Canadian Immigration News, October 1, 2025.

Nina A
Oct 1
2 min read

A bright, realistic desk scene: Canadian passport and medical exam form beside a printed checklist titled “Express Entry – Up-front medical,” a calendar with October 9 circled in red (PGP deadline), a laptop screen open to “IRCC Rounds of Invitations,” and a folder labeled “Proof of Funds” for a study permit. Soft daylight, tidy layout, subtle maple-leaf mug in frame.

Suppose Canadian immigration news feels like alphabet soup (IRCC, PNP, AIP… huh?), this week’s quick guide breaks it down in plain English. Think of it as your Monday morning coffee chat: what changed, why it matters, and what you should do next.

What’s new this week (and why you should care)

1) Study-permit money rules just went up

Starting September 1, students must show more funds when applying for a study permit—so your bank letters and GICs need to meet the higher bar before you click “submit.” The update is now live in IRCC’s instructions. Canada.gc.ca

Why it matters: Applications with outdated proof of funds are getting refused. Fix the numbers before you apply.

2) Express Entry fired off three rounds in early September

Sept 2: Provincial Nominee Program draw — 249 invitations, CRS 772.
Sept 3: Canadian Experience Class — 1,000 invitations, CRS 534.
Sept 4: French-proficiency round — 4,500 invitations, CRS 446.All three are listed in IRCC’s official rounds table. Canada.gc.ca +1

Why it matters: Francophone candidates saw the lowest cut-off. If you speak French (or can improve your test scores), this is a real edge.

3) Parents & Grandparents Program (PGP): hard deadline

If you received an invite this summer, your PGP application must be in by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 9, 2025—no exceptions. Canada.gc.ca +1

Why it matters: Miss the date, and you’ll likely be waiting another year.

4) Up-front medicals now required for Express Entry

From August 21, Express Entry applicants must complete the medical exam before they apply (an “up-front” medical). Book a panel physician early to avoid delays. Canada.gc.ca

Why it matters: Submitting without a completed medical can stall your application.

5) Atlantic Immigration Program: settlement funds updated

As of July 29, the minimum funds for the AIP were recalibrated to 12.5% of LICO (annual refresh). Check the new table and make sure your proof matches. Canada.gc.ca +1

Why it matters: Even a small shortfall can trigger a refusal—double-check the dollar figure for your family size.

Quick hits & dates to bookmark

Sept 2–4: Three Express Entry draws with very different cut-offs. Canada.gc.ca +1
Oct 9 (11:59 p.m. ET): Last day to file a complete PGP application (by invitation only). Canada.gc.ca
Now: Study-permit proof-of-funds increase in effect. Canada.gc.ca
Now: Up-front medical required for Express Entry applicants. Canada.gc.ca
Since July 29: AIP settlement funds table updated (12.5% of LICO). Canada.gc.ca

What to do this week (plain-language checklist)

Students: Update your proof of funds to the new amount and include a clear letter of explanation about how you’ll pay for studies and living costs. Canada.gc.ca
Express Entry candidates: Book your medical exam now if you plan to submit soon; keep language tests and documents current. Canada.gc.ca
Francophone (or bilingual) applicants: Consider a French test—recent cut-offs were friendlier for French-proficiency draws. Canada.gc.ca
AIP hopefuls: Re-calculate your settlement funds for your family size using the updated table and collect clean bank statements. Canada.gc.ca
PGP invitees: Build a mini timeline backward from Oct 9 to gather police checks, tax docs, and civil status records without a last-minute scramble. Canada.gc.ca

Canadian Immigration News