Top Canadian Immigration Pathways Closed in 2025: What’s Next?

Canadian Immigration Pathways Closed in 2025 — And What You Can Do Instead

Canada’s immigration landscape saw some major shifts in 2025, with several permanent residence (PR) pathways either paused or permanently closed. For many prospective immigrants, this news raised concerns about their future in Canada. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of alternative pathways to explore, and some new ones are even in the works!

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the PR programs that were discontinued in 2025 and highlight the best alternatives you can consider moving forward. Whether you’re exploring Express Entry, the Manitoba PNP, or one of Canada’s immigration pilots, we’ve got the info you need to stay on track with your PR goals.

Key Highlights

• Several Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and pilot programs closed or were suspended in 2025.
• Popular pathways like the OINP Skilled Trades Stream and the Quebec Experience Program were shut down.
• Alternatives include Express Entry, other active PNPs, the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), and community-based pilots.
• Entrepreneurs impacted by the Start-up Visa closure can explore provincial business streams.
• New immigration programs are expected to launch in 2026 to address gaps left by discontinued pathways.

PNP Streams Closed in 2025

Several provinces either paused or permanently closed parts of their immigration programs. Here’s a quick look:

Ontario – Skilled Trades Stream

Ontario’s Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream shut down in November 2025 due to concerns around fraud and misrepresentation. Applications were no longer accepted, and those submitted were returned.

Saskatchewan – Entrepreneur and Farm Streams

In March 2025, Saskatchewan officially stopped accepting applications under all its Entrepreneur and Farm pathways, including those for international graduates and farm operators. There are currently no plans to reopen them.

New Brunswick – Student Connection and Skilled Worker Pathways

The NB Student Connection Pathway came to an end early in 2025, and later that year, the Skilled Worker – Priority Occupations pathway also stopped accepting new Expressions of Interest (EOIs).

British Columbia – Student Streams

British Columbia had planned to introduce three new international graduate streams in 2025, but all were suspended indefinitely due to allocation limitations. The original International Post-Graduate Stream was closed on January 7, 2025.

Yukon – Community Program Pilot

The Yukon Community Program Pilot, which offered open work permits as a pathway to PR, concluded as scheduled on June 30, 2025, after five years in operation.

What You Can Do Instead

Express Entry

If you’ve got skilled work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation, Express Entry could be your best route. You may qualify through:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – if you have Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Worker or Trades programs
• Category-based draws – which often have lower CRS cut-offs and target in-demand occupations like trades, healthcare, or tech

Other PNP Options

Don’t rule out other provinces! For instance, if you studied or worked in New Brunswick, you might still qualify for the NB Employment pathway. Each province has unique eligibility criteria, and many favour applicants with local ties or in-demand skills.

Check out our PNP stream eligibility guide to find one that fits your background.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

If you’re open to living in Atlantic Canada (like Nova Scotia or PEI), the AIP could be for you. A job offer from a designated employer is required, and keep in mind that processing times currently sit around 37 months.

Community-Focused Immigration Pilots

Programs like the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot offer PR pathways for workers with job offers from participating communities. These initiatives continue to support regional labour demands across Canada.

Quebec Immigration Updates

Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)

As of November 2025, PEQ officially ended. It had offered PR options for Quebec graduates and temporary foreign workers, but it’s no longer available.

Quebec Immigration Pilots

Three pilot programs (in food processing, orderlies, and AI/tech sectors) were also discontinued on January 1, 2026. The only exception was a francophone AI/tech stream that accepted applications until end of 2025.

Alternatives in Quebec

Quebec’s Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) is now the main PR pathway for skilled workers. To apply, you’ll need to submit a declaration of interest through Arrima.

Agri-Food Pilot Closed

The Agri-Food Pilot closed earlier than expected on February 13, 2025, due to overwhelming demand. It supported workers in sectors like meat processing, mushroom farming, and animal production.

What You Can Do Instead

• Express Entry: Some eligible jobs under the pilot (e.g. butchers, farm supervisors) may qualify under category-based draws.
• PNPs: Saskatchewan’s Agriculture Talent Pathway remains active and targets similar roles.
• AIP: Newfoundland and Labrador made agriculture a priority sector in 2025.
• RCIP: Several communities, like Claresholm, Alberta, have prioritized agri-food occupations.

Home Care Worker Pilots Paused Until 2030

Two popular pilots—Child Care (HCWP: CC) and Home Support (HCWP: HS)—reached their intake caps within hours and were paused until March 2030. These programs were vital for caregivers and healthcare support workers.

Best Alternatives

• Express Entry: Skilled occupations like early childhood educators (NOC 42202) and nurse aides (NOC 33102) qualify under Express Entry.
• PNPs: Provinces like Manitoba and Ontario have targeted these occupations in recent draws.
• AIP and RCIP: Both programs continue to prioritize healthcare and caregiving roles in selected communities.

Start-Up Visa Closed — But Alternatives Exist

The Start-Up Visa Program ceased accepting new applications at the end of 2025, except for those with 2025-issued letters of support. The program faced criticism over long processing delays, with some applicants waiting over 10 years.

Entrepreneur Pathways to Explore

While we wait for a new federal entrepreneur program to launch in 2026, you can still apply through provincial entrepreneur PNP streams:

• British Columbia: Base and Regional Entrepreneur Streams
• Alberta: Four distinct streams including Rural Entrepreneur and Farm streams
• Manitoba: Business Investor Stream (entrepreneur and farm pathways)
• Nova Scotia & Newfoundland: Streams for both international and graduate entrepreneurs

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) Ends

The EMPP, designed to help skilled refugees gain PR through employment, ended in December 2025. The federal government has hinted at a permanent replacement program, which is expected to launch in 2026.

What You Can Do Now

• Watch for the launch of a new federal immigration program for displaced individuals.
• Eligible individuals may submit refugee claims or request Humanitarian and Compassionate consideration through IRCC.

Final Thoughts

While 2025 saw plenty of changes to Canada’s immigration system, there’s still a path for you. From Express Entry to provincial nominee programs and community-based pilots, opportunities continue to exist for workers, students, entrepreneurs, and caregivers alike.

It’s more important than ever to stay informed and explore all the options available to you. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend checking your eligibility for current programs—and keeping an eye on new pathways expected to open in 2026.

Ready to find your best PR pathway?

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