Canadian Immigration News: A Week in Review (April 11th - April 18th, 2025)
- Gagandeep Singh
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
Welcome to your weekly update on the key happenings in Canadian immigration. This week has seen developments across various streams, reflecting Canada's ongoing efforts to balance economic needs with its commitment to family reunification and humanitarian obligations. Let's dive into the important events that have unfolded.
Express Entry: First Draw of April Signals Continued Focus on Skilled Workers
The flagship Express Entry system remains a central pillar of Canada's immigration strategy. On April 14th, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted its first Express Entry draw of the month. This draw issued 825 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to candidates in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) category. This draw's minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 764. This high cut-off score is typical for PNP-specific draws, as a provincial nomination adds significant points to a candidate's overall CRS score. This draw indicates that IRCC continues to actively utilize the PNP to attract candidates with skills and experience aligned with specific provincial labour market needs.
It's important to recall that IRCC announced its 2025 Express Entry category-based draws earlier this year, with a focus on candidates with work experience in healthcare, trades, STEM professions, transport, and agriculture/agri-food. While this week's draw was PNP-focused, future draws are expected to target these specific in-demand occupations, alongside general and French language proficiency-based selections.
Processing Times Updated: Some Improvements Noted
Staying informed about processing times is crucial for both prospective and current applicants. This week saw updates to the IRCC processing times, offering a snapshot of the current wait times for various immigration streams. Notably, there have been reported improvements in the processing times for new Permanent Resident (PR) cards, now estimated at around 14 days, and PR card renewals, which are taking approximately 11 days. These faster turnarounds are welcome news for permanent residents needing to travel or access services.
However, processing times for other categories continue to vary. For instance, Spousal Sponsorship applications from outside Canada (non-Quebec) are currently estimated at 11 months, while those from within Canada (non-Quebec) are taking around 24 months. Family Sponsorship applications for parents and grandparents can take significantly longer, with estimates ranging from 36 to 48 months, depending on the province.
Temporary resident applications also show diverse processing times depending on the country of application. For example, visitor visas from India are currently being processed in about 18 days, while those from Nigeria can take significantly longer, around 109 days. Similarly, work permit processing times outside Canada vary greatly by country.
These updated processing times highlight the complexity of Canada's immigration system and the various factors influencing application timelines. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date estimates specific to their situation.
British Columbia PNP Updates: Focus on Key Sectors
The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) remains an active pathway for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence in the province. This week, further details emerged regarding the 2025 BC PNP changes, which emphasize prioritizing candidates in key sectors such as healthcare, skilled trades, and those with strong entrepreneurial potential and high-impact talent. These updates aim to address specific labour market demands within British Columbia and ensure that the immigration system effectively supports the province's economic growth.
Other Notable Developments
Increased Interest in Canadian Citizenship from Americans: News outlets have reported a growing surge in Americans seeking Canadian citizenship in 2025. While specific numbers weren't released this week, the trend reportedly stems from various factors.
Canada Child Benefit Payments: The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment for April was scheduled to be issued early, on April 17th. This benefit provides crucial financial support to eligible Canadian families.
Employment Opportunities at Toronto Pearson Airport: For newcomers and residents seeking employment, Toronto Pearson International Airport announced ongoing hiring for various positions, with some roles offering wages up to $44 per hour. This highlights the diverse employment landscape in major Canadian cities.
Voting by Mail for Canadians Abroad: Canadians living outside Canada who wish to participate in the upcoming 2025 federal election are reminded that the deadline to apply for mail-in ballots is April 22nd.
Looking Ahead
This week's immigration news underscores Canada's multi-faceted approach to immigration, addressing labour shortages through targeted Express Entry draws and PNP updates, while also processing family sponsorship applications and managing temporary resident flows. Staying informed through official IRCC channels and reputable news sources remains essential for anyone navigating the Canadian immigration landscape. We will continue to monitor developments and provide you with timely updates.
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