Top 2025 Canadian Immigration Updates You Must Know

Top 10 Major Canadian Immigration Changes in 2025: What Newcomers Need to Know

Canada’s immigration system went through some major transformations in 2025. If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or are already navigating the process, these updates could have a big impact on your journey. From sweeping updates to Express Entry, to new rules around spousal work permits, IRCC’s approach is shifting toward more targeted immigration pathways.

Let’s break down the top 10 policy changes from 2025—and how they might affect you or your loved ones.

Key Highlights

• CRS points for arranged employment have been removed from the Express Entry system
• Bill C-3 expands Canadian citizenship eligibility for children born or adopted abroad
• Stricter criteria for family open work permits and post-graduation work permits (PGWPs)
• New occupation-based Express Entry categories, including one for physicians
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) quotas were cut and later renegotiated
• Medical exams are now required upfront for Express Entry PR applications

1. Bill C-3: Big Win for Families Affected by First-Generation Citizenship Rule

In a move that restored hope for many Canadian families abroad, Bill C-3 officially came into effect on December 15, 2025. This law changes the “first-generation limit” on citizenship by descent. Previously, Canadians born or adopted abroad weren’t able to pass on citizenship to their own children if those children were also born or adopted outside of Canada.

Now, thousands of individuals previously considered “lost Canadians” can apply for proof of Canadian citizenship. However, going forward, there’s a new requirement: parents in this category must have spent at least three years in Canada before their child’s birth or adoption to pass on citizenship.

Learn how to apply for proof of Canadian citizenship

2. Express Entry Removes CRS Points for Arranged Employment

One of the most surprising changes came in March 2025, when IRCC eliminated the bonus CRS points for arranged employment under Express Entry. Previously, job offers supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) could give applicants an extra 50 or 200 points—significantly increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Now, every candidate is evaluated on a more level playing field. This change could be good news if you’re applying without a job offer, as it gives everyone a more equal shot at getting an ITA. The government said this move was aimed at reducing fraud and improving fairness across the board.

3. New Express Entry Categories Target Specific Occupations

IRCC expanded and restructured its category-based selection system in February 2025. These categories allow for targeted Express Entry draws based on occupations in demand. Here’s what changed:

• Education was added as a new category
• Transport was removed entirely
• Healthcare and Social Services category was expanded
• The STEM category saw a reshuffle with 19 occupations removed and six new ones added

Later in December, a brand-new category was announced for physicians with Canadian work experience, with dedicated draws set to begin in early 2026.

If your occupation is on one of these lists and you meet the work experience criteria (typically six months of continuous full-time experience in the past three years), your Express Entry chances could get a welcome boost.

Check if you qualify under the new Express Entry categories

4. Stricter Rules for Family Open Work Permits (OWPs)

As of January 21, 2025, IRCC introduced tighter eligibility rules for spouses and common-law partners of international students and foreign workers.

For international students, the spouse is only eligible for an OWP if the student is enrolled in:

• A master’s program that’s at least 16 months long
• A doctoral program
• Certain professional programs like nursing, law, or engineering

For foreign workers, only spouses of those working in TEER 0 or 1 occupations and select TEER 2 or 3 jobs (mainly in healthcare, trades, and natural resources) are eligible.

See if your spouse qualifies for a family open work permit

5. New Field-of-Study Requirement for PGWPs

International students now need to pay closer attention to their program of study. In 2024, IRCC introduced a rule that only programs linked to occupations facing long-term shortages would make students eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)—unless they’re in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program, which are exempt.

As of mid-2025, the list of eligible programs was updated again, and currently includes 1,107 programs. Fields that were briefly removed were reinstated temporarily, with another update expected in early 2026.

This change pushes students to align their education choices with Canada’s labour market needs.

6. New Rules for Transferring Schools as an International Student

Starting November 8, 2024, international students at the post-secondary level must be studying at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. If they want to transfer schools, they now need to apply for a new study permit—not just notify IRCC.

This change adds a layer of complexity, especially considering that processing times for study permit extensions can now stretch over 100 days. So if you’re considering a school transfer, it’s wise to plan well ahead.

7. PNP Allocations Reduced, Then Rebalanced

Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) were shaken up in early 2025 when the federal government cut nomination allocations across most provinces and territories. This forced many provinces to pause or restrict streams, especially those not tied to priority sectors like healthcare, trades, and childcare.

However, later in the year, most provinces (except Ontario) negotiated increases to bring their allocations closer to previous levels. For example:

• Manitoba received 65% of its 2024 allocation
• The Yukon received 94%
• The Northwest Territories got back to 100%

These shifts make it even more important to research your provincial options. Manitoba PNP is a great example of a program that adapts to evolving immigration priorities.

8. Medical Exams Now Required Before PR Application Submission

In a change that affects all non-exempt Express Entry applicants, IRCC now requires you to complete your Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting your PR application. This rule took effect on August 21, 2025.

Previously, applicants could wait for IRCC to request the medical exam after submission. Now, doing it upfront helps reduce delays in processing but also means more upfront planning on your part.

If you’re already living in Canada and had an IME within the last five years showing no public safety risk, you might be exempt.

9. Maintained Status Rules Tightened

Maintained status allows temporary residents to stay in Canada legally while waiting on an extension decision. But in 2025, IRCC changed the rules: if your first application is refused while on maintained status, any second application you’ve submitted will also be refused.

This means that applying multiple times in hopes of staying longer is no longer a viable strategy. It’s now more important than ever to submit a strong, complete application the first time around.

10. Closed Work Permit Holders Can Continue Working with a New Employer

Good news for foreign workers holding closed (employer-specific) work permits—IRCC extended a policy that lets you start working with a new employer while waiting for your updated permit to be processed.

This can reduce your wait time from months (current processing is roughly 210 days) to just 10 days for work authorization. This flexibility was originally introduced during the pandemic and has now become a more permanent fixture.

Final Thoughts: What These Changes Mean for You

All in all, Canada’s immigration system is clearly moving toward a more selective, occupation-focused model. If you’re planning to immigrate, study, or work in Canada, staying informed and adapting your plans accordingly is more important than ever.