Weekly Canadian Immigration News Review & IRCC Updates September 15-21 2025

Lev Abramovich

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A founding partner of Abramovich Immigration Law and a skilled litigator, Lev focuses exclusively on immigration and refugee law. His immigration practice is focused on complex corporate and personal immigration and refugee law matters.

Weekly Canadian Immigration News Review & IRCC Updates September 15-21 2025

Abramovich Immigration Law provides an immigration news review on Canadian immigration developments for the third week of September. Follow our social media channels to stay informed about the latest immigration news and policy changes.

IRCC Conducted Three Express Entry Draws, Inviting Nearly 4,000 Candidates Across Different Selection Categories

In mid-September 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted three consecutive Express Entry draws, targeting different candidate categories. The series began on September 15 with 228 Provincial Nominee Program invitations (CRS cut-off: 746), followed by 2,500 invitations for education professionals on September 17 (CRS cut-off: 462), and concluded with the year’s first skilled trades draw on September 18, issuing 1,250 invitations (CRS cut-off: 505). These strategic draws bring Canada’s 2025 total to 65,547 invitations through 38 draws, demonstrating the government’s continued commitment to targeted immigration pathways.

As Canada continues to refine its Express Entry system, navigating the diverse selection categories and shifting CRS cut-offs requires professional guidance. Express Entry remains Canada’s premier immigration pathway for skilled workers, offering a streamlined process for permanent residency through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in optimizing Express Entry profiles and maximizing your chances for invitation success. Contact us today for a personalized consultation on how to strategically position yourself for Canada’s upcoming Express Entry draws.

Canada Advises Early Visa Applications For The 2026 World Cup Amid Processing Concerns

Canadian immigration officials are urging international football fans to begin their visa application process well in advance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With unprecedented visa processing delays affecting all three host nations — Canada, the United States, and Mexico — experts recommend initiating applications now, despite the tournament being nearly two years away. Current wait times for US visa interviews exceed 800 days in some countries, while Canada’s visitor visa processing also faces significant backlogs.

Unlike previous tournaments in Qatar, Russia, and Brazil, the 2026 World Cup will not implement a special Fan ID system that simplifies entry procedures for ticket holders. This absence, confirmed by FIFA’s hospitality partner On Location, means visitors must navigate standard immigration channels across three different national systems. Canadian officials are working closely with their American and Mexican counterparts to potentially develop streamlined border-crossing protocols for ticket holders travelling between host cities. While challenges remain significant, authorities express confidence that solutions will be implemented before the tournament commences in June 2026.

Immigration Rises to the Top Five National Issues as Canadians Remain Concerned About the Direction of the Country

Immigration now ranks among the top five national concerns at 28%. The survey, conducted just before Parliament’s return, reveals partisan divides on the issue, with 37% of Conservative voters rating immigration as a priority compared to just 20% of Liberal supporters. This places immigration firmly in the second tier of national concerns, with Conservatives holding a commanding 43-point lead over Liberals (60% to 17%) on perceived ability to handle the issue.

The poll also highlights persistent pessimism about Canada’s direction, with 49% believing the country is on the wrong track versus 35% seeing it moving in the right direction. Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Mark Carney maintains stable approval ratings at 50%, with a net favourability of +18. Politically, the landscape remains highly competitive with Liberals and Conservatives tied at 40% in voting intentions. At the same time, notable demographic shifts show seniors moving away from the Liberal camp, with their support dropping from 45% to 42% since early September, as Conservative support among this group increased to 40%.

Canada’s Job Market Contracts: Vacancies Hit Seven-Year Low as Unemployment Rises

Canadian job vacancies declined significantly in Q2 2025, falling by 18,900 (-3.6%) to 505,900, marking the lowest level since Q1 2018. This continues a downward trend following the previous quarter’s 3.7% decrease and represents a substantial 12.6% year-over-year reduction. The contraction primarily affected full-time positions, which dropped by 5.1%, while both permanent and temporary positions experienced declines of 3.4% and 4.5% respectively. Total labour demand also decreased by 0.3% due to combined reductions in job vacancies and payroll employment.

Analysis reveals troubling trends for highly educated job seekers, with the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio reaching 4.9 for positions requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher — the highest across all educational categories. This represents a significant increase from 2024 figures, indicating growing challenges for university graduates. Meanwhile, wage growth for vacant positions has decelerated to 4.5% year-over-year, down from 6.1% in Q1, though still outpacing the 3.3% growth in average employee wages. Regional disparities persist, with Quebec and Ontario experiencing the most significant numerical decreases in job vacancies.

Ten Arrested as Anti-Immigration Rally Clashes with Counter-Protesters at Toronto’s Historic Christie Pits Park

Tensions escalated at Toronto’s Christie Pits Park when a “Canada First” demonstration advocating for deportations and reduced immigration was met with substantial counter-protests, resulting in ten arrests. The confrontation occurred at a historically significant site, known for a 1933 antisemitic riot. Police, including mounted units, were deployed to maintain order as the opposing groups faced off in several tense standoffs.

Anti-immigration demonstrators carrying Canadian flags marched from the park onto Bloor Street West and through downtown, while hundreds of counter-protesters remained at Christie Pits, engaging in community activities including drumming and distributing refreshments. City Councillor Dianne Saxe had previously condemned the rally as a “hate demonstration,” expressing concern over the choice of location given its historical context. Toronto Police confirmed the arrests occurred throughout the afternoon but have not yet provided details on specific charges.

Bilingualism Drives Economic Success for Minority Language Immigrants in Canada

A new IRCC study reveals that official language minority immigrants achieve better economic outcomes when they master the majority language of their region. According to the research, French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec who reported English proficiency experienced a 65% increase in median annual earnings over 10 years, eventually surpassing their English-speaking counterparts. The research analyzed data from over 69,000 French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec and nearly 190,000 English-speaking immigrants in Quebec between 2005 and 2021.

Despite similar sociodemographic profiles to majority language immigrants – with most having university degrees and being predominantly economic immigrants – minority language speakers initially faced lower employment rates and incomes. However, French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec, of whom nearly 51% reported English proficiency, eventually closed economic gaps, while English-speaking immigrants in Quebec, with only 14.7% reporting French knowledge, experienced widening wage disparities. These findings underscore the importance of balancing official language promotion with practical economic integration, suggesting that knowledge of the majority official language significantly impacts immigrants’ professional development and financial success.

Canadians Show Anxiety Amid Pragmatism as Parliament resumes

A recent Abacus Data report reveals that as Parliament reconvenes, Canadians are navigating a complex emotional landscape characterized by economic anxiety and pragmatic expectations. The polling data indicate that citizens are concerned about affordability, housing accessibility, and healthcare challenges, while simultaneously monitoring global instability, including trade tensions with the United States and international conflicts.

Canadians are increasingly skeptical of abstract policy promises and instead demand concrete solutions with tangible household benefits. The current political landscape — featuring a tight race between Mark Carney’s Liberals and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives — amplifies this dynamic, as both parties compete for public trust. Leaders who successfully align their strategies with this pragmatic mindset by demonstrating competence, providing clear communication, and delivering measurable improvements to everyday life will likely find the most receptive audience among an anxious but practical Canadian populace.

Abramovich Immigration Law offers comprehensive guidance throughout your journey establishing residence in Canada. We facilitate various immigration routes, with a demonstrated history of success across numerous cases. Contact Abramovich Immigration Law for expert guidance through Canada’s immigration regulations.

Lev Abramovich

A founding partner of Abramovich Immigration Law and a skilled litigator, Lev focuses exclusively on immigration and refugee law. His immigration practice is focused on complex corporate and personal immigration and refugee law matters.