Daily Immigration Brief – Canada November 21, 2025

Daily Immigration Brief – Canada November 21, 2025 Snapshots: Canada’s immigration system is witnessing several key shifts last month — from fresh draw results to updated policy direction and processing insights. Below is what applicants, employers and advisors need to know.

On October 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a large‑scale draw under the Express Entry system for candidates with French‑language proficiency, issuing 6,000 invitations with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 416. CIC TIMES+1
Earlier, on October 27, 2025, a PNP‑category draw issued 302 ITAs with a much higher cut‑off of 761. Business Today+1
Data indicate that the department currently has over 2 million applications in its active inventory. ImmigCanada+1
Policy updates: Open work permits for individuals in the temporary resident to permanent resident (TR-to-PR) pathway have been extended until the end of 2026. ImmigCanada+1
International‑student entry has dropped sharply — new study permit issuance in the first half of 2025 was down approximately 60% compared with the same period in 2024. The PIE News

If you speak French: The latest Express Entry draw emphasizes French-language ability (CRS 416) — this presents a strong opportunity for bilingual applicants.
Provincial‑nominee route remains competitive: A 302‑invite draw with CRS 761 signals that PNP‑linked streams have high thresholds right now — firm profiles and provincial support are essential.
Big decisions are coming soon: With the Levels Plan due by early November, federal targets for admissions — both permanent and temporary — are likely to remain stable or undergo modest adjustments. Applicants should prepare accordingly rather than expect significant expansions.
Timing matters: With over 2 million applications in the pipeline, expect processing times to vary significantly — the earlier you apply with a well‑prepared file, the better your chances of smoother processing.
Work rights extended: If you’re in the TR‑to‑PR stream (e.g., temporary worker turning permanent), the extension of open work permits to 2026 brings essential stability.
For students & study permit applicants: With a 60% drop in new student‑permit entries, the competition remains intense — ensure your institution, program and pathway to PR are solid before moving ahead.

Encourage clients to strengthen French‑language skills (oral/written) if possible — it’s clearly an advantageous factor.
For employer-sponsored or PNP applications, ensure that job offers, labour-market alignment, and provincial support are clearly evidenced — high CRS scores are being achieved.
Keep a close eye on the Levels Plan release — it will influence planning for the 2026‑28 intake, and could affect stream volumes and priorities.
Highlight to clients that filing early, with complete documentation, remains critical given the large inventory and potential for delay.
For students, recommend a pathway-to-PR review (explaining how the study program leads to work and permanent-residence
eligibility), not just the study permit itself.
Firms should update processing‑time assumptions and set realistic expectations with clients — indicated delays remain non‑trivial.