Canada Welcomes New Immigration Minister, Key Express Entry Draws & More: Your Weekly Immigration Update (May 12-17, 2025)
- Gagandeep Singh
- May 18
- 3 min read
This past week in Canadian immigration has been eventful, marked by a significant change in leadership at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a series of important Express Entry draws, and ongoing discussions around processing times and program updates. Here's a breakdown of the key happenings:
A New Face at the Helm: Lena Metlege Diab Takes Over as Immigration Minister
In a notable development, Lena Metlege Diab was sworn in as Canada's new Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. She steps into the role previously held by Rachel Bendayan. This change in leadership comes at a dynamic time for Canadian immigration, with ongoing adjustments to Express Entry, targets for French-speaking immigrants, and efforts to manage application backlogs. Minister Diab will now spearhead Canada's immigration policies and priorities.
Express Entry Draws: Focus on PNP and CEC Candidates
IRCC conducted two significant Express Entry draws this week:
May 12, 2025: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draw
Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 511
Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 706
This draw specifically targeted candidates who have received a nomination from a Canadian province, highlighting the continued importance of provincial streams in the Express Entry system. A provincial nomination typically adds 600 points to a candidate's CRS score.
May 13, 2025: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw
Number of Invitations to Apply (ITAs): 500
Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: 547
This was a welcome draw for candidates with Canadian work experience, reported as the first CEC-specific draw in over three months. It signals opportunities for those who have already contributed to the Canadian economy.
These back-to-back draws underscore IRCC's active management of the Express Entry pool to meet Canada's labour market needs and immigration targets.
IRCC Processing Times: May 2025 Update
An update on IRCC processing times was noted for May 2025. Applicants for citizenship, permanent resident cards, family sponsorship, visitor visas, study permits, and work permits should refer to the latest estimates on the IRCC website. Processing times can fluctuate based on application volume and other factors.
Other Important Updates and Discussions:
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2025: Updates regarding the 2025 PGP intake indicate that IRCC will continue to send invitations to apply to potential sponsors from the remaining pool of interest to sponsor forms submitted in 2020. The department aims to accept up to 10,000 complete applications in 2025. No new interest to sponsor forms will be accepted at this time.
Spike in Asylum Claims by International Students: Reports this week highlighted an increase in asylum claims made by international students in Canada. This is a developing situation that IRCC will likely be monitoring closely.
Temporary Foreign Workers Facing Deportation: News surfaced concerning several employees at a Canadian company who are at risk of deportation due to new rules under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. This underscores the importance for employers and foreign workers to remain compliant with program requirements.
Continued Focus on Francophone Immigration: Canada remains committed to attracting French-speaking immigrants to communities across the country (outside of Quebec). This priority is expected to continue under the new Minister.
Recent Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits & PGWP: While not new this specific week, it's important to remember recent changes impacting international students and graduates. These include narrowed eligibility for spousal open work permits (now primarily for spouses of students in Master's, PhD, or certain professional degree programs) and new requirements for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility, such as language proficiency proof and field of study criteria for some programs.
Looking Ahead
With a new Immigration Minister in place and ongoing adjustments to various programs, the Canadian immigration landscape continues to evolve. Staying informed through official IRCC channels and trusted immigration professionals is crucial for all applicants and stakeholders.
For the latest updates and personalized immigration advice, connect with us at www.elginimmigration.com.
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