Abramovich Immigration Law presents weekly news reviews on Canadian immigration policy updates, ensuring you have access to clear, accurate information about regulatory changes. Follow our official social media channels for updates on new policies and procedural modifications that may impact your immigration journey.

IRCC conducted back-to-back Express Entry draws: PNP and CEC candidates received 3,356 invitations

In early July 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held two rounds of invitations through the Express Entry system, granting a total of 3,356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The first draw, held on July 7 (draw #354), was exclusive to Provincial Nominee Program applicants and required a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750, resulting in 356 ITAs. The second draw took place on July 8 (draw #355), focusing on Canadian Experience Class candidates with a CRS threshold of 518, issuing 3,000 invitations. These back-to-back selections support Canada’s 2025 immigration goals, bringing the cumulative number of ITAs this year to 45,201 across 25 draws. Currently, over 256,000 profiles are active in the Express Entry pool.

Express Entry remains Canada’s primary pathway for skilled individuals pursuing permanent residence. The system ranks applicants using the Comprehensive Ranking System, which considers factors like age, education, professional background, and language skills. Since 2015, Express Entry has transformed immigration by streamlining processing times and establishing a transparent selection process that prioritizes candidates with substantial economic potential, enabling Canada to address workforce gaps and sustain economic growth. Contact Abramovich Immigration Law today for expert guidance on Express Entry applications and maximize your chances of securing permanent residency in Canada.

Statistics Canada reported an increase in Canadian emigration rates

Recent data from Statistics Canada reveals a gradual increase in emigration from Canada, with 27,086 people leaving the country during the first quarter of 2025, continuing an upward trend from previous years. This represents a significant rise from 25,394 in Q1 2022, 25,536 in Q1 2023, and 26,293 in Q1 2024. Simultaneously, federal reductions have led to a decrease in immigration levels, contributing to a noticeable slowdown in Canada’s overall population growth, according to official analysis.

Statistical research indicates that emigration patterns among previous immigrants to Canada show concerning retention rates. Approximately 5.1 percent of immigrants admitted between 1982 and 2017 left Canada within their first five years, with this figure climbing dramatically to 17.5 percent after twenty years of residency. While emigration peaked at over 31,000 in Q3 2017, with similar highs in mid-2018 and 2019, it reached its lowest point (7,431) during Q2 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, before beginning to climb again.

Canada faces challenges in meeting temporary immigration reduction targets

Canada’s recent target to reduce temporary immigration by 5 percent faces significant implementation challenges, according to immigration experts. While the goal acknowledges growing concerns about housing and service pressures, officials emphasize that quality should guide reform efforts over quantity. Asylum system changes must protect those with legitimate claims while preventing misuse as an alternative pathway to residency, and student permit adjustments should prioritize high-quality applicants rather than simply expanding numerical caps.

Immigration authorities emphasize the need for a more coordinated approach that combines realistic targets, enhanced data systems, and effective enforcement mechanisms. The current challenges reflect not only a numerical issue but also a structural one, requiring comprehensive policy solutions. Experts note that Canada’s growing dependence on temporary residents cannot be addressed through simple reductions, as these populations fulfill critical economic and labour market needs across various sectors, particularly in education and healthcare.

Nearly half of racialized Canadians reported discrimination

A new Statistics Canada study reveals that 45% of racialized Canadians experienced discrimination in the past five years, with 81% facing multiple incidents. The research demonstrates a stark contrast in mental health outcomes, with discrimination victims reporting nearly double the rate of poor mental health (24%) compared to those who didn’t experience discrimination (13%). However, the study highlights a crucial protective factor: strong social connections significantly mitigate these negative impacts.

The 2023-2024 Survey Series on People and their Communities found that discrimination victims with strong family relationships were three times less likely to report poor mental health (13%) than those without such support (42%). Additionally, victims with robust social networks showed higher life satisfaction and greater hope regarding Canadian unity, democracy, and economic opportunities. These findings underscore the vital role that meaningful social connections play in buffering the psychological harm caused by racial discrimination, potentially informing future intervention strategies.

Bill C-2 sparks debate over similarities to the US immigration policies

The Strong Border, Safe Communities Act (Bill C-2) has garnered significant attention due to provisions that would authorize cabinet officials to revoke immigration documentation, prompting comparisons to more stringent international regulatory frameworks. An opposition spokesperson has expressed reservations that this legislation appears to emulate controversial policies implemented in the United States, noting their concern that “Canada would go down that road.” Government representatives have provided assurance that such authority would be exercised only during exigent circumstances and following appropriate authorization protocols.

Critics from multiple political parties have identified several contentious elements in the bill that potentially threaten civil liberties, including provisions allowing intelligence agencies to access customer information from online service providers under certain circumstances. The legislation also proposes giving the immigration minister the authority to pause the acceptance and processing of immigration applications during emergencies. Human rights advocates warn this could severely impact applicants who invest significant resources in the immigration process, with no guarantee of refunds if applications are cancelled.

Canadian language schools see 18% enrollment drop due to policy shifts

In 2024, Canadian language schools faced a notable decline, with enrollment numbers falling by 18% and total student weeks shrinking by 21% compared to the previous year. Languages Canada’s 2024 Annual Survey Report highlights that 82% of language institutions cited visa denials and recent IRCC policy changes as their main obstacles. Despite these setbacks, the industry still generated around CAD $1.04 billion for the Canadian economy, fueled by spending on tuition, housing, and living costs from more than 92,500 international students.

Asia emerged as the leading sending region, accounting for 48% of all student weeks and 42% of enrollments, with Japan maintaining its position as the top source market. Latin American countries, including Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, continued to be significant contributors despite the overall decline. General language programs continued to be the most popular option, representing 76% of total enrollments, while pathway programs suffered the most severe impact, with a 56% decrease. Languages Canada Executive Director Gonzalo Peralta emphasized the vital role of language education and expressed hope that the new government would “steady the ship of immigration and adjust policies” to benefit Canada’s educational institutions.

International tourism to Canada experiences a 14.2% decline in June 2025

The latest data released by Statistics Canada reveals a significant downturn in international arrivals to Canada, with June 2025 marking the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. Total international arrivals, combining returning Canadian residents and non-residents, reached 5.2 million in June 2025, reflecting a substantial 14.2% decrease compared to the same period last year. This decline was particularly pronounced in US-resident trips to Canada by automobile, which fell by 10.4% to 1.4 million, while non-resident arrivals by air remained virtually unchanged at 1.3 million.

Canadian-resident return trips also showed concerning trends, with air returns declining by 3.4% to 1.2 million and automobile returns from the US plummeting by 33.1% to 1.3 million. Despite the overall downward trajectory, the data indicates a notable surge in cross-border travel immediately preceding Canada Day, with US-resident arrivals on June 27-28 exceeding the month’s average by 23%. This seasonal pattern highlights the impact of holiday periods on international travel, even amid broader tourism challenges facing the Canadian market.

Abramovich Immigration Law is your trusted partner in navigating the complex immigration process. With our expert guidance, personalized approach, and proven track record of success, your path to Canadian residency can be smoother than you ever imagined. Contact Abramovich Immigration Law today for a consultation and take the first step toward your new life in Canada.