Abramovich Immigration Law presents weekly news reviews on Canadian immigration policy developments, summarizing key updates to inform you about evolving immigration procedures.. Check our social media for quick updates on new regulations and expert advice.

Canada’s Express Entry: Three major draws welcome over 1,900 newcomers

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted three notable Express Entry draws from April 28 to May 2, 2025, extending 1,921 invitations to prospective immigrants. The initial draw selected 421 Provincial Nominee Program candidates, meeting the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score of 727 points. Subsequently, two sector-specific draws were administered: the first extending 1,000 invitations to education sector professionals (minimum 479 points), and the second issuing 500 invitations to healthcare and social services practitioners (minimum 510 points). These occupation-specific draws were the first of their kind in 2025, demonstrating IRCC’s renewed focus on addressing labour shortages in critical sectors.

Express Entry, Canada’s flagship immigration system, operates on a points-based assessment known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system evaluates candidates based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability, creating a dynamic pool of skilled immigrants ready to contribute to Canada’s economic growth. Candidates receive a CRS score that determines their ranking in the pool, with the highest-scoring candidates receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through regular draws. Abramovich Immigration Law helps skilled immigrants navigate the complex Express Entry process by providing comprehensive guidance on program requirements, document preparation, and application strategies. Contact us to maximize your chances of receiving an ITA.

Immigration debate intensifies as Carney’s plan raises overcrowding concerns

Recent analysis reveals Canada’s immigration landscape has dramatically transformed, with population growth numbers doubling from an average of 320,000 annually (2001-2015) to 612,000 (2016-2023). Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s proposed immigration plan, while acknowledging past issues, maintains significantly higher targets than historical norms, including a one-percent annual permanent resident admission rate and a five-percent cap on temporary residents by 2027.

Critics argue that these targets, though reduced from current levels, still far exceed pre-2020 benchmarks when non-permanent residents comprise less than three percent of the population. The plan’s limitations become apparent in its approach to asylum seekers and naturalized citizens, with no specific measures addressing the surge in asylum claims, which have already reached 29,000 in early 2025, or the increasing strain on housing, employment, and federal support systems.

Ottawa announced new study permit rules for international students

According to a new update, effective May 1, 2025, international students pursuing education in Canada must obtain a new study permit before transferring between educational institutions. This regulatory adjustment supersedes the previous protocol, which permitted institutional transfers through a simple IRCC online account update. Implemented following the November 2024 announcement, this policy revision represents a significant development in the administrative framework governing international student mobility within Canada.

The updated regulations particularly impact post-secondary students, who must now plan their institutional transfers well in advance due to permit processing times. While some exceptions exist for students in extenuating circumstances, most transfers between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) at the post-secondary level will require a new study permit. However, primary and secondary school students maintain more flexibility in their transfer options, provided their existing permits remain valid.

Canada’s healthcare workforce doubles in size, yet faces growing pressures

Canada’s healthcare sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past 25 years, with healthcare workers more than doubling to 898,000 jobs – a 114.8% increase since 1998. This growth rate, averaging 3% annually, doubles the expansion rate across all occupations. Despite this impressive surge, the sector grapples with significant challenges, particularly the aging workforce, with 17.9% of health workers now aged 55 or older.

Immigration has emerged as a crucial solution to workforce renewal, with recent immigrants and non-permanent residents comprising nearly 24% of young nurse aides and patient service associates. However, these newcomers often face underemployment despite high qualifications – a striking 47.1% of recent immigrant nurse aides hold bachelor’s degrees compared to 6.3% of Canadian-born workers. This highlights ongoing challenges in foreign credential recognition and regulatory requirements.

The labour market shows 528,000 available positions across the healthcare, hospitality and retail sectors

According to a recent labour market analysis, Canada currently maintains 528,000 job vacancies as of February 2025, representing a 20% reduction compared to the previous year. The job vacancy rate has reached a more moderate level of 2.9%, declining from 3.7% in February 2024, which suggests a normalization in workforce demand. The healthcare sector continues to lead employment opportunities, comprising approximately 20% of total vacancies, with the hospitality and retail sectors closely behind, accounting for more than 21% of available positions.

Ontario demonstrates the strongest employment growth, with an additional 14,300 positions, bringing the total to 194,600 vacancies. Manitoba leads provincial vacancy rates at 3.5%. The healthcare sector continues to experience substantial workforce demands, maintaining vacancy levels that exceed pre-pandemic benchmarks. In contrast, the financial services and insurance sectors have demonstrated positive momentum with 7,500 new positions, while both the transportation and construction sectors exhibit downward trends in job availability.

Canada enhances scholarship programs for international students

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) announced new scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing their education in Canada. The initiative encompasses several distinguished programs, including the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program and the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships, with durations ranging from 4 months to 4 years. This expansion of educational opportunities reflects Canada’s dedication to cultivating international academic partnerships and promoting educational excellence.

The Canadian International Development Scholarship Program 2030 (CIDS) and the Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) offer comprehensive financial support that encompasses both tuition and living expenses. These prestigious programs accommodate students across the academic spectrum, extending from collegiate and vocational studies to doctoral research, with numerous opportunities for scholarly engagement. Furthermore, SICS participants benefit from post-graduation work permit eligibility, facilitating their professional development in Canada.

Nova Scotia has introduced an online system to manage the Atlantic Immigration Program

Nova Scotia announced an enhanced online endorsement application system for the Atlantic Immigration Program, commencing May 1, 2025. This modernized platform delivers improved efficiency and accessibility, featuring mobile compatibility and robust error prevention mechanisms. Current AIP Designated Employers will need to secure access to the new platform; however, their existing designations will be maintained. Applications received before April 30, 2025, will be processed through the previously established system.

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a specialized immigration pathway designed to help employers in Atlantic Canada – including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador – attract and retain skilled foreign workers and international graduates. Launched as a pilot in 2017 and made permanent in 2022, the program addresses labour shortages in the Atlantic region by streamlining the immigration process for qualified candidates. Abramovich Immigration Law provides expert guidance and support throughout the AIP process, assisting both employers and candidates with designation applications, endorsement requirements, and permanent residence applications under this program.

Abramovich Immigration Law offers comprehensive guidance and personalized solutions to individuals seeking to make Canada their new home. With our proven expertise in Canadian immigration law and a commitment to excellence, we navigate the complex immigration system while working to ensure your application progresses smoothly and efficiently.. Contact us today to begin your journey toward a promising future in Canada.