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Canada Immigration Updates 2025: IRCC Mid-Year Highlights

  • Nina A
  • 5 days ago
  • 2 min read


Canada’s 2025 immigration landscape is shifting: study and work permits decline, TOEFL Essentials joins PR options, Express Entry rules tighten, and the Parents & Grandparents Program reopens. Here’s what these IRCC updates mean for applicants.

Canada Immigration Updates 2025 snapshot: Immigration to Canada is undergoing major changes in 2025. New IRCC data reveals sharp drops in temporary residence, new testing options for PR, updated Express Entry rules, and the relaunch of family sponsorship programs. Here’s what applicants and families need to know.


International Students and Workforce Arrivals Decline

Between January and June 2025, Canada admitted 214,520 fewer international students and temporary foreign workers compared to 2024.

  • Study permits: 88,617 fewer issued.

  • Work permits: 125,903 fewer granted

👉 This slowdown means longer processing times and tighter competition for both students and workers.


TOEFL Essentials Approved for PR Applications

IRCC now accepts TOEFL Essentials for select permanent residency (PR) streams.

  • Shorter and more affordable than other tests

  • Expands flexibility for applicants worldwide

This update helps those looking for a budget-friendly English test option for Canadian immigration.


Express Entry Updates and Medical Exam Rule

Recent Express Entry Draws

  • August 18, 2025: 192 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates invited; CRS cutoff 800 (+61 points from last draw).

  • August 19, 2025: 2,500 invitations to healthcare and social services workers; CRS cutoff 470 (–5 points).

New Medical Exam Requirement

As of August 21, 2025, all Express Entry applicants must complete upfront medical examinations before submitting PR applications. This is expected to speed up processing.


IRCC Mid-Year Report: PR vs. Temporary Residents

  • Permanent residents (PRs) admitted: 207,650 in H1 2025, keeping pace to exceed the 395

    ,000 annual target.

  • Temporary workers:

    • IMP permits: 302,280 (decline)

    • TFWP permits: 105,195 (steady)

👉 Canada continues to prioritize permanent residence while tightening certain temporary pathways.


Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2025

The PGP has reopened.

  • Invitations to Apply (ITAs) began on July 28, 2025

  • Deadline: October 9, 2025, 10:00 p.m. ET

This is a key chance for families to sponsor parents and grandparents.


Looking Ahead to 2026 – Leadership & Innovation Category

IRCC is consulting on a new Express Entry category for 2026:

  • Leadership & Innovation – aimed at attracting top-tier global talent and innovators.This could open new PR pathways for skilled professionals in emerging fields.


New Financial Threshold for Atlantic Immigration

Since July 29, 2025, the minimum settlement funds for the Atlantic Immigration Program and other economic streams now equal 12.5% of the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO).

  • Applicants must show stronger financial readiness

  • Ensures newcomers have resources for settlement


What This Means for Applicants

  • Temporary Residence Slowdown: Expect longer waits for study and work permits.

  • New TOEFL Option: TOEFL Essentials is now a valid PR test.

  • Express Entry Changes: PNP thresholds are tougher; healthcare workers may benefit.

  • Medical Exams: Required before PR submission.

  • Family Sponsorship: Don’t miss the PGP October 9 deadline.

  • Financial Proof: Update funds for Atlantic & economic streams.

  • Future Pathways: Watch for the Leadership & Innovation stream in 2026.

    (Canada Immigration Updates 2025)

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