Canada Immigration News – Mid-2025 Updates & Trends

Canada Immigration News 2025 snapshot: Heading into the second half of 2025, Canada’s immigration landscape is shifting with essential changes to Express Entry, language testing, student visas, and refugee claims. Here are the latest updates—and what they mean for applicants.

Decline in International Students and Workers

Canada is experiencing a sharp decline in international students and temporary foreign workers in 2025. According to IRCC data, both study and work permit approvals have fallen significantly, reflecting:

• Tighter immigration policies

• Global competition for talent

• Strain on housing and labour markets

This drop is affecting post-secondary institutions and industries that rely heavily on foreign workers.

Mid-Year Immigration Data Released

Recently published IRCC figures show the following for the first half of 2025:

• 207,650 permanent residents admitted

• 302,280 International Mobility Program (IMP) permits issued

• 105,195 Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) permits

• 149,860 study permits approved, down from over 245,000 in the same period last year

Despite declines in temporary categories, Canada remains on track to meet its target of 395,000 permanent residents for 2025.

New English Test Option: TOEFL Essentials

IRCC has approved the TOEFL Essentials test for specific permanent residency applications.

• More affordable than traditional English tests

• Shorter exam time

• Expands accessibility for diverse applicants

This change offers additional flexibility for skilled workers and students transitioning to PR.

Express Entry Changes: Upfront Medical Exams

As of August 21, 2025, Express Entry applicants must complete their medical exam before submitting a permanent residency application.

• Streamlines processing

• Reduces delays in approvals

In addition, the August 19 Express Entry round invited 2,500 candidates with a CRS cut-off score of 470.

Growing Francophone Immigration Outside Quebec

While overall immigration levels are being reduced, Ottawa has set a strategic francophone target:

• By 2029, 12% of permanent residents outside Quebec must be francophone.

• Supports French-speaking communities across Canada.

Surge in U.S. Refugee Claims

In early 2025, refugee claims from U.S. nationals surpassed the total for the entire year of 2024.

• About 245 of 55,000 claims came from Americans

• Linked to rollbacks on transgender rights in the U.S.

• Increasing numbers of LGBTQ asylum seekers are citing human rights concerns in IRB hearings.

Summary: Canada’s Immigration Outlook

Canada’s 2025 immigration trends show a more selective, policy-driven approach:

• Lower temporary resident intake

• New requirements for Express Entry

• Broader English testing options

• Increased focus on francophone immigration

• Rising humanitarian claims

Although temporary categories are shrinking, permanent resident targets are still on track. Balancing skilled labour needs, housing challenges, and international competitiveness will be crucial heading into 2026.

(Canada Immigration News 2025)