Canada Immigration Update — October 31, 2025

Canada Immigration Update — October 31, 2025 Snapshots: IRCC backlog surges past 958,000. Express Entry’s first trade draw issues 1,250 ITAs. Ontario issues thousands of PNP invites despite reduced quotas. Study permit funding rules rise. Legal bid for counsel rights underway.

IRCC & Levels Plan: fewer newcomers, sharper focus on in‑Canada transitions. The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan set the 2025 permanent resident target at 395,000, down from projections in prior years. Canada.ca+1 The plan also introduces temporary resident targets: Canada aims to admit 673,650 new workers and students in 2025, with the share of international students accounting for about 45 % of those arrivals. Canada.ca The shift is clear: Canada is prioritizing transition pathways for those already in the country (e.g. bridging workers and graduates). Canada.ca+2CIC News+2

Express Entry and PNP draws in SeptemberMid‑September saw a flurry of draws:

• Education category (Sept. 17): 2,500 ITAs issued; CRS cut‑off 462 at immigrationlaw.com+1

• Trades category (Sept. 18): 1,250 ITAs; CRS cut‑off 505 atimmigrationlaw.com+1

• PNP‑specific draw (Sept. 15): 228 ITAs, with a CRS cut‑off of 746. The Times of India. These rounds boost the year’s total to over 65,500 invitations through 38 draws. atimmigrationlaw.com

Provincial programs under strain. Federal changes have forced provinces to tighten PNP allocations and streamline rules. In 2025, IRCC cut PNP allocations by 50 %, triggering revisions across provincial systems. CIC News Some provinces have paused specific streams, while others restrict eligibility to in‑demand sectors (health, trades, construction). CIC News+1

Ontario remains active: it has already issued multiple draws in 2025 under its employer‑driven model. Ontario+1 But as allocations tighten, expect more intense competition.

Financial and eligibility thresholds climbRecent adjustments include a steeper settlement fund requirement for the Atlantic Immigration Program as of July 29, 2025, tied to 12.5 % of the low‑income cut‑off (LICO) benchmark. The Economic Times. Such changes reflect IRCC’s attempt to ensure newcomers have adequate resources in the early months.

Additionally, IRCC has flagged increased scrutiny and documentation checks for work and study permit applicants—particularly those from regions with high denial rates. (Multiple observers note this in regional coverage, though formal IRCC data is limited.)

Integrity, accountability & internal challenges. A recent IRCC integrity audit uncovered 62 cases of employee misconduct (2023–2024), including at least one bribery attempt tied to a study permit decision. The Economic Times The findings expose tensions in a heavily burdened system and underscore the need for strong oversight and procedural safeguards.

Take‑Aways for Applicants:

• If you’re in education or trades, keep your Express Entry profile polished. Those CRS ranges (462 / 505) offer room for carefully managed improvements in language, credentials, or experience.

• Considering a PNP route? Focus on in‑demand occupations, employer connections, and readiness—many provinces now screen aggressively.

• Expect higher financial proof requirements and supporting documentation. Be precise and thorough.

• Watch for more internal audits and policy changes tied to integrity—missteps (even paperwork errors) are riskier in a tightened system.

• For clients already in Canada (students, workers): pathways to PR are increasingly prioritized—stack your credentials, maintain legal status, and consider bridging options early.

Canada Immigration Update — October 31, 2025