Top Canadian Immigration Updates of 2025: PNP & Express Entry

Canada Immigration in 2025: Top News Stories That Shaped the Year

2025 was a big year for Canadian immigration, with policy changes that impacted everything from Express Entry and international students to rural immigration and citizenship rights. Whether you’re a newcomer, a permanent resident, or someone considering your options for moving to Canada, staying on top of these changes is key.

Let’s dive into the most talked-about immigration developments of 2025, based on the most-read CIC News stories of the year.

Key Highlights

• Express Entry categories saw a major overhaul, with new draws and occupations added.
• Rural communities welcomed a new immigration pilot pathway for permanent residence.
• CRS points for arranged employment were removed, altering Express Entry scores significantly.
• Open Work Permit rules were tightened for families of foreign workers and students.
• Canadian citizenship rules expanded, helping “Lost Canadians” reclaim status.
• Mark Carney’s immigration agenda focused on balancing immigration with housing and labour concerns.

1. Express Entry Gets a Major Renovation

Early in 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shook things up by revamping its Express Entry categories. This included the introduction of a brand-new Education category and the removal of the Transportation category. IRCC also fine-tuned which occupations qualify under each category, aiming to align more closely with Canada’s labour market needs.

This change had a real impact—Canada issued 18,250 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through category-based draws in 2025. If you’re looking to immigrate via Express Entry, keeping up with the latest occupation categories is essential. You can also check your eligibility using tools like the Manitoba PNP Points Calculator.

2. New Pathway for Rural Immigration

January 2025 marked the debut of the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP), a fresh route to permanent residence for those wanting to live and work in smaller Canadian communities. Fourteen regions across Canada were selected to participate, and the program has already seen strong uptake.

To qualify, candidates need a job offer from a local employer, which must be endorsed by the community’s economic development body. This pilot aims to support population growth and fill labour shortages in rural areas across the country. It’s a big win for those looking to settle outside Canada’s major cities.

3. Mark Carney’s Vision for Immigration

With Marc Carney stepping in as Canada’s new Prime Minister, immigration policy made headlines once again. His approach? Focus on balance. Carney’s agenda included proposals to:

• Cap immigration levels to relieve pressure on housing
• Prioritize candidates already living in Canada
• Reduce temporary foreign worker admissions

His plan sparked plenty of discussion, especially among those navigating Canada’s immigration system from abroad or within the country.

4. Canada’s Top Universities Make Global Headlines

In March, a new report ranked the top 10 Canadian universities, giving international students insight into the best places to study in Canada. The Times Higher Education 2025 rankings placed three Canadian schools in the top 100 worldwide. Not surprisingly, the University of Toronto led the national pack.

If you’re planning to study in Canada, these rankings can help you choose the right school based on factors like research quality, international presence, and academic reputation.

5. Big Win for Lost Canadians Under Bill C-3

In a landmark decision, Bill C-3 passed its third reading in Parliament, signaling a major shift in Canadian citizenship law. The amendment restored citizenship for thousands of “Lost Canadians”—individuals who had lost or were denied citizenship due to outdated laws.

The bill also created a new path for Canadians to pass citizenship to children born outside the country. This development was widely celebrated and brought long-overdue clarity to many families.

6. New U.S. Visa Fee Impacts Canadian Residents

In July, the United States introduced a US$250 Visa Integrity Fee for certain non-immigrant visa applicants. This change affected not only Canadian citizens but also permanent residents and temporary foreign workers in Canada applying for U.S. visas like B-1/B-2, F/M, H-1B, and J types.

It’s a reminder to always double-check visa requirements before planning a trip across the border—especially if you’re not a Canadian citizen or you’re travelling for work or study.

7 & 8. Restrictions Tighten on Open Work Permits for Families

Two key articles in early 2025 focused on changes to family Open Work Permits (OWPs). IRCC announced that spouses of international students would only qualify if the student was enrolled in approved programs. Similarly, spouses of foreign workers would only be eligible if the primary worker held a job in TEER 0, 1, or certain TEER 2 and 3 occupations deemed in-demand.

We also published a helpful breakdown of the specific TEER 2 and 3 jobs that still qualify under the new rules. For folks navigating work permit options, understanding TEER classifications can make all the difference. You can find more information on Canada’s National Occupation Classification system and how it applies to your job title.

9. CRS Points for Arranged Employment Removed

In March, IRCC eliminated bonus CRS points for arranged employment under Express Entry. This long-anticipated change, first announced in late 2024, lowered scores for many candidates who previously benefitted from 50 or 200 additional points due to job offers.

Without those points, candidates’ chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have decreased—particularly for those in competitive pools. If your score dropped, it might be time to explore provincial nominee options like the Manitoba PNP.

10. Express Entry Score Distribution Shifts Dramatically

This final story explored the ripple effect of removing the arranged employment points. The CRS score range of 501–600 saw a drop of 5,740 profiles, highlighting how reliant many candidates were on those extra points.

Though the number of profiles in the Express Entry pool increased overall, the distribution shifted, making it a whole new ball game for candidates in 2025 and beyond.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear that 2025 was a year of transformation for Canadian immigration. Whether you’re already living in Canada or planning your move, staying informed is more important than ever. From Express Entry updates to new PR pathways and citizenship wins, these changes could impact your future in Canada.

Want to make the most of Canada’s immigration system? Don’t miss our in-depth guides on programs like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program or how to boost your CRS score. Or better yet, reach out to a trusted immigration consultant who can help you navigate your best path forward.

Stay tuned for more insights, tips, and updates on everything immigration-related—right here.