Abramovich Immigration Law presents comprehensive weekly updates on Canadian immigration policy updates, maintaining our commitment to keep clients well-informed of regulatory changes. Follow us on social media for the latest immigration news and updates.

IRCC Conducted Express Entry Draws For PNP And CEC Candidates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted two Express Entry draws in mid-May 2025. The first draw, targeting Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates, issued 511 Invitations to Apply (ITA) with a minimum score requirement of 706 points. This was followed by a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw the next day, where 500 candidates received invitations with a cut-off score of 547 points. These latest rounds bring the total number of Express Entry invitations issued in 2025 to 34,440, demonstrating Canada’s ongoing commitment to welcoming skilled immigrants through its various immigration streams.

Express Entry is Canada’s immigration system that manages applications for permanent residence under three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. Abramovich Immigration Law can help guide you through every step of your immigration journey and assist you in maximizing your CRS score. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you navigate your path to Canadian permanent residence.

New Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab To Lead Canada’s Immigration Reform

Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed Lena Metlege Diab as Canada’s new immigration minister. This strategic appointment is part of the Liberal Party’s recent federal election victory, with Diab succeeding Rachel Bendayan in this crucial role. As the former Nova Scotia Minister of Immigration and current Member of Parliament for Halifax West, Diab brings extensive experience in immigration policy and legal affairs to her new position.

Diab’s appointment signals a potential shift in Canada’s immigration landscape, drawing from her successful track record in Nova Scotia, where she expanded provincial immigration programs and implemented innovative Express Entry-aligned initiatives. Her multilingual background and experience as a daughter of Lebanese immigrants position her uniquely to understand and address the complexities of Canada’s immigration system. The new minister is expected to focus on streamlining permanent residence pathways, enhancing support for Francophone immigration, and refining international student programs while maintaining Canada’s commitment to inclusive immigration policies.

Canada’s International Student Market Share Declines As Global Education Landscape Shifts

Recent data from the Global Enrolment Benchmark Survey indicates a substantial transformation in international education dynamics, with Canada experiencing mounting pressure on its status as a leading academic destination. The report, a collaborative effort between NAFSA, Oxford Test of English, and Studyportals, indicates that 93% of Canadian higher education institutions are experiencing challenges related to government regulations and visa processing, resulting in decreased international enrollment figures for the January-March 2025 period.

The survey, encompassing responses from 240 institutions across 48 countries, highlights a concerning trend for Canadian institutions, with two-thirds anticipating budget cuts in the coming year. This development occurs amid a broader global shift, where student preferences increasingly favour alternative study destinations in Europe and Asia, challenging the traditional dominance of the “Big Four” countries – including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The findings suggest a critical need for Canadian institutions to diversify their international recruitment strategies and adapt to evolving market dynamics.

British Columbia Enhances Professional Integration For US Nurses Through Expedited Credential Recognition

British Columbia has significantly improved its credential recognition process for US-trained nurses, enhancing professional mobility between the two countries. The province has optimized its registration procedures, reducing processing times from approximately four months to several days, thereby addressing critical healthcare staffing requirements. This enhanced efficiency has led to a substantial increase in applications from US nurses, with numbers rising by 127%.

The streamlined process, implemented through the BC College of Nurses and Midwives, eliminates the need for third-party assessment organizations. The college now directly accesses US databases to verify nurses’ education, examination results, employment history, and registration status. This initiative is part of British Columbia’s broader healthcare recruitment strategy, which has already attracted interest from nearly 1,200 US healthcare professionals, including 413 nurses, since March 2025.

A Surge In Student Asylum Claims Strains Canada’s Immigration System 

Canada’s immigration system is experiencing significant pressure as international student asylum claims reach unprecedented levels. According to federal data, international student asylum applications exceeded 20,245 in 2024, representing a substantial year-over-year increase from 2023. This trend continues into 2025, with first-quarter figures indicating 5,500 new applications. The sharp increase in asylum claims has strained processing resources at IRCC, leading to extended wait times.

This surge comes amid Prime Minister Mark Carney’s stringent new immigration policies, aimed at reducing temporary residents to under 5% of Canada’s population by 2027. The situation has been particularly acute at major institutions, with Conestoga College leading with 720 asylum claims, followed by Seneca College with 650 claims in 2024. Immigration experts point to narrowing permanent residence pathways and exploitative conditions at some private colleges as key factors driving students toward asylum applications as a last resort.

Best Cities For Job-Seeking Immigrants In Canada 2025

Canada’s employment landscape is undergoing major changes in 2025, with Victoria, British Columbia, standing out as the leading city for job-seeking immigrants. The latest BMO Labour Market Report Card, which reviewed 33 cities across the country, highlights Victoria’s strong performance, boasting a 64.1% employment rate and just 3.6% unemployment. These figures position it as the most attractive destination for newcomers aiming to grow their careers.

The comprehensive study reveals that cities across different provinces show strong economic indicators, with Moncton, New Brunswick, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan securing second and third positions, respectively. These cities demonstrate robust employment growth, affordable living costs, and expanding opportunities across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, and public services.

Canadian Employment Holds Steady In April 2025 As The Public Sector Shows Modest Growth

The Canadian labour market demonstrated resilience in April 2025, with employment remaining relatively stable, adding 7,400 jobs. Despite this stability, the national employment rate experienced a slight decline of 0.1 percentage points, settling at 60.8%. The public sector emerged as a bright spot, recording an increase of 23,000 jobs (+0.5%), primarily driven by temporary hiring related to federal election activities.

Regional employment patterns showed notable variations across provinces, with Ontario experiencing a decrease of 35,000 jobs (-0.4%) and Nova Scotia declining by 8,500 positions (-1.6%). However, several provinces reported employment gains, including Quebec (+18,000; +0.4%), Alberta (+15,000; +0.6%), and Manitoba (+5,700; +0.8%). The manufacturing sector faced challenges with a decline of 31,000 jobs (-1.6%), while public administration saw significant growth (+37,000; +3.0%).

Abramovich Immigration Law specializes in guiding individuals through their journey to Canadian residency with expertise and dedication. We ensure a smooth transition for those seeking to build their future in Canada. Whether you are pursuing permanent residency, work permits, or family sponsorship, we can provide personalized solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact us today to begin your path to Canadian immigration with confidence and peace of mind.