Canada Immigration Weekly Update (May 18, 2025)

Top Changes, PNP Draws & National Immigration Developments

Welcome to your Canada Immigration Weekly Update for May 11–18, 2025! This week’s edition highlights 5 key developments, including new Express Entry and PNP draws from Manitoba, and PEI; the appointment of a new Immigration Minister; updated IRCC processing times; and impactful policy shifts affecting temporary foreign workers and international students across Canada.

Canada Immigration | Weekly Update

Express Entry Latest Draws

May 13, 2025 – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued: 500

• Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: 547

• Tie-breaking Rule: May 21, 2024, at 17:26:27 UTC

• Details:

  This draw targeted candidates under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

May 12, 2025 – Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

• Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued: 511

• Minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: 706

• Details: This draw targeted candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Latest Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws

Prince Edward Island PNP Draw (May 15, 2025)

This draw, the fifth PNP draw of 2025 for PEI, issued invitations to candidates under the Labour Impact and PEI Express Entry streams. The focus was on candidates with work experience in priority sectors such as healthcare, construction, and other key industries contributing to PEI’s economy. The PEI Express Entry stream targets candidates with active federal Express Entry profiles who meet PEI’s eligibility criteria, with or without a job offer.

• Invitations Issued: 167
• Category: Labour & Express Entry

Manitoba PNP Draw (May 15, 2025)

This draw, identified as Expression of Interest Draw #245, targeted candidates under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream of the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The invitations were issued to candidates directly invited by the MPNP under strategic recruitment initiatives or those with strong connections to Manitoba, such as previous work or study in the province. The draw prioritized candidates whose skills align with Manitoba’s labor market demands.

• Invitations Issued: 167
• Category: Skilled Worker Overseas

Other Immigration News (May 11–May 18, 2025)

New Immigration Minister (May 13, 2025):

Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a new cabinet on May 13, 2025, with Nova Scotia MP Lena Metlege Diab appointed as the Immigration Minister. This followed a major cabinet overhaul aimed at reshaping immigration policy.

IRCC Processing Times Update (May 13, 2025):

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released updated processing times for various immigration streams, including permanent residence (PR) cards, visitor visas, super visas, study permits, work permits, and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). This update helps applicants plan their immigration journey.

• Citizenship Applications: Processing times have increased, with citizenship grants now taking approximately 10 months, up from 8 months.

• Permanent Resident (PR) Cards: The issuance of new PR cards has slowed, with processing times extending to 43 days, up from 35 days.

• Family Sponsorships: Processing times for spousal sponsorships vary by region. For example, applications from outside Canada (non-Quebec) are now processed in 10 months, while those from within Canada (Quebec) take approximately 36 months.

Work Permit and Temporary Resident Challenges

• Work Permit Renewals: A significant number of Indian migrants in Canada are facing challenges due to the expiration and delayed renewal of their work permits. These issues are linked to changes in the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process and modifications to regulations concerning family work permits, leading to job losses and restricted access to essential services. (Source: EconomicTimes)

• IEC Work Permit Process Simplified: IRCC has streamlined the process for International Experience Canada (IEC) participants already in Canada. Eligible applicants can now receive their new work permits by mail, eliminating the need to leave and re-enter the country. (Source: EconomicTimes)

• New Work Permit Rules Impacting Employees (Reported May 15, 2025): Seven employees at Airex Industries, a pollution control equipment company in Laval, Quebec, are facing potential deportation due to recent changes in Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program. These changes have caused distress for employers and families, highlighting stricter compliance requirements or shifts in eligibility for certain work permits. (Source: CTV News)

• International Student Asylum Claims Spike (Reported May 14, 2025): IRCC data obtained by Global News indicated a record-high number of asylum claims by international students in Canada, with 2025 on track to surpass 2024’s record of 20,245 claims. This trend has sparked debates about balancing humanitarian commitments with immigration system sustainability. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to cap temporary workers and foreign students at under 5% of the population by 2027 (down from 7%), signaling tighter controls on study permits and post-graduation work permits.

Key Immigration Dates

May 25, 2025 – Deadline for GNWT Survey on Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is conducting a survey to understand the barriers faced by internationally educated nurses residing in the territory who are not licensed to practice. The survey aims to inform future recommendations for the Health and Social Services system. The deadline to participate is May 25, 2025.

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/