Abramovich Immigration Law presents comprehensive weekly news reviews on Canadian immigration changes. We offer expert guidance to help you with your Canadian immigration journey. Follow our social media channels to stay informed about the latest developments.

IRCC held a PNP-targeted Express Entry draw following the changes to CRS points

On April 14, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its first Express Entry draw after adjusting the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, exclusively targeting Provincial Nominee Program candidates. The draw #342 issued 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with a minimum CRS score requirement of 764 points. As the Express Entry pool continues to grow, reaching 244,282 registered profiles as of April 13, 2025, Canada maintains its commitment to welcoming newcomers through various immigration pathways. IRCC has already invited 31,508 Express Entry candidates in 2025, with 3,658 of these invitations specifically allocated to PNP candidates.

Express Entry is Canada’s leading immigration system for skilled workers, processing permanent residence applications through various programs and targeted draws. If you are thinking about immigrating to Canada via Express Entry, Abramovich Immigration Law is here to assist you at every stage of the process. Our knowledgeable immigration lawyers can evaluate your eligibility, find ways to enhance your CRS score, and ensure that your application is thorough and accurate. Don’t face the intricate immigration system on your own—reach out to us today for a consultation, and let us help you realize your Canadian immigration goals.

BC PNP shifts focus to healthcare and high-impact candidates amid reduced nominations for 2025

British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) announces strategic changes for 2025, adapting to a 50% reduction in allocation. With only 4,000 nominations available and an existing inventory of 5,200 applications, the program will prioritize approximately 1,100 new applications from healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and high-impact skilled workers. The remaining 2,900 spaces will be filled with previously received applications.

Additionally, the program is introducing notable changes, such as waitlisting International Post-Graduate applications and limiting eligibility in the healthcare stream to direct care providers. The BC PNP will cease general invitation rounds and instead focus on approximately 100 high-impact candidates from a pool of over 10,000 registrants. Early Childhood Educator positions will be prioritized, while Assistant positions will be excluded from targeted draws.

Canada maintains its position as a top international student destination in 2025

According to the Spring 2025 ApplyBoard Student Pulse Survey, Canada continues to dominate as the preferred destination for international students worldwide. The comprehensive survey, which gathered responses from nearly 850 prospective students, revealed that an overwhelming 94 percent expressed interest in studying in Canada, surpassing other major educational destinations, including the United States.

Affordability emerged as the primary factor driving student decisions, with 77 percent of respondents citing affordable tuition as their top consideration. Despite rising global living costs, only 9 percent of students plan to defer their studies. Instead, they are adapting their approach, with 16 percent considering more affordable programs and 11 percent looking into accelerated degree options. The survey also highlighted a growing trend toward graduate programs, with over half of the respondents planning to pursue master’s degrees.

Federal Court ruling opens new path for Start-Up Visa applicants facing IRCC delays

A landmark Federal Court decision in Tousi v. Canada (2025) has established crucial guidelines for processing Start-Up Visa applications, offering hope to approximately 38,000 applicants who have been experiencing extended delays. The ruling explicitly addresses cases where processing times exceed 40 months, compelling the IRCC to either expedite decisions or provide a concrete justification for the delays. The court’s decision has particularly significant implications for tech entrepreneurs and innovative business founders who have been waiting in limbo, as the Start-Up Visa program is designed to attract and retain top global talent.

The decision introduces clear criteria for Mandamus actions, requiring applicants to demonstrate that they have met all program requirements and made prior requests for decisions. This development is particularly significant as IRCC faces increasing pressure to address its growing application backlog from 2020 to 2021. The ruling emphasizes that vague security check claims will no longer suffice as justification for indefinite delays, marking a pivotal shift in immigration processing accountability. Abramovich Immigration Law offers comprehensive counsel on Start-Up Visa applications and the implications of this recent ruling. Schedule a consultation to discuss your application strategy and ensure compliance with current regulatory requirements.

Canada urged to seize ‘window of opportunity’ to attract US healthcare talent

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is calling for immediate action to attract American medical professionals amid job losses in the U.S. healthcare sector. Dr. Joss Reimer, CMA president, emphasizes the need to streamline immigration and licensing processes to prevent missing this crucial opportunity. Several provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia, have already implemented fast-track licensing pathways. Nova Scotia expects 15 US doctors to join their workforce in the coming year.

The initiative comes at a critical time, when Canada faces a significant shortage of healthcare workers, with approximately 23,000 unfilled family doctor positions and 6.5 million Canadians lacking a family doctor. The Canadian healthcare system offers attractive benefits for US medical professionals, including reduced paperwork and the ability to make care decisions based on medical needs rather than insurance constraints. Provincial governments are actively developing recruitment campaigns to highlight these opportunities.

Provincial immigration changes impact international students in Canada

Recent policy modifications have impacted the pathway to permanent residency for international students in Canada through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). The British Columbia Skills Immigration system will be temporarily paused for 2025 due to a 50% reduction in the federal nomination allocation. Additionally, New Brunswick has discontinued its Student Connection stream. These administrative adjustments represent a notable shift in Canada’s immigration framework, with particular implications for international graduates pursuing permanent residence status.

The Express Entry system continues to provide opportunities for international students seeking permanent residency. Notwithstanding the PNP adjustments, the federal government continues to demonstrate ongoing support for in-Canada immigration through its Express Entry framework. This established pathway remains accessible to international students pursuing permanent residency status while provinces adjust their nomination criteria to address workforce demands in essential sectors such as healthcare and construction.

Rising unemployment impacts immigration and healthcare access

Recent changes in Canada’s employment landscape are significantly affecting newcomers’ pathways to permanent residence and access to essential services. With unemployment rates exceeding 6% in many metropolitan areas, the government has implemented stricter Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirements, making it more challenging for employers to hire foreign workers. This policy particularly affects temporary residents seeking employment in regions with higher unemployment rates, such as Windsor (9.3%), Toronto (8.6%), and Edmonton (7.3%).

The ripple effects of unemployment extend beyond job prospects, impacting temporary residents’ access to healthcare services. In several provinces, maintaining public healthcare coverage requires meeting minimum working hours requirements. As competition for available positions intensifies, newcomers face additional hurdles in securing employment that not only provides income but also ensures continued access to essential health services. This situation has prompted many to seek supplementary private health insurance coverage for added security.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in navigating Canada’s complex immigration system, providing personalized guidance for temporary residence permits, permanent residency, and citizenship applications. Do not let paperwork and legal complexities stand between you and your future in Canada – contact us today for a consultation, and let us help make your immigration journey smooth and successful.