Canada Immigration Weekly Roundup: A Look at the Shifting Landscape

This week in Canadian immigration has been marked by significant announcements and data releases that paint a picture of a system in transition. From a potential new program for skilled workers to slowing population growth, there's a lot to unpack. As a registered Canadian immigration consultant, I'm here to provide you with a detailed analysis of the key events of this past week.

A New Door Opens for H-1B Holders?

In a move that could have major implications for skilled workers in the United States, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced this week that Canada will soon roll out a program to attract individuals impacted by the recent hike in H-1B visa fees. The US administration's decision to impose a hefty fee on H-1B visas is expected to make it more challenging for American companies to hire foreign talent.

Our Analysis: This is a clear signal that Canada is positioning itself as a top destination for global talent. By creating a dedicated stream for those affected by the H-1B changes, Canada is not only addressing its own skilled labour shortages but also sending a message that it remains open to the world's best and brightest. This could be a golden opportunity for tech workers and other professionals in the US who are now facing uncertainty. We will be closely monitoring this development and will provide updates as soon as the program details are released.

Canadian Immigration Blog

Population Growth Slows, Immigration Remains Key

Statistics Canada released new data this week showing a significant slowdown in Canada's population growth. The country's population saw a minimal increase in the second quarter of 2025, largely due to a decline in the number of non-permanent residents, including international students and temporary workers.

Our Analysis: While the slowdown in population growth may seem concerning, it's important to look at the bigger picture. The federal government has been actively working to manage the intake of temporary residents to ensure sustainable growth. The data also shows that immigration remains the primary driver of population growth, with Canada still welcoming a high number of new permanent residents. This underscores the continued importance of immigration to Canada's economic and demographic future. For prospective immigrants, this means that while there may be more competition, the opportunities are still very much there, especially for those with in-demand skills and experience.

Express Entry: Trade Occupations in the Spotlight

On September 18, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a category-based Express Entry draw, inviting 1,250 candidates in trade occupations to apply for permanent residence. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for this draw was 505.

This draw is a continuation of IRCC's strategy of using category-based selection to target candidates in specific sectors with labour shortages. We have also seen recent draws for education and healthcare occupations, as well as for candidates with strong French-language proficiency.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Updates

The provinces have also been active in inviting candidates through their own nominee programs. This week, Manitoba announced a new economic development strategy that includes a renewed focus on attracting foreign investment and entrepreneurs through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The province is also exploring a new "made-in-Manitoba" startup visa program.

This is a positive development for business-minded immigrants and shows that provinces are taking a proactive approach to attracting the talent they need to grow their economies.

Business Immigration and Start-up Visa

While there have been no major federal updates to business immigration programs this week, the changes made to the Start-up Visa (SUV) program in 2024 continue to shape the landscape for immigrant entrepreneurs. The cap on applications per designated organization means that competition is fierce, and a strong, innovative business plan is more critical than ever.

What to Expect in the Coming Week

After a busy week of announcements and draws, we may see a brief pause in federal Express Entry draws. However, the trend of category-based selection is here to stay. We can expect to see more targeted draws for in-demand occupations in the weeks and months to come. At the provincial level, we anticipate that provinces will continue to hold regular draws, inviting candidates who meet their specific labour market needs.

Immigration Tip of the Week

Don't underestimate the power of the tie-breaking rule. In every Express Entry draw, IRCC uses a tie-breaking rule to rank candidates with the same CRS score. This rule prioritizes those who submitted their profile earlier. The lesson here is simple: don't delay in creating and submitting your Express Entry profile. Every second counts!

The world of Canadian immigration is constantly evolving. By staying informed and understanding the latest trends, you can position yourself for success on your journey to becoming a Canadian permanent resident.

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