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Canadian premiers, led by Ontario’s Doug Ford, are demanding greater provincial authority over immigration policies. Tensions rise as Ford criticizes federal minister’s approach.

A growing number of Canadian provincial premiers are calling for more control over immigration decisions, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford leading the charge. The move marks an escalating dispute between provincial leaders and the federal government over who should shape the country’s immigration policies.

Doug Ford Demands Stronger Provincial Say

During a recent Council of the Federation meeting, Premier Doug Ford called out the federal immigration minister, accusing Ottawa of ignoring the specific needs of provinces like Ontario. Ford argued that provinces are best positioned to determine their labour market needs and should have a larger role in selecting newcomers.

“We know what’s best for our workers, our businesses, and our communities,” Ford said. “The federal government needs to stop dictating immigration policies from a distance.”

Ford’s criticism comes amid rising labour shortages in sectors such as construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. The Ontario government says it needs more autonomy to fast-track skilled immigrants into critical roles.

Other Premiers Join the Call

Ontario is not alone. Premiers from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec have also voiced support for increased provincial authority over immigration.

• Quebec already controls its own immigration system under a special agreement.
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith echoed Ford’s concerns, saying, “We need to bring in workers who can contribute right away, not just wait for federal bureaucracy.”

This unified stance has put pressure on Ottawa to reconsider its current immigration strategy, particularly around the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the allocation of immigrant spots per province.

Federal Government Pushes Back

In response, the federal immigration minister defended the centralized approach, stating that immigration policy must balance national priorities such as family reunification, humanitarian support, and economic growth.

“While provinces play an important role, immigration is a national responsibility,” the minister said.

However, critics argue that this response fails to acknowledge the unique regional needs and the rising demand for targeted immigration programs.

Why This Matters: The Future of Canadian Immigration

The debate could have significant implications for the future of immigration in Canada. If provinces gain more power, we could see:

• Customized immigration streams that address local labour shortages.
• Faster processing times through streamlined provincial pathways.
• More newcomers settling in smaller communities that actively seek population growth.

At the same time, experts caution that a fragmented system may lead to inconsistencies and competition between provinces.

The latest Henley Passport Index 2025 shows the Canadian passport has outperformed the U.S. passport, ranking 7th globally with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations. In comparison, the United States passport has slipped to 10th place, offering access to 182 countries—its lowest position in 20 years.

Canada Outpaces the U.S. in Global Mobility

In the 2025 edition, Canada ranks 7th globally, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 188 destinations. This marks a stable or slightly improved position compared to previous years, where Canada typically hovered between 8th and 9th.

In contrast, the United States passport has dropped to 10th place, offering access to only 182 countries—a significant decline from its previous top-five position a decade ago. This is now the lowest ranking for the U.S. passport in 20 years.

Canada’s consistent performance is credited to:

• Strong diplomatic relations
• Expanding visa waiver agreements
• A favorable international image

Top of the List: Asia Dominates Again

The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on how many countries their holders can access without needing a visa in advance.

Here are the Top 5 Most Powerful Passports in 2025:

1. Singapore – 193 visa-free destinations
2. Japan & South Korea – 190 destinations each
3. Germany, Italy, Spain – 189 destinations
4. Finland, Sweden, Netherlands, Austria, Luxembourg – 188 destinations
5. Canada, Poland, Malta – 188 destinations

Canada shares its rank with Poland and Malta, reflecting its strong global mobility.

What This Means for Travelers

The Canadian passport is globally recognized for its:

• Visa-free travel to Europe’s Schengen Zone, the U.K., Japan, and much of Latin America
• Efficient and secure passport renewal system
• Favorable reputation of Canadian travelers worldwide

Additionally, Canada has avoided major diplomatic disputes that affect visa agreements—unlike the U.S., which has faced new restrictions from countries like Brazil and proposals such as the $250 “visa integrity fee.”

This ranking offers Canadian citizens:

• Easier access to travel, tourism, and business opportunities
• Fewer visa applications and travel delays
• Stronger mobility compared to U.S. travelers

In today’s globalized world, a powerful passport is more than a document—it’s a gateway to opportunity. The Canadian passport’s global standing not only reflects the country’s diplomatic strength but also enhances the quality of life and mobility for its citizens.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced updated income thresholds for sponsoring parents or grandparents under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. Canadian citizens and permanent residents who wish to sponsor family members must now demonstrate an annual income of at least $47,549 for the year 2024, which is an increase of approximately $3,000 compared to the previous year.

2025 PGP Income Requirements: What You Need to Know

To be eligible to sponsor under the PGP in 2025, sponsors must meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) for the three tax years prior to applying—that is, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The required income varies based on family size. Here’s a breakdown:

Sponsors may meet the MNI on their own or combine their income with a co-signer, such as a spouse or common-law partner.

Sponsors need to provide Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for proof To authorize IRCC to verify these, sponsors must check “Yes” on the CRA authorization section of the IMM 5768 form and provide their SIN.

Invitation to Apply: Only 2020 Pool Eligible

IRCC will issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) starting July 28, 2025, aiming to invite approximately 17,860 sponsors to reach a cap of 10,000 complete applications over about two weeks

Only individuals who submitted an Interest to Sponsor form in 2020, and haven’t yet been invited, are eligible

No new interest forms will be accepted in 2025.

Processing Times & Undertaking

Processing times remain lengthy: approximately 24 months for applications outside Québec, and 48 months for Québec-bound applications

Upon inviting, sponsors must sign an undertaking to financially support their parents/grandparents for 20 years (or 10 years if residing in Québec)

What Is the Parents and Grandparents Program?

The PGP is part of Canada’s family reunification stream, allowing eligible Canadians and permanent residents to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residency. Because demand for this program far exceeds the number of available spots, IRCC uses a randomized lottery system to issue invitations.

The last time the form to express interest in sponsoring under this program was open was in 2020.

Super Visa: A Practical Alternative

For those who don’t receive an ITA, the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa is a viable option:

• Allows stays of up to 5 years per entry with multiple entries over 10 years
• Recent updates relaxed health insurance requirements, including acceptance of non-Canadian providers, reducing costs
• Sponsors must still meet basic income criteria (LICO-based) and secure insurance coverage

Canada’s 2025 updates to the Parents and Grandparents Program reinforce the importance of family unity while ensuring that sponsors have the financial capacity to provide for their loved ones. By tightening income verification and limiting access to the 2020 pool, IRCC intends to manage demand and delivery effectively under national immigration targets.

The United States is proposing a new “Visa Integrity Fee” that could impact Canadian permanent residents, foreign workers, and even some Canadian citizens seeking to enter the U.S. for work or temporary visits.

A non-waivable $250 surcharge added to most nonimmigrant U.S. visas—including tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F, M, J), work (H‑1B, L, O, P), and more—promulgated under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed July 4, 2025.

Who Would Be Affected?

The fee would apply to visa-exempt foreign nationals entering the U.S. under certain work authorizations, including:

• Canadian permanent residents using U.S. nonimmigrant work visas (such as H-1B, L-1, or TN status)
• Foreign workers in Canada who are eligible for U.S. work visas
• Some Canadian citizens who use employment-based visa categories (despite being visa-exempt)

Why the Fee?

According to U.S. lawmakers, the fee is designed to ensure compliance with visa rules and help offset the costs of immigration enforcement. Critics, however, argue that it may pose an unfair financial burden on law-abiding travelers, students, and workers.

When Will It Take Effect?

The fee will take effect starting in October 2025, aligning with the U.S. government’s fiscal year 2026. However, reports suggest that some categories of travelers — including Canadian PRs — may see this fee implemented as early as July 18, 2025.

Is the Fee Refundable?

The $250 Visa Integrity Fee is refundable — but only under certain conditions. To qualify for a refund, the visa holder must:

• Enter and leave the U.S. in compliance with visa terms;
• Maintain legal status while in the U.S.;
• Not overstay or violate the conditions of their visa.
• Lawfully change or extend status

Some Canadian citizens and permanent residents will soon have the chance to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent residence in Canada.

Through this family reunification stream, the government aims to strengthen family ties while ensuring sponsors can meet the financial and legal responsibilities required under the program.

Those who do not receive an invitation through this process may still be able to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada through the Super Visa program, which grants long-term visitor status for up to 10 years.

Key Details of the 2025 PGP Intake

• Opening Date: July 28, 2025
• Invitation Period: Approximately 2 weeks
• Number of Invitations: 17,860
• Targeted Applications: 10,000 complete submissions

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will issue invitations to apply (ITAs) to randomly selected potential sponsors from the 2020 pool of Interest to Sponsor submissions. No new applications to enter the sponsor pool will be accepted this year.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) is a key pathway for family reunification in Canada. It allows Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and registered Indians to sponsor their parents or grandparents for permanent resident (PR) status.

Due to high demand and limited capacity, the program uses a lottery system to randomly select potential sponsors who are then invited to apply.

How to Apply

If invited, sponsors must submit a full application through the Permanent Residence Portal (or the Representative Portal if applying through a legal representative).

Required documents may include:

• Proof of status in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)
• Income documents (e.g., Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the past 3 years)
• Signed undertaking and sponsorship agreement
• Proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificate, family documents)
• Valid identification and civil status documents of the parents/grandparents
• Sponsors must also meet the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) requirements for the last 3 tax years, based on family size.

Super Visa: A Flexible Alternative

For families who are not invited in this intake, the Super Visa remains a valuable option.

Unlike standard visitor visas—which are typically valid for up to six months—the Super Visa allows for multiple entries over a 10-year period, with each stay lasting up to five years (depending on conditions at issuance).

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be admissible to Canada;
• Purchase private medical insurance from a Canadian provider;
• Be sponsored by a host in Canada who meets the minimum income requirements and agrees to financially support them during their stay.

As of July 11, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has halted the processing of low-wage LMIA applications in 26 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) with unemployment rates ≥ 6%. This freeze remains in effect until at least October 10, 2025

Updated CMA List & Unemployment Rates:

CMAs Regaining Eligibility

The following CMAs have dropped below the 6% unemployment threshold and reopened to low-wage LMIA applications since July 11:

• Drummondville (QC)
• Guelph (ON)
• Kelowna (BC)
• Red Deer (AB)

Why This Is Happening?

ESDC policy prohibits processing low-wage LMIAs in CMAs with unemployment ≥ 6% to protect the local labor force.

These quarterly updates occur in January, April, July, and October—next review due October 10, 2025

Employers offering wages below provincial/territorial TFWP thresholds must submit low-wage LMIA; those above must use the high-wage stream, which is unaffected by this restriction.

Implications & Next Steps

For Employers in Affected CMAs:

• Cannot apply for or renew low‑wage LMIAs until October.
• Options include:
  1. Raise wages to qualify under high-wage stream,
  2. Relocate roles to eligible CMAs or rural areas,
  3. Use LMIA-exempt categories (e.g., agricultural, healthcare)

For Foreign Workers:

• Unable to renew low-wage work permits in restricted CMAs.
• Could seek employer support to switch to high-wage stream or relocate.
• Those with expiring permits may apply for maintained status or apply for a visitor record to remain and seek alternatives.

What You Should Do?

1. Identify CMA via postal code lookup on the Statistics Canada website.
2. Check current status:
   • If in a restricted CMA, evaluate wage increase, relocation, or sector alternatives.
   • If in resumed CMA (Drummondville, Guelph, Kelowna, Red Deer), low-wage LMIA is now acceptable again.
3. Stay informed—the policy updates again on October 10, 2025.