This Week in Canadian Immigration: Express Entry Draws, PGWP Changes & More!

This week in Canadian immigration was eventful, with significant announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and various provincial nominee programs. These changes will have a considerable impact on international students, skilled workers, and employers across the country. Here is a more detailed look at the key developments.

IRCC Shakes Up Express Entry with Back-to-Back Draws

In a busy week for Express Entry, IRCC held two draws, inviting a total of 3,503 candidates to apply for permanent residence.

• June 26: Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Draw: In a highly anticipated move, IRCC held a draw specifically for candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). A total of 3,000 invitations were issued to candidates with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 521. This draw has been a source of optimism for many skilled workers already in Canada, as it signals a potential shift towards more frequent invitations for those with Canadian work experience.

  
  

• June 23: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draw: Just a few days earlier, IRCC held a draw for candidates with a provincial nomination. A total of 503 invitations were issued, and the minimum CRS score was 742. This high score reflects the 600-point advantage that comes with a provincial nomination, making it an asset for Express Entry candidates.

Canadian Immigration Prospects

Major Overhaul of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility

IRCC has implemented a significant update to the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for international students enrolled in non-degree programs. Effective June 25, 2025, the list of eligible fields of study has been revised to better align with Canada's current labor market needs and the priorities of the Express Entry system.

The update includes the addition of 119 new fields of study, primarily in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, social services, education, and skilled trades. This change aims to retain international graduates with skills that are crucial for Canada's economic growth. Conversely, 178 fields of study have been removed from the list because they are no longer linked to occupations facing long-term shortages. With these adjustments, there are now a total of 920 fields of study that are eligible for a PGWP.

It is important to note that these changes affect students who applied for their study permits on or after June 25, 2025. Students who submitted their applications before this date will still be eligible for a PGWP based on the previous list of eligible programs, even if their field of study has since been removed.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws and Strategic Updates

The provinces have been active in selecting candidates through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and implementing strategic changes to meet their regional economic needs.

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): The OINP has launched a new Employer Portal, a significant change that shifts the Employer Job Offer streams from an applicant-led to an employer-led process. This is intended to streamline the application process and respond to feedback from stakeholders. In early June, the OINP conducted several targeted draws, inviting candidates with job offers in specific regions and occupations. These included draws for candidates in Greater Sudbury, Eastern Ontario, and Northern Ontario, as well as for those in priority health occupations.

  
  

• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): On June 23, 2025, the BC PNP released its 2024 Statistical Report and Year in Review. The report provides valuable insights into the program's performance, including the number of nominations issued, the top occupations of nominees, their countries of origin, and their distribution across the province. This transparency helps stakeholders understand the program's priorities and its impact on the provincial economy.

Business Immigration and the New Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)

While no specific updates were announced for the Start-Up Visa program this week, the changes to the OINP Employer Job Offer streams are a significant development for business immigration in Ontario. The new employer-led process is designed to make it easier for businesses in the province to hire the foreign talent they need to grow and succeed.

In a move with long-term implications for Canada's humanitarian and economic immigration goals, IRCC has announced its intention to make the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) a permanent immigration program in 2025. The EMPP facilitates the immigration of skilled refugees and other displaced individuals by connecting them with Canadian employers who are facing labor shortages. By making this pilot a permanent program, Canada is creating a new and innovative pathway to permanent residence that benefits both newcomers and the Canadian economy.

Immigration Fact of the Week

A fascinating aspect of Canadian immigration is its foundational role in the country's demographic and economic fabric. Immigrants are not just a part of Canada's growth story; they are the primary drivers of it. According to the 2021 Census, one in four people in Canada (23%) is foreign-born. Projections indicate that by 2041, immigrants could represent between 29.1% and 34.0% of Canada’s population. This reliance on immigration for population and labor force growth is a defining feature of modern Canada, shaping its multicultural identity and economic resilience.

For further information and to stay abreast of the latest news in Canadian immigration, please visit the relevant articles on our website Elgin Immigration.