Canada Immigration Weekly Update – June 01, 2025
Canada Immigration Weekly Update – June 01, 2025
Canada Immigration Weekly Update – June 01, 2025
Major Policy Shifts, IEC Reform & Provincial Immigration News
Welcome to your Canada Immigration Weekly Update for May 25–June 1, 2025!
This week’s update features reforms to IEC eligibility, major changes to business-owner permits, and new IRCC guidance on wage assessments and maintained status.
On the provincial level, Ontario proposed significant OINP reforms, PEI launched foreign worker protection consultations, and Steinbach, Manitoba opened its Rural Immigration Pilot. Wildfire emergencies continue in several provinces, and new PNP draws were held in Manitoba and British Columbia.
Canada Immigration | Weekly Update
IRCC Policy & Program Updates
IRCC published multiple key updates between May 27–28, 2025, impacting several categories of temporary residence, international agreements, and business owner permits under the International Mobility Program (IMP) and Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Below is a summary of the most important updates:
1. IEC Agreement with Japan Amended
Date: May 28, 2025
Under [R205(b) – C21] of the IMP, IRCC updated its guidelines to reflect amendments to the youth mobility agreement with Japan. Effective April 1, 2025, Japanese participants in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program are now permitted to participate twice, up from the previous limit of once. Read more
2. Wage Review Clarification – TFWP
Date: May 28, 2025
New guidance was issued for assessing wages under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Officers must ensure that the wage offered matches the prevailing wage rate for the occupation and region. This change is intended to improve consistency in wage assessments. Read more
3. Maintained Status (Previously Implied Status) Clarified
Date: May 28, 2025
IRCC clarified its instructions regarding maintained status during processing. It explicitly removes the option for temporary residents to apply for new work or study permits at the port of entry while under maintained status. This ensures a more defined process during in-Canada extensions. Read more
4. C11 Work Permits for Business Owners – Major Overhaul
Date: May 27, 2025
Under [R205(a) – C11], IRCC introduced significant changes to policies for business owners (entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals) seeking temporary residence:
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New title: “Business owners seeking only temporary residence”
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New eligibility criteria: Must provide proof of support and business funds
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New minimum ownership rule: Must control at least 51% of the business
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Permit validity capped at 18 months
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Work under this permit does not count for CEC eligibility
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New sections: Definitions, documentary evidence, benefit assessment, method of application, and extensions/refusals Read more
Wildfires and Emergency Declarations
Manitoba and Saskatchewan
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Manitoba declared a state of emergency due to extensive wildfires, prompting the evacuation of over 17,000 residents from multiple communities. The city of Flin Flon, with 5,000 residents, issued a mandatory evacuation as wildfires approached.
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Saskatchewan also declared a state of emergency as wildfires spread, leading to the evacuation of approximately 8,000 residents. Premier Scott Moe warned that the fire threat may worsen and stretch emergency resources further.
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Alberta faced similar challenges, with 1,300 residents from Swan Hills evacuated due to wildfires. The province is battling 51 active blazes, affecting oil operations. [source: AP News / Reuters]
Provincial Government News
Expansion of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (June 1, 2025)
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Starting June 1, the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) expanded to include all eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64. Applicants must not have access to dental insurance, have filed their 2024 tax return, and have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000. [source: canada.ca]
Ontario’s Interprovincial Agreements (June 1, 2025)
- Ontario signed agreements with Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, and Alberta to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. These deals aim to enhance economic cooperation and address challenges arising from U.S. tariffs. [source: yahoo]
Steinbach, Manitoba Joins Rural Community Immigration Pilot (Announced for June 1, 2025)
- Steinbach, Manitoba, will begin candidate intake for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) on June 1, 2025, offering a permanent residence pathway for skilled foreign workers. Employer designation is open, with monthly intakes issuing up to five recommendations, prioritizing specific sectors and NOC codes. Designated employers must complete intercultural training and support candidate settlement, but RCIP does not match candidates with jobs. [Source: steinbachedc.com]
OINP Faces Processing Delays Due to Federal Cuts (May 30, 2025)
- Ontario announced that a 50% reduction in federal nomination allocations for 2025 will result in longer processing times for Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) applicants. Despite the cuts, Ontario will prioritize skilled immigrants in critical sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction. Applicants are encouraged to check the OINP website for updates. [Source: ontario.ca]
Ontario’s Working for Workers Seven Act Introduced (May 28, 2025)
- Bill 30, the Working for Workers Seven Act, was introduced to reform the OINP and enhance workplace protections. Key provisions include:
- Requiring in-person OINP interviews to combat fraud.
- Streamlining or revoking OINP streams to align with labour needs.
- Returning applications misaligned with provincial priorities.
- Launching a new OINP employer portal by summer 2025 for digital submissions.
- Strengthening enforcement against workplace abuse, targeting fraudulent job ads, payroll violations, and WSIB premium evasion.
- Enhancing protections, including extended layoffs (up to 52 weeks with approval), mandatory defibrillators on construction sites, and up to three days of unpaid job-seeking leave during mass terminations.
The Act aims to protect workers, particularly foreign nationals, amid economic pressures like U.S. tariffs. [Source: ontario.ca]
PEI Seeks Input on Temporary Foreign Worker Protections (May 27, 2025)
- Prince Edward Island launched consultations for the second phase of the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act, proposing an employer registry and administrative penalty regulations. The first phase, effective April 1, 2025, introduced worker protections and recruiter licensing. Feedback is open until July 21, 2025, via PEI’s consultation portal. [Source: princeedwardisland.ca]
Latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws
Manitoba PNP – Expression of Interest Draw #246 (May 29, 2025)
Date: May 29, 2025
Stream: Skilled Worker Overseas
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Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) issued: 30
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Minimum Ranking Score: 606
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Details:
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This draw targeted candidates invited directly by the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) under Strategic Recruitment Initiatives.
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Out of the 30 LAAs, 5 were issued to candidates who declared a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code.
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- [Source: Immigrate Manitoba – Draw #246]
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)
May 28, 2025: British Columbia conducted a draw targeting candidates in the Skills Immigration stream.
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Invitations Issued: 94
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Criteria:
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Candidates with a minimum wage of $105/hour, currently working full-time in B.C. for the supporting employer, and the job offer is in NOC TEER 0 or 1 (47 candidates).
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Candidates with a minimum score of 150 points (47 candidates).
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Important Upcoming Dates
June 28, 2025
Event: Alberta’s 13-member Advisory Committee Report due.
Topic: Recommendations to improve foreign credential recognition across Alberta.
June 30, 2025
Event: End date of temporary suspension of:
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Québec Graduate Stream applications
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Invitations under Regular & Skilled Worker Selection Programs
Context: Québec paused intake to modernize its selection criteria and manage backlogs.
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/
