Canada Immigration Update, November 3, 2025

Canada Immigration Update, November 3, 2025 Snapshots: Canada’s immigration system is under mounting stress. As IRCC adjusts priorities and provinces retool programs, applicants face longer waits and more demanding requirements.

📈 Key Numbers & Dates

• Express Entry / PR timelines:

  • Canadian Experience Class: ~5 months CIC News+1

  • Federal Skilled Worker: ~6 months (down 1 month) Immigration News Canada

  • PNP (via Express Entry): ~8 months Immigration News Canada+1

  • Non‑Express PNP streams: ~19 months Immigration News Canada+1

  • Atlantic Immigration Program: ~13 months Immigration News Canada

• Temporary residence:

  • Study permit (inside Canada): ~6 weeks CIC News+1

  • Work permit (inside Canada): ~190–192 days CIC News+1

  • Visitor visa (from India): ~73 days Immigration News Canada+1

• 2025 immigration target:

  • Permanent residents: 395,000 total Canadavisa.com+1

  • PNP allocations cut by 50 % compared to prior years, CIC News

• Policy & notices:

  • As of July 29, 2025, IRCC raised the settlement funds requirement for the Atlantic Immigration Program, based on 12.5 % of the Low‑Income Cut-Off (LICO). The Economic Times

  • IRCC resumed biometric collection in Sudan as of July 24, 2025, Canada.ca

  • Proposed Strong Borders Act could curb asylum access for those in Canada for more than a year and expand enforcement powers. Wikipedia+1

What Happened Recently

• Processing times shift but mostly holdWhile some streams (e.g. Skilled Worker) saw slight improvements, many remain steady or slightly worse. Immigration News Canada+1

• Provinces feel the squeeze. With a 50 % cut in PNP quotas, many provinces have suspended or limited specific streams, prioritized essential occupations, or requested extra spaces from IRCC. CIC News

• Stronger financial requirements. The Atlantic fund increase means many applicants must show more savings or assets.

• Border & asylum rules under review. The Strong Borders Act is drawing criticism from immigrant rights groups, who warn it could leave many without access to fair hearings or legal recourse. TIME+1

Plain‑Language Takeaways for Applicants & Clients

• Expect longer waits across streams; don’t count on published times as guarantees.

• PNP routes are riskier now — limited slo

  ts, stricter screening, and more competition.

• Budget more — new settlement fund rules mean more substantial proof of finances.

• Follow IRCC notices actively — sudden changes (biometrics, program rules) may affect your eligibility.

• For asylum seekers, proposed law changes may reduce access to hearings; legal counsel is more critical than ever.

Canada Immigration Update, November 3, 2025