Canada immigration news August 2025

Canada immigration news August 2025 Snapshot: Express Entry maintained its August pace with multiple category-based rounds; Québec issued new Arrima invitations; B.C. continued issuing limited ITAs amid a reduced 2025 allocation; and Ottawa extended special measures for Palestinians. Below are the key moves—and what they mean for applicants.

Express Entry: August keeps humming

IRCC ran a series of draws this month, capped most recently by a category-based round for healthcare & social services on August 19 (2,500 invitations; CRS 470 cut-off). Earlier in the month, there were PNP-only rounds (Aug 18: 192 ITAs; CRS 800), a French-proficiency draw (Aug 8: 2,500 ITAs; CRS 481), a CEC draw (Aug 7: 1,000 ITAs; CRS 534) and another PNP-only (Aug 6: 225 ITAs; CRS 739). Together, the pattern signals steady use of targeted categories alongside periodic program-specific rounds. Canada.caCIC News

What it means: Candidates in healthcare and social services remain well-positioned; French-speaking profiles continue to see strong opportunities; and CEC candidates should watch for further movement as IRCC balances in-Canada inventories.

Provincial programs: Québec, B.C., Ontario

• Québec (Arrima): The province extracted new profiles on August 11, 2025, inviting candidates who met specific criteria (including cut-off scores and occupation factors). If you use Arrima, check your message centre rather than waiting for an email. Quebec+1

• British Columbia: The ITA dashboard was last updated August 20, 2025. Separately, B.C. confirmed its 2025 nomination allocation is 4,000—about 50% lower than 2024—and says it will issue a limited number of ITAs this year, prioritizing high economic impact profiles. Plan for leaner, more selective draws. HelloBC+2HelloBC+2

• Ontario: OINP continues to post results of invitations across its streams (Employer Job Offer, Master's Graduate, etc.) on its public tracker and updates page. If you received a Notification of Interest (NOI) through Express Entry, match it with the corresponding draw on the province’s site for deadlines and details. Ontario+2Ontario+2

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Policy & program notes

• Special measures for Palestinians extended: IRCC extended temporary measures for Palestinian nationals already in Canada; the department also updated its standing list of public policies this month. Check eligibility and documentation before applying. Canada.ca+1

• Parents & Grandparents (PGP) intake timing: IRCC noted that PGP intake opened in late July. If your clients missed the initial window, monitor IRCC’s notices page for any further updates. Canada.ca

• Students & PGWP fine-tuning: IRCC issued an update on the “field of study” requirement for Post-Graduation Work Permits earlier this summer—relevant for fall 2025 cohorts planning study starts or program changes. Canada.ca

  (Canada immigration news August 2025)