IRCC News Updates for the Week of July 13- 20, 2025.

Program Delivery Updates

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2025 Invitations Begin July 28

• IRCC will invite up to 10,000 potential sponsors from the 2020 pool (interest to sponsor forms).

• No new intake form will open in 2025.

• Invited sponsors can apply via the PR Portal or Representative Portal.

• Tip: Check your 2020 email inbox (and junk folder) for the invitation.

• Alternative: If not invited, consider applying for a Super Visa (up to 10-year validity, 5-year stays extendable).

🔗 Official Notice

CUAET Measures Extended to March 31, 2026

• Ukrainians and their families in Canada (arrived before March 31, 2024) with valid status may:

  • Apply for or renew open work permits or study permits until March 31, 2026.

• Applications under CUAET submitted by July 15, 2023, will be processed to completion.

• Eligible travelers with valid CUAET visas may still enter Canada and obtain work permits at the port of entry.

🔗 Source: Canada.ca

Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) – New Guidance Issued

• On July 16, IRCC released updates to standardize work permit processing under this pilot.

• Designed for repeat employers in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with strong compliance history.

Purpose of REP:

• The Recognized Employer Pilot simplifies the hiring process for repeat employers who:

• Regularly use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and

• Have demonstrated a strong record of compliance with program rules.

Key Benefits for Recognized Employers:

• Longer validity of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) – up to 36 months.

• Simplified LMIA application process through a dedicated REP stream.

• Reduced administrative burden for high-compliance employers.

• Ability to hire multiple foreign workers more efficiently across approved job roles.

Eligibility Reminder:

• To qualify as a recognized employer, the business must:

• Have obtained at least three positive LMIAs over the past five years in the same occupation/region.

• Demonstrate compliance through prior inspection records and employer conduct history.

• Be in good standing with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

🔗 Source: operational-bulletins-manuals

CSQ Holders Outside Quebec – No More Invitation Letters

• As of January 16, 2025, MIFI will no longer issue invitation letters to CSQ holders outside Quebec.

• IRCC will continue to process applications only with letters dated up to January 15, 2025, submitted within 90 days.

🔗 Source: Canada.ca

Marine and Transport Workers – Major Policy Updates

• Released on July 18, 2025:

  IRCC released extensive updates clarifying when marine, air, and land transport workers:

  • Do NOT require a work permit (under R186(s)), and

  • DO require a work permit (under TFWP or International Mobility Program – IMP).

  This ensures consistent decisions at the border and during application processing.

  ⚓ Marine Workers – Key Clarifications

  ✅ No Work Permit Required (R186(s))

  Foreign nationals may work without a permit if they:

  • Are crew members employed by a foreign company operating a marine vessel in Canada.

  • Are engaged in international transport, and the work performed is integral to the operation of the vessel (e.g., navigation, maintenance, cargo handling).

  ❌ Work Permit Required

  A work permit is required if:

  • The vessel is Canadian-owned or chartered domestically.

  • The work exceeds routine crew duties (e.g., shipyard labor, installation work).

  • The individual is participating in shore-based activities, repairs, or retrofitting projects.

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  📄 Operational Bulletin 649 – Seaspan Retrofit Workers

  • New bulletin added under R205(a) – C10 (Canadian Interests – IMP).

  • Applies to foreign retrofit workers brought in for above-deck renovations on Seaspan-operated marine vessels.

  • IRCC now recognizes this scenario under Canadian interest grounds, allowing officers to issue work permits when:

    • Specialized skills are required.

    • There is no negative impact on the Canadian labor market.

    • The work supports Canada’s marine infrastructure needs.

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  ✈️ Air and Land Transport Workers

  IRCC made minor updates for:

  • Pilots, flight attendants, and ground crews

  • Truck drivers, train conductors, and engineers

  Summary:

  • Most crew members engaged in cross-border transport may work without a permit if performing duties tied to international movement.

  • Permit required if:

    • Work is stationed in Canada, or

    • Job involves non-transport tasks, or

    • Role involves working with Canadian companies on domestic routes.

  More detailed guidance is under review and will be released soon.

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  🔍 Under Review:

  • Further clarification pending on:

    • Air cargo crew doing partial domestic unloading,

    • Land-based support staff,

    • Maintenance technicians for aircrafts and trains.

🔗 Source: Canada.ca

IRCC Forward Regulatory Plan (2025–2027)

1. Biometric Collection in Citizenship Applications

Enabling Act: Citizenship Act

• What’s new: IRCC plans to require biometric collection (e.g. fingerprints, facial recognition) for citizenship grant applications.

• Why it matters: Aims to enhance identity verification, reduce fraud, and align with practices used in PR and visa processing.

2. Expanded Authority to Cancel Immigration Documents

Enabling Act: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA)

• What’s proposed: Immigration officers may soon have broader powers to cancel or suspend:

  • Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs)

  • Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTAs)

  • Other immigration documents.

• Goal: Strengthen program integrity and prevent misuse or fraud.

3. Clarifying Examination Requirements for Immigration Document Holders

Enabling Act: IRPA

• Details: New regulations will specify when foreign nationals must comply with an examination under IRPA (e.g. at ports of entry or during inland enforcement — submit to examination, answer truthfully, and attend interviews when requested).

• Purpose: Improve clarity and enforcement around admissibility and compliance.

4. Extension of Stay Rules for TRP Holders

Enabling Act: IRPA

• What’s changing: IRCC intends to clarify and extend eligibility rules for individuals holding Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) to lawfully remain in Canada longer.

• Who benefits: Individuals in exceptional situations, including those inadmissible but allowed to stay temporarily.

5. Biometric Requirements for eTA Applicants

Enabling Act: IRPA

• New requirement: Visa-exempt travellers applying for an eTA will be required to submit facial biometrics.

• Reason: To enhance border and identity security, particularly with rising international travel volumes.

6. Work Authorization While Changing Employers (IMP/TFWP)

Enabling Act: IRPA

• Proposal: IRCC may formalize interim open work authorization for workers changing employers within Canada.

• Benefit: Allows foreign workers to legally work during the transition before the new work permit is issued.

7. Language Testing for IMP Work Permit Applicants

Enabling Act: IRPA

• What’s planned: Select International Mobility Program (IMP) streams will require proof of language proficiency through designated language tests.
• Why it matters:

  • Ensures applicants demonstrate language proficiency through designated third-party tests.

  • Improves integration, job performance, and long-term retention.

  • Supports a smoother pathway to permanent residence.