Key Changes in Canadian Immigration for 2025
As Canada continues to grow as a global hub for businesses and a top destination for individuals and families seeking new opportunities, staying updated on immigration processes is essential. The landscape of immigration in 2024-2025 brings several key changes that businesses and individuals need to be aware of to navigate the system efficiently.
At Ackah Law, we specialize in helping businesses, individuals, and families successfully and seamlessly immigrate to and from Canada. Whether you’re a corporation seeking global talent or a family looking for a fresh start, understanding these key changes and following best practices can make the immigration process smoother and more efficient.
Canadian Immigration 2025: Key Policy Changes
Stay on top of the latest changes in Canadian immigration policy. This evolving guide, updated monthly, breaks down the most important news that affects individuals, families, and businesses moving to or hiring in Canada.
Coming Soon: April 2025 Updates
March 2025 Changes
Open Work Permits Now Available for Start-up Visa Applicants
Canada has introduced a significant update for Start-up Visa (SUV) applicants. Individuals applying for permanent residence under the SUV stream and identified as “essential” to their start-up team may now be eligible for an open work permit rather than the previously required employer-specific work permit.
This change provides greater flexibility for entrepreneurs as they build their start-ups in Canada while waiting for their permanent residence applications to be finalized.
Key highlights of the update:
Eligibility for open work permits now applies to SUV applicants designated as “essential” on a valid Commitment Certificate and Letter of Support from their designated entity.
Applicants must have a pending permanent residence application submitted while their Commitment Certificate is still valid.
Sufficient support funds must be demonstrated to meet the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for 52 weeks, separate from any investment funds.
Minimum language levels must be met (generally Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 in all four skills).
Proof of benefit to Canada is required, showing that the applicant’s work will bring a significant economic, cultural, or social benefit.
Applications submitted before October 3, 2024, are assessed under the previous employer-specific rules, but applicants may request reassessment under the new open permit criteria (if a decision has not yet been made).
Permit extensions no longer require a new Letter of Support or Commitment Certificate, as long as the permanent residence application is still in process.
Tighter Monitoring of International Student Enrolment
IRCC has issued new guidance for officers reviewing student compliance reports submitted by Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). This is part of the International Student Compliance Regime, which tracks whether international students are still actively enrolled and studying.
Why this matters:
DLIs must report twice a year whether students are still enrolled or not
Students reported as “no longer registered” or “no show” may be flagged for non-compliance
IRCC may request additional documents (like transcripts) or conduct interviews if your record shows an “adverse” status
If you’re switching schools, you must now apply for a new study permit — just updating your IRCC account is no longer enough
New Study Permit Exemption for Construction Apprentices
Canada has introduced a 2-year public policy (valid until February 26, 2027) that allows eligible temporary foreign workers in the construction sector to complete apprenticeship-related training without needing a study permit.
Who qualifies:
Must hold a valid work permit
Must be employed in a construction occupation that’s in shortage
Must have a registered apprenticeship agreement with their employer
Workers need to submit a request to IRCC to be approved under this exemption. They will receive a letter authorizing them to study without a permit for the duration of their current work permit or until the policy expires.
Tightened Study Permit Rules for 2025 Intake Cap
Canada’s study permit cap system is now in full effect for 2025, with key changes to who needs a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):
Fewer categories of applicants are PAL-exempt in 2025 compared to 2024.
Graduate students now need a PAL. Master’s and PhD students are no longer automatically exempt.
Extensions require a PAL unless the student remains in the same DLI and level of study.
Visiting students (not part of an official exchange program) must now provide a PAL.
CAQs for Quebec: Must include a specific new sentence, or the application won’t be accepted unless exempt.
February 2025 Changes
Updated Express Entry Categories for 2025: Transport Removed, Education Added
The IRCC has updated the list of eligible categories and occupations for category-specific Express Entry draws in 2025, replacing the list introduced in May 2023. These changes reflect evolving economic and labour priorities and will apply alongside general draws and program-specific rounds.
Key highlights from the update:
New category added: Education occupations
Transport category removed
Occupation lists within existing categories have changed (some added, some removed)
Continued emphasis on Canadian work experience for general draws, especially under the Canadian Experience Class
To qualify for a category-based draw in 2025, applicants must:
Be in the Express Entry pool
Meet both program and category-specific requirements
Have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in the past 3 years (Canada or abroad) in a listed occupation (excluding the French-language category)
Meet the minimum CRS score for that draw
The 2025 category-based draws include:
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations
Trade occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Education occupations (new)
Notable NOC changes:
Several new NOC codes have been added across all categories
- The education category now includes:
Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)
Elementary and secondary school teachers (NOC 41221, 41220)
Teacher assistants and instructors for persons with disabilities (NOC 43100, 42203)
Applicants selected in these draws will still need to:
Apply for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving an invitation
Prove eligibility for both the program and the points claimed in their profile
These changes reflect IRCC’s efforts to better target candidates in sectors facing persistent shortages while also reinforcing a focus on retaining talent already in Canada.
Citizenship Application Updates for Minors and Canadian Armed Forces Members
IRCC has updated documentation requirements for certain citizenship applications:
Clarified identity documents for minors applying under subsections A5(1) and A5(2)
Added identity document requirements for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) applicants
These changes mostly affect application paperwork, not eligibility criteria
Excessive Demand Threshold Increased for Medical Inadmissibility
Canada has raised the annual cost threshold used to determine whether an immigration applicant is medically inadmissible due to excessive demand for health and social services.
The new cost threshold is CAN$ $27,162 per year
This applies to applicants undergoing a medical exam for permanent residence
It may affect those with long-term medical conditions or requiring ongoing treatment
Applicants over the threshold could be found inadmissible unless they submit a credible mitigation plan or qualify under humanitarian and compassionate grounds
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program Update
IRCC has introduced significant changes to the PGWP program based on when a student submitted their study permit application and when they applied for the PGWP.
- Language Requirements:
CLB 7 for university graduates
CLB 5 for college graduates
Modified requirements for applicants with disabilities
- Field of Study Requirements:
Required for college programs
Required for non-degree university programs
Must match an eligible field on IRCC’s approved list
- Curriculum Licensing Agreements:
Ineligible if programs begin after set cutoffs
Applies to both cross-jurisdictional and intra-provincial arrangements
- No Port of Entry Applications:
PGWP applications cannot be submitted at the border
Must be submitted online from inside or outside Canada
- End of Distance Learning Flexibility:
The majority of the program must be completed in person in Canada
Distance learning restrictions reinstated
Big Changes to Spousal Work Permit Eligibility for Foreign Workers’ Families
Canada has made sweeping changes to the rules allowing spouses of TFWs to get open work permits under the International Mobility Program. The update is part of a government effort to align the program with economic goals, labour needs, and community capacity.
Still Eligible*:
Spouses of foreign workers in TEER 0 or 1 jobs (management/professional)
- Spouses of foreign workers in select TEER 2 or 3 occupations, like those in:
Health care
Engineering and construction
Education and early childhood
Natural and applied sciences
Skilled trades and military roles
*The worker’s job must be valid for at least 16 months from the date of the spouse’s application.
No Longer Eligible:
Spouses of low-skilled workers (TEER 4 or 5)
Dependent children of any foreign worker (for open work permits)
Spouses of workers in roles not listed under the newly approved TEER 2 and 3 occupations
Exceptions Still Apply:
Families of workers transitioning to permanent residence (such as Express Entry or PNP applicants) are not affected
If you’re renewing an existing spousal work permit and your situation hasn’t changed, you may still qualify under the old rules
January 2025 Changes
Super Visa Insurance Rules Expanded for Parents and Grandparents
Updates to Canada’s Super Visa program (through Bill C-242) have taken effect, providing more flexibility and clarity for applicants. The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per entry, with a 10-year visa validity.
What’s New:
International insurance policies are now accepted — as long as the company is approved under Canada’s Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). This means applicants are no longer limited to Canadian insurers, opening up more affordable and accessible coverage options.
Health insurance must still provide at least $100,000 in emergency medical coverage, be valid for at least one year, and cover health care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Clearer guidance has been issued around minimum necessary income (LICO) for hosts, required proof of relationship, and how to calculate household size when inviting parents or grandparents.
Tighter Rules for Spouses of International Students Seeking Open Work Permits
Canada has introduced stricter criteria for spouses and common-law partners of international students applying for open work permits. These changes affect both new applicants and those seeking to extend existing visas.
What’s Changed:
Only spouses of students in doctorate programs, master’s programs lasting 16 months or longer, and specific professional programs (like medicine, law, or engineering) are now eligible for an open work permit under IRCC’s C42 category.
Spouses of students in college, undergraduate, or short master’s programs no longer automatically qualify.
If a spouse already holds an open work permit, extensions are allowed only if the principal student is still in the same program and a valid study permit has been renewed.
Additional documentation is required to prove program length, genuine relationships, and financial independence.
Changes to International Experience Canada (IEC) Recognized Organizations
Canada has updated its policies for Recognized Organizations (ROs) under the IEC program, which supports youth mobility and working holiday permits.
AIESEC will no longer sponsor participants from non-partner (non-YMA) countries like Brazil or India. Only youth from countries with official Youth Mobility Agreements (YMA) can now apply through AIESEC.
Clearer guidelines were issued on how ROs can support participants from countries without YMA agreements in limited pilot cases.
These changes affect foreign youth who are planning to work and travel in Canada through third-party organizations. While most IEC participants are from countries with formal agreements (like the UK, France, or Australia), youth from other countries may now have more limited access depending on the organization.
U.S. citizens can still apply via ROs like SWAP Working Holidays or Stepwest and are now clearly instructed on when police certificates and confirmation letters are required.
Updates to International Free Trade Agreement Work Permits
Canada has updated its instructions for work permits issued under international free trade agreements (FTAs) — such as CUSMA, CETA, CPTPP, and others — through the International Mobility Program (IMP). These agreements make it easier for professionals, intra-company transferees, and investors from partner countries to work in Canada without needing a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
What’s New:
Standardized rules across all FTA categories (e.g. wages, job requirements, eligibility for spouses’ open work permits)
Updated and consolidated language across multiple FTAs, including agreements with the EU, UK, Chile, and South Korea
Clearer guidance on LMIA-exempt codes for different job types and agreement streams
Archived the outdated NAFTA-specific page (now fully replaced by CUSMA)
This is particularly relevant if you are:
A business professional or executive transferring to a Canadian branch under an FTA
A company hiring through CUSMA, CETA, or other FTA pathways
Spouses of foreign workers applying under FTA streams
Special Measures Extended for Haitian Nationals in Canada
(Valid until November 19, 2025)
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, Canada has extended special immigration measures to support Haitian nationals and certain family members already in Canada. These temporary measures are designed to help individuals stay legally in Canada and access essential permits, even if they face document challenges due to the situation back home.
What This Means:
If you’re a Haitian national in Canada with a valid temporary status (as a visitor, worker, or student) or a foreign national family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who fled Haiti after March 1, 2024, you may be eligible for:
Fee-exempt extensions of your visitor, work, or study permit
Open work permits or study permits issued without standard fees
Biometric fee waivers
Permission to stay, even without a valid passport, if applying for permanent residence (due to document loss in Haiti)
These measures make it easier to remain in Canada legally, support yourself, and apply for a change in status, even if you’re facing unique challenges due to the crisis.
Canadian Immigration 2024: Key Policy Changes
Discover the key changes to Canadian immigration policies in 2024.
1. Updated Points for Express Entry System
The Express Entry system, Canada’s primary immigration pathway for skilled workers, is seeing notable changes in 2024. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points system has been updated to better align with Canada's labor market needs, making it easier for those with in-demand skills to qualify.
Some of the key changes include:
- Increased Points for Work Experience in Canada: Canadian work experience now carries more weight in the CRS scoring. This change aims to retain foreign workers who have already established themselves in the Canadian job market.
- Targeted Draws for In-Demand Occupations: Canada is increasingly using targeted draws to select candidates with specific skills that align with labor shortages in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and skilled trades.
2. New Programs for Temporary Workers
Temporary workers continue to play a crucial role in Canada’s economy. In Canadian Immigration 2024-2025, new pathways have been introduced to transition from temporary work permits to permanent residency more easily. Programs such as the Agri-Food Pilot and the Home Child Care Provider Pilot are being extended, making it easier for workers in these sectors to settle in Canada long-term.
3. Changes to the Business Immigration Programs
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program and Self-Employed Persons Program have undergone enhancements aimed at attracting more foreign entrepreneurs and investors. The government is focusing on streamlining the application process for high-growth sectors like technology, green energy, and AI.
Start-Up Visa Program Key Changes:
- Faster Processing Times: The government has committed to reducing processing times to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses sooner.
- Expanded Eligibility Criteria: More industries and types of businesses can now qualify for the Start-Up Visa, particularly those aligned with Canada’s innovation economy.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Program Expansion:
- Expanded Scope for Multinational Transfers: The ICT program, which allows executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers to transfer within their company from abroad to Canada, has been expanded. It’s now more accessible for companies that wish to establish a presence in Canada.
4. Changes to Family Sponsorship Programs
Canada remains committed to reuniting families. In 2024, new measures have been introduced to speed up the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship Program (PGP). Quicker processing times and a higher intake cap are expected to alleviate some of the previous backlog issues.
5. Modernization of Immigration Systems Key Changes
The Canadian government is continuing to modernize its immigration system through increased digitization. This includes:
- Online Applications for All Visa Types: Most immigration applications must now be submitted online, making the process faster and more transparent.
- AI and Data Analytics for Faster Processing: Canada is utilizing AI and data analytics to streamline visa processing and reduce delays.
Best Practices for Canadian Immigration in 2024-2025
Given these changes, it's crucial for applicants—whether businesses, families, or individuals—to adopt best practices to improve their chances of success in the immigration process. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Ensure Accuracy in Your Applications
One of the most common reasons for application rejection is incomplete or inaccurate information. Double-check that all forms are filled out correctly and that you’ve included all necessary documentation. This is particularly important given the increasing reliance on automated systems that may flag incomplete applications for further review.
2. Prepare for Longer Processing Times
Although many changes are being made to reduce processing times, some programs, particularly family sponsorship and refugee applications, are still experiencing delays. It’s important to account for these potential delays and plan your immigration timeline accordingly.
3. Maximize Your CRS Points
For those applying through Express Entry, improving your CRS score can make the difference between receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) or not. Some ways to improve your score include:
- Improving Language Skills: Higher scores in English or French language tests can significantly boost your CRS points.
- Gaining Additional Work Experience: Canadian work experience or additional skilled work experience abroad can raise your CRS score.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Many provinces have their own immigration programs that can grant you additional points if you have skills in demand in that region.
4. Stay Informed on Program Changes
Immigration policies can change frequently. Keep yourself informed of any updates that may impact your application. Subscribe to government newsletters, follow updates from immigration experts, or work with a law firm that stays on top of these changes.
Tips for Businesses Navigating Immigration in 2024-2025
Canada remains a top destination for businesses seeking to expand or relocate their operations. Whether you're transferring employees, bringing in foreign workers, or investing in Canadian markets, understanding the business immigration landscape is crucial.
1. Leverage the Global Talent Stream (GTS)
Canada's Global Talent Stream (GTS) is an excellent option for businesses that need to bring in highly skilled foreign workers quickly. With a streamlined application process and two-week processing times, this program is ideal for tech companies and other high-demand sectors.
2. Consider the Intra-Company Transfer Program
If you already have employees abroad and want to establish or grow your business in Canada, the Intra-Company Transfer Program (ICT) allows you to transfer your key personnel to Canada without going through the lengthy LMIA process.
3. Utilize Canada’s Start-Up Visa
Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program is an attractive option for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish innovative businesses. Make sure to develop a robust business plan that demonstrates how your company will contribute to the Canadian economy.
4. Understand Compliance Obligations
Once your employees arrive in Canada, it's essential to ensure that your business complies with Canadian labor laws, immigration regulations, and tax requirements. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or the revocation of work permits.
Navigating Canadian Immigration: How Ackah Law Can Help
At Ackah Law, we understand that navigating Canadian immigration can be complex. Our experienced team is here to assist you, whether you’re an individual seeking permanent residency or a business looking to transfer employees or hire foreign workers. Our expertise covers all facets of immigration law, and we pride ourselves on providing tailored solutions that meet your unique needs.
We offer both personalized guidance, we tailor our services to your specific immigration goals, and expertise across immigration programs, our deep knowledge of Canadian immigration programs ensures that. We have offices in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver to help people move to new opportunities in Canada and the U.S. Contact Ackah Business Immigration Law at (587) 854-3866 or by email at contact@ackahlaw.com.
Staying Up to Date with Program Delivery Updates (PDUs)
It’s essential to stay informed about the latest immigration changes, as policies can shift frequently. The Program Delivery Updates (PDUs) provide brief announcements on updates to official instructions from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These updates help ensure that applicants and businesses remain compliant with current immigration regulations. You can access the most up-to-date information through the Program Delivery Updates page.
