement in October.
