Canada Immigration Weekly Update – May 25, 2025

Major Policy Shifts, Study Permit Rules & Updated IRCC Processing Times

Welcome to your Canada Immigration Weekly Update for May 18–25, 2025! This week’s highlights include major policy reforms impacting international students and IEC participants, updated immigration mandate priorities from Prime Minister Mark Carney, and a 31% drop in study permits issued to Indian nationals. IRCC has also extended the judicial review window for immigration decisions and published the latest processing times for PR cards, work permits, and more. Additionally, Yukon has released its EOI results for the 2025 Nominee Program intake, while Québec prepares to resume paused programs next month.

Canada Immigration | Weekly Update

IRCC Updates Forms and Checklists

National Immigration Policy Updates

1. New Study Permit Rules for Changing DLIs

• International students now must apply for a new study permit when switching most Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

• Exceptions: Primary/secondary school transfers.

• Students cannot start studies at the new DLI until approval is granted (unless the current DLI closes).

• Apply 30 days before current permit expires.

• Source: IRCC Official Update

2. Simplified Work Permit Delivery for IEC Participants

• IEC applicants applying for a second round in 2025 can now receive permits by mail in Canada if they:

  • Were in Canada with valid IEC status when applying.

  • Hold valid status now.

  • Have a valid Letter of Introduction.

• Valid until December 1, 2025.

• Source: IRCC – IEC Program

3. Prime Minister Carney’s New Immigration Mandate

Prime Minister Mark Carney has outlined two key immigration priorities in a new mandate letter to his cabinet:

• Reducing overall immigration to sustainable levels.

• Attracting top global talent to support Canada’s economy.

These objectives are among the top seven priorities for the federal cabinet moving forward, reflecting the government’s aim to balance population growth with economic development through skilled immigration. (Source: EconomicTimes)

4. Significant Reduction in Study Permits for Indian Students

• Canada issued only 30,650 study permits to Indian nationals in Q1 2025, down 31% from 44,295 in Q1 2024.

• The decline is attributed to stricter eligibility rules and tighter visa measures.

• Signals a broader shift in international student policy. (Source: EconomicTimes)

5. Reduced Immigration Levels (2025–2027)

• PM Mark Carney reaffirms lower PR targets:

  • 2025: 395,000

  • 2026: 380,000

  • 2027: 365,000

• Goal: Reduce temporary residents from 7.3% → 5% by 2028. (Source: EconomicTimes)

6. Judicial Review Window Extended (Effective May 14, 2025)

The Federal Court of Canada has extended the deadline to submit a full judicial review application for immigration decisions made inside Canada from 30 days to 75 days. This applies after filing the initial leave request and gives applicants more time to gather documents and legal arguments.

Important notes:

• The deadline to file the initial application for leave remains 15 days after the refusal (if inside Canada).

• Applicants outside Canada still have 60 days to apply for leave and judicial review. This rule has not changed.

7. Yukon: Yukon Nominee Program (YNP) EOI Results

• Update: Yukon has begun notifying employers who submitted EOIs for the 2025 intake.

• Nomination Cap: 215 total nominations available in 2025.

• Priority Given To:

  • Employers supporting candidates who:

    • Held temporary measure letters

    • Lived/worked in Yukon for 1+ year

    • Graduated from Yukon University

    • Are Francophone

• Policy Shift: From first-come, first-served to random selection aligned with labour priorities.

• Source: Yukon Government – Immigration EOI 2025 Update

June 28, 2025

Event: Alberta’s 13-member Advisory Committee Report due.
Topic: Recommendations to improve foreign credential recognition across Alberta.

• Source: Alberta Government – Credential Recognition Committee

June 30, 2025

Event: End date of temporary suspension of:

• Québec Graduate Stream applications

• Invitations under Regular & Skilled Worker Selection Programs

Context: Québec paused intake to modernize its selection criteria and manage backlogs.

• Source: Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI)

This Canada Immigration Weekly Update is based on official IRCC releases and verified event listings.

👉 Stay informed by checking IRCC and provincial updates regularly. For personalized advice, consult a licensed immigration professional.
📎 For the latest Express Entry results, visit: https://ghasedak.ca/express-entry/express-entry-draws/