Canada Immigration Update — October 6, 2025

Canada Immigration Update — September 17, 2025 snapshots: Key Policy & Regulatory Developments, Latest Numbers & Trends, Implications for Clients.

Key Policy & Regulatory Developments

• Bill C‑2 (Strong Borders Act)The Government has tabled Bill C‑2, which would grant immigration authorities broader powers to cancel or suspend certain immigration applications or permits in bulk. As of today, the bill is at second reading in the House of Commons. Immigration News CanadaIf passed, this could affect many pending applications, especially in cases where processing has been delayed or where applications are considered lower priority under new criteria. Immigration News Canada

• Higher Financial Proof for Study PermitsEffective September 1, 2025, IRCC raised the financial requirement for international students applying for study permits. Applicants must now show significantly greater funds to cover not only tuition but living costs and related expenses. The Times of India

• Settlement Funds Raised for Atlantic Immigration & Other StreamsAs of July 29, 2025, the minimum required settlement funds under the Atlantic Immigration Program and certain other economic immigration programs have been increased. The new baseline is 12.5% of the Low Income Cut‑Off (LICO). The Economic Times

• Language Test Flexibility ExpandedIRCC will begin recognizing TOEFL Essentials (offered by ETS) for certain permanent residency applications as another accepted way to prove English proficiency. This option is generally more affordable and shorter than some standard tests. The Times of India

Latest Numbers & Trends

• Declining Approvals for Student Visas & Work PermitsBetween January and April 2025, the study permit approval rate dropped to about 43%. Work permit approvals during that period stood at approximately 69%. The Economic Times+1These figures suggest stricter scrutiny for temporary resident applications.

• Mid‑Year Data: Permanent & Temporary Resident Programs

  • Study Permits: ~149,860 issued in the first half of 2025, down sharply from ~245,055 in the same period in 2024. Canada Immigration Services

  • International Mobility Program (IMP): 302,280 IMP work permits issued in first half of 2025, down from 410,825 in 2024. Canada Immigration Services

  • Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Issued ~105,195 permits in first half of 2025, slightly down compared to prior years but relatively stable. Canada Immigration Services

  • Permanent Residents: Canada admitted ~207,650 permanent residents in the first six months of 2025. Despite declines in several temporary permit categories, Canada remains on track to meet its permanent resident target for 2025. Canada Immigration Services

Implications for Clients

• If you’re applying for a study permit, you’ll need stronger proof of finances than before. Be sure your documentation clearly shows you can cover tuition + living costs.

• For those on temporary permits (work, mobility, student), expect longer waits or stricter refusals, particularly where prior years’ approvals were more permissive.

• The introduction of Bill C‑2 means that previously submitted applications may be at risk of cancellation or suspension under broader authority. Keeping up to date with your application status and compliance will be more important.

• Using TOEFL Essentials may be a good way to reduce costs and time where language proof is needed. Check whether your application type accepts that test.

• With fewer study permits and IMP work permits being issued, competition may increase; candidates should ensure FTAs, credentials, and application completeness are as strong as possible.

Canada Immigration Update — September 17, 2025