Source: Official Government Reports and Immigration Data
Recent Express Entry Draws Highlight Skilled Occupation Focus
A series of Express Entry draws held over the past week have seen varied trends in the issuance of Invitations to Apply (ITAs). On September 18, 2025, a targeted draw for trade occupations issued 1,250 ITAs, with a CRS cut-off of 505. Earlier, on September 17, 2025, a draw focusing on education occupations granted 2,500 ITAs, with a CRS cut-off of 462. The most recent draw, on September 15, 2025, under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), issued 228 ITAs, with a notably higher CRS cut-off of 746. These figures continue to emphasize Canada’s need for skilled
workers in high-demand sectors.
Immigration Processing Delays Spark Concern
A recent report from the 2025 IRCC Minister Transition Binder has raised alarms over severe delays in immigration processing times, with some applications facing waiting periods extending into decades. As of September 17, 2025, IRCC processing times are fluctuating due to Canada’s 2025-2027 immigration Levels Plan targeting 395,000 immigrants in 2025, 380,000 in 2026, and 365,000 in 2027.
Changes to International Student Regulations
New regulations impacting international students were recently introduced, including an increase in permitted off-campus work hours from 20 to 24 hours per week. The changes, which came into effect in September 2025, also include enhanced monitoring and compliance requirements for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Additionally, the Canadian government has announced a 10% reduction in the study permit caps for 2025, compared to the previous year.
Border Services Report Decrease in Traveler Volume
The Cananda Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported a 7% decrease in air travel volumes and a significant 31% decline in land travel during the summer of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. The drop in traveler volume is attributed to a mix of global travel trends and ongoing border security measures. Additionally, a new immigrant detention facility in Saine-Anne-des-Plaines, which opened in July 2025, is currently operating to accommodate high-risk detainees. A current agreement with Ontario for detainee management is set to expire by September 2025.
Temporary Public Policies Extended Amidst Ongoing Challenges
Canada has extended several temporary public policies, including: • Work permit exemptions for permanent residency applicants, which will remain in effect until December 2024. • A special policy for Iranian nationals, allowing them to extend their stay if they arrived in Canada before February 28, 2025. • Ongoing facilitation for candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and temporary foreign workers switching employers.
Legal and Regulatory Developments
The Canada Gazette recently published amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, particularly concerning document cancellation authorities. Other regulatory updates include adjustments to study permit work hour limits and new compliance standards for Designated Learning Institutions.
Conclusion: Expanding Gaps and Ongoing Scrutiny
If you have a question about your potential immigration application or a denied application, contact us.
