Canada Immigration Weekly Roundup: Big Changes to Temporary Worker Program, Protests, and New Express Entry Draws
- Gagandeep Singh
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
This week in Canadian immigration, we've seen significant developments, from major shifts in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to anti-immigration protests and new rounds of invitations for Express Entry candidates. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key events and what they mean for you.
Major Overhaul of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
The Canadian government is implementing significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), signaling a move towards a more targeted and strategic approach to temporary foreign labour. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the program will no longer be a broad solution for labour shortages but will instead focus on specific sectors and regions with the most critical needs.
Here are the key takeaways:
A More Focused Approach: The government aims to align the TFWP with specific economic needs and regional labour market conditions. This means that employers in certain industries and locations will have a more streamlined process, while others may find it more challenging to hire temporary foreign workers.
Stricter Requirements: The government has introduced several measures to tighten the program, including a moratorium on processing low-wage LMIA applications in regions with unemployment rates above 6% and an increase in the wage threshold for high-wage positions.
Reduced Numbers: Government data shows a 50% drop in the number of work permits issued under the TFWP in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This reflects the government's commitment to reducing the overall number of temporary foreign workers.
Spousal Work Permit Changes: New restrictions have been placed on spousal open work permits, which are now limited to the spouses of workers in high-skilled occupations.
These changes are likely to have a significant impact on Canadian employers and foreign workers. We will be monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Anti-Immigration Protests in Canada and Around the World
This past week saw anti-immigration protests in Toronto and the Niagara Region, reflecting a growing global trend. A "Canada First" rally in Toronto, calling for an end to mass immigration, was met with a large counter-protest in support of newcomers. The demonstrations resulted in several arrests. A similar rally by a nationalist group was held in the Niagara Region.
These events in Canada echo larger protests seen around the world, including a recent march in London, UK, that drew over 110,000 people. It is a stark reminder of the passionate and often polarizing nature of the immigration debate.
Express Entry Draws: New Rounds of Invitations
It was a busy week for Express Entry, with three draws held in the first week of September.
September 4: A French-language proficiency draw invited 4,500 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 446.
September 3: A Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw issued 1,000 invitations to candidates with a minimum CRS score of 534.
September 2: A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw invited 249 candidates with a minimum CRS score of 772.
These draws highlight the continued importance of provincial nominations and strong French language skills for Express Entry candidates.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Updates
Several provinces have announced updates to their Provincial Nominee Programs:
Alberta: The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) held seven targeted draws between September 2nd and 10th, issuing 1,376 invitations across various streams, including healthcare, construction, agriculture, and aviation.
British Columbia: The BC PNP has announced a 50% reduction in its allocation for 2025. The province will focus on healthcare, entrepreneurs, and high-impact economic candidates.
New Brunswick: The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) is gradually reopening its immigration pathways with a focus on addressing critical workforce needs.
Business Immigration and Start-up Visa Program
The Start-up Visa Program is facing significant backlogs and lengthy processing times. To address this, the federal government has capped the number of start-ups that designated organizations can support each year. This is a concerning development for immigrant entrepreneurs, and we will be watching for further updates from IRCC.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
Based on the recent trends, we can expect to see more targeted Express Entry draws, particularly for candidates with in-demand skills and French language proficiency. We also anticipate further announcements from the provinces as they continue to adapt their PNP programs to meet their specific economic needs. The changes to the TFWP will continue to be a major topic of discussion, and we may see further clarifications from the government in the coming weeks.
Immigration Tip of the Week
Boost your CRS score with French! As we saw with the recent French-language proficiency draw, strong French language skills can significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. If you have some French language ability, consider taking a language test to see if you can claim extra points. Even a small improvement in your language scores can make a big difference.
For more detailed information on business immigration programs, you can read our blog post on Business Immigration.
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