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Canada Immigration News — October 10, 2025

  • Nina A
  • Oct 10
  • 2 min read
A diverse group of young professionals and students sitting around a table in a brightly lit office. On the table are Canadian flags, immigration application forms, a laptop showing an Express Entry score dashboard, and TOEFL test materials

Canada Immigration News Snapshots: What's New, Key Dates & Numbers, What It Means.


What’s New

  • Express Entry “Education”‑Category Draw Returns After Four‑Month Pause. On September 19, 2025, IRCC held its first Express Entry draw targeting education category candidates in over four months. It issued 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) cut-off score fell to 462, down from 479 in the last education category draw on May 1, 2025. The Economic Times

  • Lower CRS Threshold for PNP Candidates. In Express Entry draw #366 (September 15, 2025), 228 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates received ITAs. The CRS cut‑off dropped to 746, a decrease of 26 points compared with the September 2 draw. Candidates with tie scores were prioritized based on profiles submitted before March 31, 2025. The Times of India

  • Decline in Student Visa and Work Permit Approvals. New data show that only about 43% of student visa applications are now being approved; work permit approvals have fallen to about 69%. This is a marked change, especially for students hoping to study + later obtain work experience or permanent residence. The Times of India

  • Settlement Funds Requirement Raised for Atlantic & Other Economic Immigration StreamsEffective July 29, 2025, IRCC revised the minimum required settlement funds for the Atlantic Immigration Program and certain economic immigration pathways. The new standard is 12.5% of the Low Income Cut‑Off (LICO). The Economic Times

  • More Test Options for English Proficiency: IRCC will now accept the TOEFL Essentials test for certain permanent residence applications. This gives applicants another, often more affordable or accessible, option compared with full-length tests. The Times of India

Key Dates & Numbers

Item

Date / Period

Number / Value

Express Entry draw (Education‑category)

September 19, 2025

2,500 ITAs; CRS cut‑off 462

PNP‑focused Express Entry draw (draw #366)

September 15, 2025

228 ITAs; CRS cut‑off 746; tie breaker = March 31, 2025

Student visa approval rate

Recent data

~43%

Work permit approval rate

Same data period

~69%

Settlement funds requirement update starts

July 29, 2025

12.5% of the LICO threshold

What It Means (Plain Language Takeaways)

  • If you’re applying under the education category or through a PNP, your chance is better now if your CRS is near or above ~460‑750 (depending on the draw type). The lower cut scores make some draws more reachable.

  • Student visa applicants need stronger files than ever—financial proof, academic credentials, English proficiency, and other supporting documents must be solid. Lower approval rates mean small gaps are more likely to cause refusal.

  • For programs under the Atlantic Immigration Program or similar economic pathways, you must make sure your financial resources meet the updated settlement funds requirement (12.5% of the LICO)—applications under the old threshold risk are being rejected.

  • The acceptance of TOEFL Essentials gives more flexibility, especially for applicants in areas where test access or costs are a barrier. Be sure your chosen immigration stream accepts it.

  • The timing of when you submitted your Express Entry profile matters — tie‑breakers are still being used, favouring earlier submissions. Don’t delay more than needed if you’re ready.


Canada Immigration News

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