Canada Immigration Weekly Update (May 11, 2025)

Top Changes, PNP Draws & Key National Events

Welcome to this week’s Canada Immigration Weekly Update! In this edition (May 04–11, 2025), we highlight IRCC’s latest policy changes, recent PNP draws from Alberta and B.C., and major immigration and public events across Canada.

Program Delivery Updates

Canada Immigration | Weekly Update

• May 07, 2025: Who Can Apply at a Port of Entry

  IRCC and CBSA have updated their guidelines to clarify who is eligible — and who is not — to apply for a work permit at a Canadian port of entry:

  ✅ Eligible to apply at the border:

  • Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S., Greenland, or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

  • Applicants exempt from a TRV whose job falls under IMP or TFWP (with a valid LMIA if applicable).

  • Certain free trade agreement (FTA) professionals (e.g., under CUSMA, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Korea, Panama).

  • Truck drivers with an ongoing employment link and a pending renewal.

  • Applicants with a pre-scheduled CBSA appointment.

  • Those with a valid Letter of Introduction (LOI) issued from an outside-Canada application, if they meet an exemption.

  ❌ Not eligible to apply at the port of entry:

  • Applicants for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

  • Anyone not TRV-exempt.

  • Those who require a medical exam but don’t have valid IME results.

  • Seasonal agricultural workers.

  • Most International Youth Exchange participants (except U.S. citizens).

  • Nationals of countries listed under subsection R7.01(1) who are not TRV-exempt.

  • Flagpoling is no longer accepted: Individuals leaving Canada briefly to re-enter for immigration services like work/study permits can no longer do so, effective December 24, 2024.

  🔍 Important Note: Even TRV-exempt air travelers need an eTA before boarding a flight to Canada.

  Source: IRCC – Read official update

• May 5, 2025 – World Anti-Doping Agency International Employees [R205(a) – C10]

  The guidance for officers processing foreign nationals employed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has been updated:

  • Clarified instructions on permitted length of stay and extensions.

  • Improved language around “significant benefit” for work permit justification.

  • Formatting changes to align the page with International Mobility Program (IMP) standards.

  Source: IRCC – Read official update

Latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws

British Columbia PNP – May 8, 2025

British Columbia conducted its first Skills Immigration draw of 2025, issuing 94 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates expected to make a high economic impact in the province.

Key details:

• 47 candidates were invited based on:

  • A minimum wage of $105/hour,

  • Currently working full-time in B.C. for their supporting employer,

  • Job offer classified under NOC TEER 0 or 1.

• 47 candidates were invited based on:

  • A minimum score of 150 points according to the BC PNP’s scoring system.

This draw reflects B.C.’s focus on attracting candidates who can contribute significantly to the province’s economy.

Alberta PNP Draw – May 5, 2025

• Stream: Rural Renewal Stream

• Number of Invitations Issued: 165

• Minimum Score Required: 68

• Focus: Attracting skilled workers to rural communities in Alberta

This draw reflects Alberta’s ongoing efforts to support the development of its rural areas by inviting candidates who can contribute to local economies and address labor shortages.

Some Important Upcoming Dates and Events in Canada – May 2025

Federal & Political 

• May 12, 2025: Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to announce a gender-balanced cabinet. (Source: The Guardian)

• May 27, 2025: King Charles III will open Canada’s Parliament in Ottawa—the first royal opening since 1957. (Sources: Financial Times, The Guardian, Reuters)

🧳 Immigration & Citizenship 

• May 14–16, 2025: The National Citizenship and Immigration Conference will take place in Lake Louise, Alberta, celebrating CAPIC’s 20th anniversary. (Sources: CAPIC Connect, ncic-cnci.ca)

• May 14, 2025: An Immigration Fair will be held in Vancouver, offering resources for newcomers. (Source: Eventbrite)

• May 26–29, 2025: The 16th Annual CARFMS Conference will be hosted by Toronto Metropolitan University, focusing on responses to forced migration. (Source: TMU)

• May 27, 2025: A Job Fair for Canadian Immigrants & Networking Event will take place at Toronto City Hall. (Source: Eventbrite)

🍁 Public Holidays

• May 19, 2025: Victoria Day – A statutory holiday celebrated nationwide across Canada.

🎶 Music & Entertainment

• May 15, 2025 – Gene Simmons Band and comedian Paul Reiser will perform in Niagara Falls. (Source: Niagarafallstourism)

• May 16, 2025 – The 2025 Summer Fireworks Series will commence in Niagara Falls, running through October 13, 2025. (Source: Niagarafallstourism)

• May 17, 2025 – Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo will perform in Niagara Falls. (Source: Eventbrite)

• May 28, 2025 – Sunny Day Real Estate will kick off their 2025 tour in Montreal, Quebec.

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/