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Canadian Immigration Update, October 13, 2025

  • Nina A
  • Oct 13
  • 3 min read
A clean, modern infographic style image, showing a map of Canada with icons for student, skilled worker, province nomination, and decisions / approvals rates. Perhaps a person (immigrant) looking at paperwork + financial symbols (money, bankbooks) + English test certificate. Use cool tones (blues, greens) with accent color to highlight the drops in approval rates and increases in financial requirements.

Canadian Immigration Update, October 13, 2025 Snapshots: Immigration policy developments over the past weeks reflect Canada’s increasingly fine-tuned balancing act: supporting the labour force and economic needs, strengthening integrity, and managing immigration volumes in line with national targets. Below are the key changes and their implications for prospective immigrants.


What’s New

  1. Higher Financial Requirements for International Students. As of September 1, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has increased the amount of funds that international students must demonstrate when applying for study permits. The purpose: to ensure students can cover living costs and incidental expenses in addition to tuition. The Times of India Implication: Applicants from regions with lower incomes may find this barrier more challenging. Tuition and living costs estimates should be calculated carefully; underestimating may result in refusal.

  2. New English Test Option: TOEFL Essentials Accepted IRCC will now accept TOEFL Essentials as proof of English proficiency for specific permanent residence applications. This test is shorter and tends to be more accessible (in terms of cost and scheduling) than some alternatives. The Times of India+1 Implication: Applicants who found existing tests difficult due to cost, availability, or preparation time may benefit; check whether your intended category accepts this new test option.

  3. Asylum Claim Volumes Rising Sharply. Canada saw 57,440 asylum claims in the first half of 2025, putting the country on pace for over 100,000 by year-end. Backlogs at the Immigration & Refugee Board remain very large, causing long wait times. Those awaiting asylum claims should expect delayed adjudication; legal and social supports will continue to be in high demand. Policy changes (including proposed legislative adjustments) may further affect eligibility or timing.

  4. Temporary Resident Arrivals Declining; More Permanent Residents from Within Canada. According to recent data, there has been a significant decline in new international student arrivals (approximately 65%) and temporary foreign workers (approximately 34%) in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. However, a significant share of new permanent residents are those already in Canada under temporary status. If you are in Canada under a student, work permit, or other temporary status, pathways to permanent residence may offer relatively stronger chances compared to those still abroad.

  5. IRCC Departmental Plan: Upcoming Permanent and Temporary Pathway Changes. Key points from the IRCC 2025‑2026 Departmental Plan:

    • Making the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot permanent by the end of 2025. CIC News

    • Introduction of a new foreign labour stream, especially targeting the agriculture and fish‑processing sectors. CIC News

    • Changes to eligibility for the PGWP (Post-Graduation

      Work Permit) are tied to the field of study. CIC News

    • Adjustments to spousal open work permit (SOWP) eligibility for spouses of international students/workers. CIC News

    • A roll‑out of an upgraded online client account experience. CIC News Implication: These planned changes will impact many, including students, temporary workers, and spouses. Being aware ahead of implementation will be critical for planning applications or making decisions about study/work options.


What This Means for Applicants

If you’re planning immigration steps to Canada, consider these practical takeaways:

  • Budget more conservatively, especially if applying as a student. Living costs, demands for proof of funds, and unexpected expenses can be higher than anticipated under new rules.

  • Check test requirements carefully: With TOEFL Essentials now accepted for some PR applications, make sure if your category qualifies — and weigh the benefits vs. traditional English tests.

  • If already in Canada temporarily, this may be advantageous — programs favouring internal transitions to permanent residency are growing.

  • Monitor policy timelines: Several changes (e.g., under the departmental plan) are not yet active; knowing when they take effect can help you plan effectively rather than rework an application.

  • Prepare for delays: Backlogs (such as asylum, temporary residence, etc.) may mean timelines stretch; be prepared for this in planning migrations or family reunification.


Canadian Immigration Update, October 13, 2025

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