Canada Immigration Briefing — November 26, 2025

Canada Immigration Briefing — November 26, 2025 Snapshots: A big francophone Express Entry draw, tighter student finances taking effect, and provinces recalibrate nominations as Ottawa eyes lower temporary volumes.

Express Entry: A heavy week caps with a 6,000‑ITA French draw

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ended October with three consecutive Express Entry rounds, including a large French‑language category draw on October 29 that issued 6,000 invitations at a CRS  cut‑off of 416. The sequence followed a Canadian Experience Class round on October 28 (1,000 ITAs, CRS 533) and a PNP‑only round on October 27 (302 ITAs, CRS 761). These figures are confirmed on IRCC’s official “Rounds of invitations” page and independent trackers. Canada+2Canadavisa.com+2

What it means: The latest results reinforce two trends of 2025—category‑based selections remain central to federal intake management, and francophone proficiency continues to provide one of the most accessible cut‑offs in the pool.

Levels Plan watch: Targets for 2026–2028 are still awaited publicly

IRCC previously noted the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan must be tabled by November 1, 2025. As of this morning, detailed targets had not yet appeared on the department’s public news pages that we track. Expect continuity with the current 2025–2027 framework, which lowered permanent resident targets (to 395,000 in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, 365,000 in 2027) and, for the first time, set temporary resident arrival targets to bring the temporary population down to 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2026. Canada+2Canada+2

International students: Higher proof‑of‑funds now in force; cap holds

Two student‑policy changes are driving real‑world effects this fall:

• Proof of funds increased for study‑permit applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025 (IRCC has flagged annual updates tied to Statistics Canada’s low‑income cut‑off). Applicants must demonstrate a more robust financial capacity in addition to

  first‑year tuition. Canada+2Canada+2

• The 2025 national cap remains 437,000 study permits, with provincial/territorial allocations finalized in January. The cap framework (including the attestation letter requirement) continues to shape volumes across campuses. Canada

IRCC also continues to limit off‑campus work to 24 hours per week during academic sessions, a rule in effect since November 2024. For some prospective students—particularly from India—this tighter policy environment coincides with significantly higher refusal rates reported in the press this week. Canada+1

PGWP note: If you applied for a study permit before June 25, 2025, IRCC confirms you’ll still be grandfathered for Post‑Graduation Work Permit eligibility where your field of study was on the list at the time you applied. Canada

Provinces and territories: Focused draws and smaller intakes

• Prince Edward Island published its October 27 Expression of Interest draw update and, effective November 1, shortened the post‑ITA filing window to 30 days—a signal the province is moving applications faster while staying within federal allocations. Government of Prince Edward Island+1

• British Columbia reiterates there will be no general or priority‑occupation Skills Immigration ITAs in 2025, with only limited, high‑economic‑impact invitations issued—a major departure from pre‑2025 practice. welcomebc.ca

• Manitoba reports a top‑up of 1,489 nominations to 6,239 for 2025, partially offsetting earlier federal reductions and enabling additional late‑year invitations. Manitoba Immigration

Consultant’s take: How to position your file

• Lean into French (or prove it). The October 29 results again show French proficiency is paying dividends in Express Entry. If you have French, consider retesting and credentialing it; if you don’t, weigh structured study with a testing plan. Canada

• Be category‑ready. Align your profile to current categories—healthcare, trades, and francophone streams are prominent—and ensure NOC mapping, duties, and proof match precisely. Canada

• For students: Budget to the new proof‑of‑funds thresholds and plan around the 24‑hour work cap. Strong documentation and program fit are more important than ever. Canada+1

• For PNPs: Expect fewer, more targeted draws. Monitor your province’s intake pages, keep employer support current, and have documents ready for shorter submission windows (e.g., PEI’s 30 days). welcomebc.ca+1

Canada Immigration Briefing — November 26, 2025