Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made recent changes to immigration policy as the nation continues to seek and retain skilled workers from around the globe. Here, we summarize updates on the Express Entry program, study permit changes for work permit holders, and provincial nominee program (PNP) changes in British Columbia and Manitoba.
The Express Entry program, one of Canada’s key economic immigration pathways, recently conducted its third draw in December 2024. Express Entry manages applications for three federal immigration programs: The Federal Skilled Worker Program, The Federal Skilled Trades Program, and The Canadian Experience Class.
In the recent draw, thousands of invites (officially known as Invitations to Apply or ITAs) were issued to Express Entry candidates, allowing them to take the next step towards obtaining Canadian permanent resident status. The draw adds to the growing tally of ITAs already issued this year, as the Canadian government continues its endeavour to hit its ambitious immigration targets to welcome immigrants under its multi-year immigration levels plan.
Next is a change that impacts international students in Canada. The IRCC confirmed that some work permit holders can continue their education in Canada without having to secure a separate study permit. This update simplifies the process for international workers who wish to augment their skills or obtain additional education while working in Canada. It’s excellent news for those who want to enhance their career prospects and continue to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Finally, there have been significant updates regarding Provincial Nominee Programs in British Columbia (BC) and Manitoba. BC recently invited more candidates via its PNP, further cementing its commitment to bringing in experienced workers and graduates to contribute to its growing economy. The candidates were selected from several PNP categories such as Skills Immigration and Express Entry BC streams.
Conversely, Manitoba announced the ending of its open work permit policy for PNP candidates. It means that potential immigrants applying through the Manitoba PNP will no longer automatically receive an open work permit, which allowed them to work for any employer in the province. The change may affect the choice of potential immigrants while choosing the program that best suits them.
What these updates highlight is Canada’s continuous adjustment of its immigration policies to meet the country’s socio-economic needs. The growing need for skilled workers in specific sectors and provinces is being addressed through inviting more candidates via the Express Entry system and PNPs. At the same time, enabling work permit holders to study further without a separate permit showcases Canada’s effort to maintain an immigration system that is flexible and supportive of individual career goals.
In conclusion, Canada’s recent immigration updates not only underline the country’s commitment to filling its labour market gaps and boosting its economy but also offer more opportunities for potential immigrants. While the path to Canadian immigration may still involve several steps and applications, these changes are expected to streamline processes for many, making Canada an even more attractive destination for skilled workers worldwide.