Abramovich Immigration Law presents weekly news reviews on Canadian immigration policy changes. We provide timely information to help clients navigate evolving procedures and requirements. Follow us on social media for the latest developments.

IRCC announced Express Entry categories for 2025, prioritizing in-Canada experience

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced Canada’s 2025 Express Entry categories, introducing a strategic shift to prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience. The new approach aims to address evolving labour market needs by focusing on the Canadian Experience Class while continuing category-based draws for individuals with strong French language skills or experience in healthcare, trades, and education. A newly added education category further aligns with the country’s long-term workforce requirements.

This targeted immigration strategy reflects Canada’s commitment to sustainable economic growth through selective immigration. By prioritizing those already working in Canada and those with skills in high-demand sectors, the government seeks to address critical labour shortages while supporting the integration of newcomers. The continued emphasis on French-speaking candidates underscores Canada’s dedication to fostering Francophone communities outside Quebec. These adjustments represent a responsive approach to immigration that balances economic prosperity with well-managed population growth.

Canadian provinces propose PNP reforms to streamline the immigration process

IRCC has proposed regulatory amendments to improve the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by eliminating overlapping assessment processes. The changes would make provinces solely responsible for evaluating candidates’ economic establishment potential and intent to reside, removing federal duplication. Currently in the public feedback stage until March 24, 2025, these amendments represent a significant step toward enhancing federal-provincial cooperation in immigration management while maintaining program integrity.

Since its inception in 1998, PNPs have successfully redistributed economic immigrants across Canada, increasing settlement outside major receiving centers from 11% to 31% by 2022. Under the current two-step system, provinces first nominate candidates based on criteria including education, language skills, and work experience. In contrast, IRCC conducts a second review of the same factors during permanent residence application processing. The proposed changes would streamline this process, bringing efficiencies to IRCC and CBSA operations while respecting the shared federal-provincial responsibility for immigration.

The Government of Canada extended support measures for Ukrainian nationals until 2026

The Government of Canada has announced an extension of temporary measures for Ukrainians who fled to Canada following Russia’s invasion. Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed that Ukrainians who arrived under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program before March 31, 2024, will now have an opportunity until March 31, 2026, to apply for or renew work permits valid for up to three years. This extension also applies to study permit applications, though standard fees will apply.

The measures aim to provide continued stability for nearly 300,000 Ukrainians who sought refuge in Canada while acknowledging that many hope to return home eventually. “Our aim is to offer protection while recognizing the long-term goal for many to return home when it is safe and there is a proper peace,” stated Minister Miller. Free settlement services for Ukrainian temporary residents will remain available until March 31, 2025, and the government continues to evaluate how immigration programs can best support those affected by the ongoing conflict.

Temporary resident application refusals hit record high in 2024

Canadian immigration officials rejected 2.36 million temporary resident applications in 2024, representing 50% of all applications—a significant increase from the 35% refusal rate in 2023. This marks the highest rejection rate since 2019, with visitor visas facing the steepest decline as 54% were denied. Study permit rejections also climbed dramatically from 38% to 52%, while work permit refusals slightly decreased to 22%. These restrictions align with the government’s effort to address Canada’s housing crisis and cost-of-living concerns.

Despite implementing tighter controls on new entrants, Canada appears more lenient toward those already within its borders. Applications for visitor records, which allow migrants to remain legally without work or study privileges, doubled since 2019 to nearly 390,000 in 2024. The government approved over 321,000 of these extensions last year, maintaining a low 5% refusal rate. The juxtaposition between rigorous entry criteria and more accommodating extension policies indicates that Canada is strategically managing immigration inflows while providing continuity for individuals who have already established temporary residence status within the country.

Canada’s deportation numbers surge amid growing removal backlog

Canada’s deportation numbers have climbed significantly, with the Canada Border Services Agency reporting 16,860 enforced removals in 2024 – an 11 percent increase from 2023 and the highest level since 2019. This surge comes amid a staggering backlog of approximately half a million foreign nationals awaiting removal, including 30,000 wanted by officials and 21,000 who cannot be removed due to various restrictions.

The removal inventory, which stood at 485,359 people as of December 31, is distributed unevenly across the country, with 197,029 in Quebec and 120,273 in Ontario, while about 123,000 remain unassigned to any region. Mexico topped the list of deportation destinations with 3,579 removals, followed by India (1,932) and Colombia (956). Among those removed, 13,527 were failed refugee claimants, and 2,261 were deported for immigration non-compliance, while criminal cases accounted for 860 removals.

Immigration alone cannot solve Canada’s demographic challenges

A new study by Dan Hiebert for the Migration Policy Institute’s Transatlantic Council on Migration reveals that while immigration can help grow Canada’s population, it cannot fully resolve the country’s demographic challenges. With one of the world’s lowest fertility rates at 1.26 children per woman, Canada has relied on immigration for its entire labour force growth over the past decade. However, research shows that even under high immigration scenarios, the old-age dependency ratio would continue to rise over the next 50 years, as immigrants themselves eventually age and retire.

The report suggests Canada needs a comprehensive population strategy beyond short-term immigration targets. Such a strategy would require calibrating immigration levels with social spending and infrastructure investments, adopting longer planning horizons beyond the current three-year population plans, and addressing the divergent needs of fast-growing urban areas versus depopulating rural regions. Hiebert notes that Canada’s traditionally strong pro-immigration consensus has weakened amid concerns about housing costs and public services, emphasizing that policymakers must engage in honest conversations about demographic challenges and the limitations of immigration as a solution.

Canada’s education sector could counter Trump’s tariffs

As Canada formulates its response to President Trump’s tariffs on Canadian exports, the postsecondary education sector presents a strategic opportunity. In 2022, international students contributed approximately $37 billion to the Canadian economy through tuition, accommodation, and other expenses—nearly double the $19 billion contribution of the automotive industry. Unlike region-specific sectors, educational institutions span the entire country, serving as crucial employers in their communities with the capacity for additional international students.

Although recent limitations on international student programs were implemented with valid justification, they currently pose a risk to a significant export market and may potentially diminish the quality of Canadian education. A refined strategic approach could optimize benefits while addressing previous challenges. Prioritizing university-level students who contribute higher tuition fees ($34,000-$53,000 compared to $16,000-$22,000 at colleges) and making substantial contributions to research initiatives would enhance Canada’s competitive position. Strategic collaboration among educational institutions and across all levels of government could position Canada as a premier destination for international education while simultaneously strengthening economic resilience.

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complex Canadian immigration system with ease and confidence. With years of dedicated experience, our immigration lawyers provide personalized guidance through various pathways to Canadian permanent residence, including Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, family sponsorship, and business immigration. We handle everything from initial consultations to application preparation and submission. Contact us today for an eligibility evaluation and customized immigration strategy tailored to your goals of making Canada your new home.