Canada Immigration News — October 15, 2025

Canada Immigration News — October 15, 2025 Snapshots: Recent moves by IRCC and provincial programs are shifting the landscape for applicants. Key changes in financial requirements, Express Entry draws, processing delays, and citizenship rules are particularly relevant if you’re applying for study, work, or permanent residence in Canada. Below are the essential updates, dates, and their implications for you.

Date / Period	What Happened	Key Numbers
Sep 19, 2025	Express Entry held its first draw in the Education category in over four months.	2,500 Invitations to Apply were issued; CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) cut‑off fell to 462, down from 479 in May’s education draw. The Economic Times
Sep 15, 2025	The 366th Express Entry draw targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates.	228 people invited; CRS score lowered to 746 (down 26 points from the prior draw) with tie‑breaker date March 31, 2025. The Times of India
Sep 1, 2025	IRCC revised the financial requirements for international students (study permits).	Applicants must now demonstrate significantly more financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses. The Times of India
Jul 29, 2025	New threshold in settlement fund requirement for the Atlantic Immigration Program and other economic streams.	Based on 12.5% of the Low Income Cut‑Off (LICO). The Economic Times

Citizenship by Descent & First‑Generation Limit: Under Bill C‑3 (2025), a Canadian parent born abroad with a “substantial connection” to Canada may pass citizenship to their child born abroad beyond the first generation. Criteria include having at least 1,095 days (three years) of physical presence in Canada before the child’s birth or adoption. Government of Canada
Asylum & Refugee Claims: Canada received 57,440 asylum claims in the first half of 2025. There is a backlog of nearly 291,975 cases at the Immigration & Refugee Board. Projected full‑year total: ~ 115,000 claims.
Processing Delays:
- Dependent child sponsorship applications are now taking an average of 29 months to process.
- Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) wait times have increased from 9 months to 11 months.

Lower CRS cutoffs mean opportunity. If you qualify under the Education category for Express Entry, the recent cut (462) makes it easier to receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply). PNP candidates also see a bit more room with the lowered cutoff of 746 in the Sept 15 draw.
Financial proof matters more than ever. For study permits and economic immigration programs (such as the Atlantic program), you’ll need to demonstrate higher settlement funds. Plan margins for living costs as well as tuition. Under‑budgeting can lead to refusal.
Long wait times are the new normal in some streams. Family, children, sponsorships, and Quebec skilled worker permits—all are slower. If you're applying in these categories, expect delays and build in more time.
Citizenship law is loosening in some respects. For those born abroad to Canadian parents, Bill C-3 may allow you or your child to obtain citizenship even if you fall under what was known as the “first generation limit” — provided the parent has lived in Canada for a sufficient period.
The asylum system backlog is serious. If you or someone you know is seeking refugee protection, expect to wait a long time. The IRB backlog is large; decision times are stretched.