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As of March 25, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the removal of additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for candidates with arranged employment under the Express Entry system. This change means that Express Entry candidates will no longer receive extra CRS points for having a valid job offer, including those supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Impact on Express Entry Candidates

Previously, candidates with valid job offers could receive an additional 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the position’s skill level. With the removal of these bonus points, candidates relying on arranged employment to boost their CRS scores may find it more challenging to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

For example, a candidate who previously had a CRS score of 540, including 50 points for a job offer, would now have a score of 490, potentially affecting their competitiveness in the Express Entry pool.

About the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a points-based system used by IRCC to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It evaluates factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria to determine eligibility for an ITA. Candidates are ranked based on their CRS scores, and those with the highest scores receive ITAs during regular draws.

Reasons for Removing LMIA-Based Job Offer CRS Points

The decision to eliminate additional CRS points for arranged employment is part of IRCC’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and reduce potential fraud associated with LMIA-based job offers. By removing these points, the government aims to ensure that the Express Entry system remains fair and selects candidates most likely to succeed economically in Canada.

This policy change underscores the importance for Express Entry candidates to focus on enhancing other aspects of their profiles, such as improving language skills, gaining additional education or work experience, and exploring provincial nomination programs to increase their CRS scores and improve their chances of receiving an ITA.

The Canadian government has recently announced an increase in the number of applications it will accept under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025. Initially, the plan was to process a maximum of 15,000 applications solely from the 2024 intake. However, the revised cap now allows for up to 25,000 sponsorship applications, encompassing submissions from both the 2024 and 2025 intakes.

This adjustment signifies a substantial commitment to family reunification, providing more opportunities for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. The selection process continues to utilize a lottery system, randomly inviting potential sponsors who submitted interest forms during the 2020 intake.

For those who may not receive an invitation through the PGP, the Super Visa program remains a viable alternative. This visa permits parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years at a time, with multiple entries allowed over a ten-year period.

These developments underscore Canada’s dedication to facilitating family reunification and enhancing the immigration process for families.

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)

The PGP allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency in Canada. The program has seen varying intake caps over the years, with the 2025 increase aimed at enhancing family reunification efforts.

Super Visa

As an alternative to the PGP, Canada offers the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods.

Key features of the Super Visa include:​

• Duration: Holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit without the need to renew their status.
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• Validity: The visa provides multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years. ​
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• Eligibility Requirements:
  • – Applicants must have a child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.​
  • – A letter of invitation from the host child or grandchild, detailing arrangements for care and support.​
  • – Proof of the child’s or grandchild’s minimum necessary income.​
  • – Valid medical insurance coverage for at least one year.​
  • – Undergo an immigration medical examination. ​

The Super Visa offers a viable alternative for families wishing to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada temporarily, especially given the high demand and potential wait times associated with the PGP. It allows for extended visits without conferring permanent resident status.​

These developments reflect Canada’s ongoing commitment to family reunification, providing multiple pathways for parents and grandparents to join their loved ones in Canada, either temporarily through the Super Visa or permanently via the expanded PGP.​

Canada is introducing 2 new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) set to launch on March 31, 2025, aimed at facilitating permanent residency (PR) for home care workers without requiring prior Canadian work experience. These programs also eliminate the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), streamlining the process for foreign workers to secure PR in Canada.

Key Features of the HCWP:

• Immediate Permanent Residency: Eligible caregivers can obtain PR upon arrival without prior Canadian work experience.

• Simplified Eligibility Criteria:

  • – Language Proficiency: Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.
  • – Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • – Work Experience: At least six months of recent, relevant experience in home care or completion of a six-month related training program. ​

• No Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) Required: Employers can hire without the need for an LMIA, simplifying the hiring process.

Application Streams:

• Workers in Canada Stream: For caregivers already working in Canada.
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• Applicants Not Working in Canada Stream: For those outside Canada or not currently employed in the home care sector. This stream will open later in the year, with details to be announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the HCWP, applicants must:

• Job Offer: Secure a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (excluding Quebec).
• Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 in English or French.​
• Education: Possess at least a high school diploma or equivalent.​
• Work Experience or Training: Have at least six months of recent, relevant work experience or have completed six months of related training.

Application Process:

• Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer (excluding Quebec) in the home care sector.​
• Prepare Necessary Documents: Gather proof of education, language proficiency, work experience or training, and other required documents.​
• Submit Your Application: Apply through IRCC’s online portal once applications open on March 31, 2025.​
• Attend Biometrics and Medical Exam: Complete the necessary biometric and medical examinations as instructed by IRCC.​
• Receive Permanent Residence: Upon approval, you will be granted PR status and can relocate to Canada. ​

Benefits of the HCWP:

• Job Flexibility: Caregivers can work in various settings, including private households, health care agencies, and residential care facilities.​
• Lower Language and Education Requirements: The program’s accessible criteria make it easier for more caregivers to qualify.​
• No LMIA Requirement: Simplifies the hiring process for employers and applicants.

Prospective applicants should begin preparing by:

• Improving Language Skills: Achieve the required CLB level 4 in English or French.​
• Securing a Job Offer: Connect with potential Canadian employers in the home care sector.​
• Gathering Necessary Documents: Collect all required documentation, including educational credentials and proof of work experience or training.​

These new pathways present a significant opportunity for home care workers seeking to establish a stable and rewarding career in Canada.

On March 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its largest-ever French category-based Express Entry draw, inviting 7,500 French-speaking candidates to apply for permanent residence. This draw required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 379, marking a significant decrease in the CRS threshold compared to previous draws.

This draw aligns with Canada’s goal to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec from 6.3% to 8.5%. In 2025 alone, IRCC has issued 18,500 invitations to French-speaking candidates across three draws, surpassing invitations in other categories such as the Provincial Nominee Program (2,297 invitations) and the Canadian Experience Class (9,350 invitations).

The substantial drop in the CRS score to 379 is notable, as it is the fourth-lowest ever for a French category-based draw. Such a decrease indicates a broader eligibility for French-speaking candidates, encouraging more individuals with French language proficiency to consider immigration to Canada. ​

Express Entry draws in 2025

For those interested in improving their CRS scores, enhancing French language skills can be a strategic move.

This draw underscores Canada’s commitment to supporting Francophone minority communities and promoting linguistic diversity within its immigration framework.

Canada has recently revised its Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria by removing the field-of-study restrictions for international students graduating from college bachelor’s programs. This change aligns college graduates with their university counterparts, allowing them to apply for a PGWP regardless of their field of study, provided they meet specific language proficiency requirements.

Previously, these graduates had to complete programs aligned with labor market shortages to be eligible.

In Canada, a bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program typically lasting 3-4 years, offered by post-secondary institutions that meet provincial standards.

Key Changes

• Eligibility Expansion: Graduates holding bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees from Canadian colleges or universities are now eligible for the PGWP without any field-of-study limitations.
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• Language Proficiency Requirements:

Certain graduates remain ineligible for a PGWP

• – Have previously received a PGWP.
• – Studied English or French as a second language.
• – Completed general interest or self-improvement courses.
• – Received funding from Global Affairs Canada requiring return to their home country after graduation.
• – Completed over 50% of their program through distance learning, unless covered by COVID-19 measures.
• – Graduated from non-Canadian institutions located in Canada.
• – Completed programs not eligible for PGWP, including those under curriculum-licensing agreements.

Implications for International Students

This policy change provides greater flexibility for international students choosing their degree programs at public colleges or polytechnics. Now, students can confidently enroll in a wide range of disciplines without concerns about whether their field of study will impact their ability to obtain a work permit after graduation.

In summary, the removal of field-of-study restrictions for PGWP eligibility marks a significant shift in Canada’s approach to international education, offering broader opportunities for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds.

On March 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its third Express Entry draw of the month, issuing 536 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

To be eligible for this draw, candidates required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 736 and must have submitted their Express Entry profiles before 2:02 pm (UTC) on March 12, 2025

This draw follows a French-language proficiency draw on March 6, which issued 4,500 ITAs with a minimum CRS score of 410, and a PNP draw on March 3 that invited 725 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 667.

2025 Express Entry draws

The Express Entry system manages applications for three economic immigration programs:

• – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Candidates in these programs are ranked based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

In February 2025, IRCC announced its priority categories for the year, adding education as a new category. The 2025 priority categories are:

• – French-language proficiency
• – Healthcare and social services occupations
• – Trade occupations
• – Education occupations

This strategic focus aims to address specific labor market needs and support Canada’s economic growth.

IRCC’s continued focus on PNP candidates underscores the importance of provincial nominations in Canada’s immigration strategy, aiming to meet regional labor market demands and promote economic development across the country.

Rachel Bendayan has been appointed as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, succeeding Marc Miller.

Prior to this role, Bendayan served as the Member of Parliament for Outremont, Quebec, and held positions such as Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety.

Born into a Moroccan-Jewish family and raised in Quebec, she holds degrees in International Development Studies and Law from McGill University. Before entering politics, she practiced law at Norton Rose Fulbright, specializing in litigation and international trade, and taught at the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Law.

Bendayan’s appointment is part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent cabinet reshuffle as the country prepares for the 2025 federal election.

Her diverse background and extensive experience are expected to influence Canada’s immigration policies in the coming years.

Marc Miller’s Effect on Canada’s Immigration Landscape

During his tenure, Marc Miller implemented significant changes to Canada’s immigration system, primarily aimed at reducing both permanent and temporary immigration to address housing shortages and the high cost of living. Key measures included:

• Reducing Immigration Targets: The government lowered its permanent immigration targets from 500,000 to 395,000 in 2025, with further reductions planned for subsequent years. This move aimed to alleviate pressures on housing and social services.
• Capping International Students: To address housing affordability and integration challenges, a cap was imposed on international student admissions, resulting in a 43% decrease in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the previous year.
• Reforming Temporary Foreign Worker Program: The government introduced restrictions and controls to limit access for companies employing low-wage workers, aiming to protect domestic labor markets and ensure fair treatment of workers.
• Enhancing System Integrity: Reforms to the Express Entry system were implemented to reduce fraud and ensure fairness, including the removal of additional points for job offers, thereby curbing misuse of the Labour Market Impact Assessment process.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced plans to accept up to 10,000 applications for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) in 2025. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency.

Eligibility and Application Process

For the 2025 intake, only individuals who submitted an “Interest to Sponsor” form in 2020 are eligible to receive invitations to apply. This approach continues IRCC’s reliance on the 2020 pool to manage application volumes, leaving many families who missed that window awaiting future opportunities.

Processing Times

As of February 5, 2025, processing times for PGP applications vary:

• – Outside Quebec: Approximately 24 months.
• – Within Quebec: Approximately 48 months, due to additional provincial requirements such as obtaining a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ).

Alternative Option: The Super Visa

For those who are not part of the 2020 pool or are seeking alternative pathways, the Super Visa offers a viable option. This visa allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for extended periods, with multiple entries over a 10-year validity period. Key features include:

• – Duration: Stays of up to five years per visit, with the possibility of extending for an additional two years.
• – Requirements: Applicants must meet income requirements, and visitors are required to have private health insurance for their stay.

Recent changes have made the Super Visa more accessible by adjusting health insurance requirements.

On March 7, 2025, Canada introduced a temporary public policy allowing apprentices in eligible construction trades to study without a study permit. Effective from February 26, 2025, this policy will be in place for two years, expiring on February 26, 2027.

Eligible Occupations

How to Submit Your Application

To benefit from this exemption, eligible apprentices must follow these steps:

1. Gather Required Documents:

   • – Proof of a valid work permit.
   • – Proof of employment in an eligible construction occupation.
   • – A registered apprenticeship agreement with the relevant provincial or territorial apprenticeship and certification authority.

2. Submit a Web Form Request:

   • – Access the IRCC web form.
   • – Select “Update or ask about your application” and then “Add a document to your application.”
   • – Provide personal information, including your work permit number and Unique Client Identifier (UCI).
   • – In the explanation box, include “Apprenticeship 25-27” to identify your request as part of this study permit exemption.
   • – Upload the required documents as attachments.

Detailed instructions on the application process are available on the official Government of Canada website.

Reasons for the Updates

Canada’s construction industry is experiencing significant labor shortages, exacerbated by an aging workforce and increasing housing demands. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimates that an additional 3.5 million homes are needed by 2030 to address affordability and supply issues. By allowing apprentices to study without a study permit, Canada aims to expedite the training and integration of skilled workers into the construction sector, thereby addressing the labor gap and supporting infrastructure development.

By removing administrative barriers for foreign apprentices, Canada aims to expedite the integration of skilled workers into the construction industry, thereby enhancing the sector’s capacity to meet infrastructure and housing demands.

Canada has recently introduced several significant measures to address labor shortages in the construction sector and adjust its immigration policies. On March 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced initiatives including a new pathway to permanent residence for construction workers, changes to the trades category in Express Entry, provisions for out-of-status construction workers, and updates aligned with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

New Pathway to Permanent Residence for Construction Workers

The Canadian government has introduced a pathway to permanent residence specifically for construction workers, aiming to address labor shortages in the sector. This initiative reserves immigration spaces for up to 6,000 undocumented construction workers already residing in Canada. Additionally, qualified temporary foreign workers can now participate in apprenticeship programs without requiring a study permit, effective March 7, 2025. These measures are designed to attract and retain skilled workers in the construction industry.

The government’s decision to implement these changes stems from a combination of factors, including a pressing housing shortage, labor shortages in critical infrastructure projects, and external economic pressures such as tariff threats. By providing pathways for undocumented workers and supporting foreign apprentices, Canada aims to bolster its construction workforce to meet these challenges effectively.

Recent Changes to the Trades Category in Express Entry

In February 2025, IRCC announced major changes to Express Entry categories, including updates to the trades category. The trades category now focuses on specific occupations to better align with labor market needs. These adjustments aim to prioritize candidates with relevant experience and skills to address labor shortages in key sectors.

The immigration department also added 19 new occupations to the category, expanding it significantly.

Among the added occupations were several construction occupations including:

• – Construction managers;
• – Construction estimators;
• – Bricklayers;
• – Roofers and shinglers;
• – Floor covering installers; and
• – Painters and decorators (except interior decorators).

Previous Guidelines for Construction Workers Who Are Out of Status

Building on the success of previous initiatives, such as the Greater Toronto Area pilot program, IRCC has introduced a regularization pathway for out-of-status construction workers. This program offers opportunities for undocumented migrants in the construction sector to obtain legal status, allowing them to continue contributing to infrastructure projects while ensuring they receive proper protections.

2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan

The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan outlines Canada’s targets for permanent and temporary resident admissions. The plan includes a reduction in permanent resident admissions from 500,000 in 2024 to 395,000 in 2025, with further decreases in subsequent years. This adjustment aims to address public concerns about housing affordability and strain on social services, while also ensuring that immigration levels align with Canada’s economic and infrastructure capacities.

These measures collectively reflect Canada’s efforts to adapt its immigration policies to current labor market needs, particularly in the construction sector, while also responding to public concerns about housing and social services.