Category: Immigration

Canada’s Express Entry system saw one of its most significant draws of 2025 as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a French-language proficiency category-based round. The draw, held on November 28, 2025, recorded a CRS cut-off of just 408—the second-lowest CRS requirement of the entire year, marking a major opportunity for French-speaking skilled workers.

Highlights of the November 28, 2025 Express Entry Draw

• Category: French-language proficiency
• ITA issued: 6,000
• CRS cut-off: 408
• Tie-breaking rule: Profiles submitted before 12:28 p.m. UTC, May 26, 2025
• Rank: Second-lowest CRS cut-off among all 2025 draws

This draw continues a year-long trend of large-scale category-based selections under the Express Entry system, particularly for French-speaking candidates. IRCC has repeatedly emphasized its intention to increase Francophone immigration outside Quebec, and 2025 data strongly reflects this commitment.

2025 Express Entry — Notable Draws Overview

Below is a table summarizing some of the most significant draws in 2025:

As of the November 28 draw, IRCC has issued a total of 94,476 ITAs in 2025.

Why the November 28 Draw Matters

Historically Low CRS Threshold for French-speaking Candidates

• A CRS of 408 is considerably lower than many rounds, especially compared to cuts for general draws or other categories.
• The only 2025 draw with a lower CRS was on March 21 (379), which indicates IRCC’s willingness under certain circumstances to invite large volumes at lower CRS thresholds for French-language proficiency.

Large Draw Size — Strong Demand for Francophone Immigrants

• 6,000 invitations in a single draw is among the highest in 2025. French-language draws continue to dominate in terms of volume of ITAs issued this year.
• According to IRCC’s 2025 draw statistics, French-speaking applicants have received the largest share of ITAs across all streams.

Reflects Canada’s Strategic Immigration Goals

• This draw reinforces Canada’s commitment to boost Francophone immigration outside of Québec, supporting bilingual communities and addressing labour market needs across provinces.
• The strategy seems to integrate category-based draws (language, occupation, needs) rather than relying solely on general draws — giving more opportunities for specific applicant groups.

What This Means for Express Entry Candidates

• If you speak French (or are ready to invest in French proficiency): This remains one of the most promising pathways. CRS thresholds for French-language draws have repeatedly dipped lower than general draws — meaning that with moderate CRS (sometimes ~400+), you may still receive an ITA.
• For other candidates (non-French / general CRS): Competition remains high, especially as many draws for other categories (CEC, PNP, Healthcare) maintain higher CRS thresholds. It may be helpful to consider alternate strategies — e.g. improving language skills, obtaining provincial nomination, or aiming for prioritized occupation draws.
• Timing & Preparation Matter: French-language draws appear frequently and produce large numbers of ITAs. Having a ready profile, updated language exam results (e.g. TEF Canada / TCF Canada), and valid documentation can significantly increase eligibility when the next draw occurs.

Outlook — What to Expect for Late 2025 & Early 2026

Given the continuing demand for Francophone immigrants, plus shifting labour-market needs and demographic pressures, we can anticipate:

• More large-scale French-language draws, possibly with CRS thresholds fluctuating depending on volume and IRCC’s targets.
• Continued use of category-based draws (e.g. healthcare, education, trades, social services) to meet sectoral labour demands.
• Opportunities for candidates with diverse profiles: not only high CRS but also language skills, occupation in demand, or provincial backing.

For candidates — especially from non-Francophone countries — placing effort into French language proficiency could pay off significantly.

The province of Alberta continues to strengthen its position as one of Canada’s most active destinations for skilled immigrants. In early October 2025, Alberta held three provincial immigration draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), inviting a total of 1,324 candidates across multiple streams.

These draws reflect Alberta’s focused strategy to meet labour market needs in key sectors such as construction, technology, and general occupations.

Breakdown of October 2025 Draws

 Alberta held three separate draws between October 1 and 7, 2025:

The Opportunity Stream remained the largest pathway, offering over 75% of total invitations. This stream primarily targets foreign workers already employed in Alberta on valid work permits, enabling them to transition to permanent residency.

Meanwhile, the Accelerated Tech Pathway and Construction sector draws highlight Alberta’s ongoing demand for talent in critical infrastructure and digital innovation sectors.

Alberta’s September 2025 Draws Set the Stage

Before the October rounds, Alberta had already issued 1,433 invitations across three draws between September 12 and 19, 2025.
Those draws included:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream – 1,113 invitations (CRS 63)
• Accelerated Tech Pathway – 320 invitations (CRS 55)
• Law Enforcement Pathway – under 10 invitations (CRS 56)

By late September, the province had used 3,983 of its 4,875 federal nomination allocations for 2025 — a sign of its aggressive pace in addressing workforce gaps.

Key Takeaways

1. The Alberta Opportunity Stream remains dominant, serving as the main route for temporary foreign workers to gain permanent residence.
2. Low CRS cut-offs (52–63) make Alberta’s programs more accessible compared to other provinces.
3. Targeted draws reflect Alberta’s economic priorities — especially in tech, law enforcement, and construction.
4. Rapid use of quotas indicates the province’s proactive approach to retaining talent.
5. Flexible draw scheduling shows Alberta’s responsiveness to shifting labour needs.

What This Means for Applicants

Aspiring immigrants with Alberta job offers or experience in high-demand occupations — especially in tech, construction, or essential trades — should monitor the AAIP closely.
Maintaining an updated Express Entry profile, strong job offer, and relevant Canadian work experience will significantly enhance the chances of receiving an invitation.

Conclusion

Alberta’s three recent immigration draws reaffirm the province’s commitment to welcoming skilled workers who can support its growing economy.
With low CRS thresholds, sector-specific targeting, and steady invitation numbers, Alberta remains a top choice for candidates aiming to settle permanently in Canada.

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has conducted its latest draw, issuing 862 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) to eligible candidates under the Skilled Worker categories. This move continues Manitoba’s strong efforts to attract and retain talent to support the province’s economic growth and labor market needs.

Key Highlights of MPNP Draw #255 (October 9, 2025)

• Total invitations: 862 LAAs
• Skilled Worker in Manitoba: 583 invitations, primarily for candidates employed in healthcare and caregiving roles.
• Skilled Worker Overseas: 279 invitations issued through Manitoba’s Strategic Recruitment Initiatives.
• Express Entry candidates: 203 invitations to candidates with valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes.

Additional invitations were distributed as follows:

• Employer Services: 45
• Francophone Community: 43
• Regional Communities: 8
• Ethnocultural Communities: 3
• Temporary Public Policy (TPP): 180

Focus on Healthcare and Caregiving Sectors

This draw emphasized Manitoba’s ongoing labor market priorities — especially in healthcare and caregiving occupations, such as Home Support Workers (NOC 44101) and other essential service roles. The province continues to support employers by ensuring these critical occupations are filled with qualified, long-term residents.

Strategic Recruitment and Employer-Led Pathways

The MPNP remains focused on employer-driven and community-based recruitment, targeting international talent for high-demand occupations that cannot be met locally. Manitoba also continues to leverage Temporary Public Policy (TPP) measures that allow select candidates to obtain open work permits, ensuring flexibility and faster integration.

Increased Nomination Capacity for 2025

Recently, Manitoba secured an additional 1,489 nomination spaces, bringing its total allocation to 6,239 nominations for 2025. This increase allows the province to invite more candidates in key industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and education.

What Applicants Should Know

• Application Deadline: Invited candidates must submit complete applications through the MPNP portal before the stated deadline.
• Documentation: Proof of employment, education, and settlement intent in Manitoba must be clearly provided.
• Regulated Occupations: Applicants in licensed professions must show valid Manitoba authorization to practice.
• Express Entry Advantage: Candidates nominated through Express Entry receive 600 additional CRS points and faster federal processing.

Conclusion

This latest MPNP draw demonstrates Manitoba’s proactive immigration strategy — focusing on attracting skilled workers who can contribute immediately to the province’s economic and community development. With increased nomination capacity and strong employer partnerships, Manitoba continues to be one of Canada’s top destinations for skilled immigrants.

Starting October 10, 2025, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) announced an expansion of its Low-Wage Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing freeze.
The measure aims to protect job opportunities for Canadians and permanent residents in regions experiencing unemployment rates of 6% or higher.

This update adds six new regions to the list of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) where low-wage LMIA applications will not be processed, while one region has been removed due to improved labour market conditions.

Summary of Regional Changes

Purpose of the Freeze

The Low-Wage LMIA Processing Freeze prevents employers from submitting LMIA applications for low-wage positions in high-unemployment regions.

It is part of the government’s labour market stabilization strategy, ensuring employers hire Canadian citizens or permanent residents first before turning to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

The freeze list is updated every quarter, based on regional unemployment data.

Impact on Employers and Foreign Workers

• Employers in frozen regions cannot apply for new low-wage LMIAs.
• They may continue to apply for high-wage, agriculture, or global talent stream positions.
• Foreign workers awaiting job offers in affected areas may face delays or cancellations.
• Employers are encouraged to explore alternative pathways, such as:
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
  • Express Entry
  • In-Canada recruitment and training incentives.

Next Review

The freeze will remain in effect until the next quarterly review, expected in January 2026, when ESDC reassesses unemployment trends and adjusts the eligible CMAs accordingly.

Conclusion

This latest update underscores the federal government’s data-driven approach to labour policy. Employers operating in the newly frozen CMAs should review their staffing plans and consult authorized immigration experts for guidance on alternative visa or work permit options.

The U.S. government has announced a sharp increase in costs for foreign workers under the H-1B visa program, including a new $100,000 fee for first-time applications. This move is expected to make it significantly harder for international tech professionals to pursue opportunities in the United States.

In response, Canada is positioning itself as the new global destination for technology talent.

Canada’s Advantage for Skilled Tech Workers

Prime Minister Mark Carney recently confirmed that Canada will expand programs to attract STEM professionals and skilled foreign workers. These initiatives are designed to make it easier for tech talent to obtain Canadian work permits and transition to permanent residency.

Current Canadian pathways for tech workers include:

• Global Talent Stream – fast-tracked work permits in as little as two weeks.
• Innovation Stream Work Permits – LMIA-exempt options for employers in high-growth industries.
• H-1B Open Work Permit Pathway – introduced for U.S. H-1B holders looking to relocate to Canada.
• Express Entry Category-Based Draws – prioritizing candidates with STEM and IT experience.

These programs not only provide job mobility and career security but also lead to Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) and eventually citizenship.

Why This Matters for Global Tech Talent

The new U.S. H-1B fee will impact startups, mid-size tech firms, and global professionals seeking career opportunities in Silicon Valley and beyond. Many experts predict that Canada’s immigration system will become the top choice for international talent due to its streamlined processing, affordability, and clear PR pathways.

For skilled workers in IT, software engineering, AI, fintech, and emerging technologies, Canada offers both stability and growth opportunities.

How GTR Immigration Can Help

At GTR Immigration, we specialize in guiding tech professionals and skilled workers through the Canadian immigration process. Whether you are:

• Currently on an H-1B visa in the U.S.,
• A tech worker abroad looking for faster Canadian work permits, or
• Interested in direct PR pathways like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP),

…our team of regulated consultants can help you choose the right program, connect with Canadian employers, and secure your future in Canada.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. visa changes may close doors, but Canada is opening new ones for global tech talent. With dedicated pathways, government support, and growing demand for skilled workers, Canada is quickly becoming the world’s most attractive destination for technology professionals.

📩 Book a consultation with GTR Immigration today and explore your Canadian opportunity.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a series of 7 targeted provincial immigration draws this month, issuing a total of 1,376 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates in high-demand occupations.

Multiple Targeted Draws in Key Sectors

Between September 2 and September 10, 2025, Alberta held draws under the Express Entry stream to address labor shortages in critical industries. Invitations were extended to candidates with work experience in:

• Healthcare
• Construction
• Agriculture
• Aviation

For example, a draw on September 10, 2025 invited 30 Express Entry candidates with aviation experience, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 50. Healthcare professionals were a major focus throughout the month, with multiple rounds of invitations where minimum CRS cut-offs ranged from 44 to 64 points, reflecting Alberta’s urgent need for talent in this sector.

Alberta AAIP Draw Results – September 2025

CRS Scores and Eligibility

The AAIP continues to prioritize candidates with Alberta job offers, work experience in in-demand occupations, and strong ties to the province. Many of the targeted draws maintained relatively low CRS cut-offs compared to federal Express Entry draws, giving more opportunities to qualified foreign workers and graduates.

2025 Nomination Quota Status

According to official figures from the Government of Alberta, the province has issued 3,749 nominations so far in 2025, out of its annual allocation of 4,875 nominations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This leaves 1,126 spaces remaining for the rest of the year.

Why Alberta Is a Top Destination for Newcomers

Alberta’s booming economy and demand for skilled workers make it one of the most attractive destinations for immigrants. With ongoing recruitment in healthcare, construction, and agriculture, the province continues to align immigration with workforce needs, ensuring that newcomers can integrate quickly and fill labor shortages.

In September 2025, over 1,300 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency through Alberta’s provincial immigration draws. As the year progresses, prospective applicants with relevant work experience and ties to Alberta are encouraged to create an Express Entry profile and monitor upcoming AAIP draws closely.

On August 29, 2025, the province of Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its latest immigration draw, issuing a total of 202 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to skilled candidates. Invitations were distributed through both the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), supporting the province’s long-term labor and population growth strategies.

Breakdown of Invitations

In this latest provincial immigration draw:

• NLPNP (Provincial Nominee Program): 125 ITAs issued
• AIP (Atlantic Immigration Program): 77 ITAs issued

This marked the eighth Expression of Interest (EOI) draw since the province launched its new immigration selection system earlier in 2025.

Comparison With Previous Newfoundland and Labrador PNP Draws

The August 29 results follow earlier draws in July and August, demonstrating steady invitation levels across both streams.

Year-to-Date Invitation Totals

As of August 29, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has issued 2,251 ITAs across both programs:

• NLPNP: 1,800 ITAs
• AIP: 451 ITAs

This keeps the province on track to meet its 2025 immigration allocation targets, which include 2,050 PNP spots and 475 AIP spots.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Immigration Priorities

The province continues to prioritize candidates with the skills needed to fill critical labor shortages in sectors such as:

• Healthcare
• Technology
• Skilled trades
• Resource industries

Through the EOI system and the Immigration Accelerator platform, the government is streamlining the selection process to attract workers who can contribute to the province’s economy and communities.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has held another Express Entry draw, issuing 4,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with strong French language proficiency.

Details of the September 2025 French-Proficiency Draw

The latest category-based draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 446. To be eligible, candidates needed to have submitted an Express Entry profile before 7:21 a.m. UTC on June 16, 2025.

This draw highlights Canada’s continued focus on attracting French-speaking immigrants, as part of its strategy to strengthen bilingual communities and support Canada’s labor market needs.

Express Entry Draws in 2025: At a Glance

So far in 2025, IRCC has conducted a wide range of draws under different categories, including the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and category-based draws for healthcare, social services, education, and French language proficiency.

Below is a summary of Express Entry draws held in 2025:

Express Entry Trends in 2025

• Total ITAs issued so far in 2025: 62,109
• Most frequent draw type: Provincial Nominee Program (16 draws)
• Other categories:
  • Canadian Experience Class – 9 draws
  • French language proficiency – 5 draws
  • Healthcare and social services – 4 draws
  • Education – 1 draw

This year, IRCC has placed significant emphasis on PNP draws and category-based invitations, while continuing to provide opportunities for French-speaking candidates and those with Canadian work experience.

What This Means for Applicants

The latest draw shows that candidates with French proficiency continue to benefit from lower CRS cut-offs compared to other categories, making it an attractive pathway for immigration to Canada in 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to keep their Express Entry profiles updated and monitor the evolving IRCC Express Entry draw schedule to maximize their chances of receiving an ITA.

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has conducted some of its largest draws of the year on September 2, 2025, issuing a total of 2,643 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the Employer Job Offer streams. This major selection round highlights Ontario’s strong demand for skilled workers, international graduates, and professionals in high-priority occupations.

Breakdown of Ontario PNP Draws – September 2, 2025

Ontario invited candidates from three major streams of the Employer Job Offer category. Here is the full breakdown:

Focus on Healthcare and Education Occupations

The September 2 OINP draws specifically targeted candidates working in priority sectors such as:

• Healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, medical technicians)
• Early childhood educators and assistants
• Home support and related care roles under the In-Demand Skills stream

Only candidates with valid job offers in eligible NOC (National Occupational Classification) codes were considered.

Eligibility and Profile Requirements

To qualify for these draws, candidates needed to:

• Have an active Expression of Interest (EOI) profile submitted between July 2, 2025, and September 2, 2025.
• Possess a valid job offer from an Ontario employer in eligible occupations.
• Meet the minimum score cut-offs depending on the Employer Job Offer stream.

Why This Draw Is Significant

• With 2,643 ITAs issued, this marks one of the largest Ontario PNP draws in 2025, reinforcing the province’s commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants to address labor shortages in healthcare, education, and essential services.
• The Ontario PNP (OINP) continues to play a crucial role in Canada’s immigration strategy, offering foreign workers and international graduates a pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Canada.