Canada Immigration News Podcast: Your Go-To Source for Immigration Updates
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Canada Immigration News Podcast #91 brings you a comprehensive roundup of the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Statistics Canada. In this episode, we discuss Express Entry Draw 372, inviting 345 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a CRS of 778, the latest healthcare-targeted draw for 2,500 skilled professionals, the TR to PR open work permit extension until 2026, and Canada’s employment growth in September 2025. Each of these stories reflects how Canada continues to strengthen its workforce, streamline immigration, and provide opportunities for newcomers.
On October 14, 2025, IRCC conducted Express Entry Draw #372, inviting 345 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 778, making it one of the more competitive draws of the year. Candidates with provincial nominations received an automatic 600-point boost, positioning them well above the general Express Entry pool.
So far in 2025, IRCC has held 42 draws, with a steady emphasis on targeted invitations rather than large-scale all-program draws. The higher CRS cut-offs reflect several factors, including reduced immigration targets, temporary pauses in Canadian Experience Class draws earlier in the year, and increased global demand for Canadian permanent residency. This PNP draw underscores the critical role provinces play in addressing regional labor market shortages and highlights the ongoing competitiveness of the Express Entry system.
On the same day, IRCC issued another 2,500 Invitations to Apply under the Healthcare and Social Services category. The CRS cut-off for this round was 472, and profiles created before May 12, 2025, were eligible. This was the fifth healthcare-focused draw of the year, bringing the total invitations for 2025 in this category to nearly 10,000.
The consistent series of healthcare draws demonstrates Canada’s strong commitment to filling vacancies across its medical and social care systems. Provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia continue to experience sustained demand for nurses, physicians, therapists, and support workers. These targeted rounds not only help meet national healthcare needs but also open permanent residency pathways for international medical professionals already contributing to Canada’s workforce.
In another major policy update, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has extended the TR to PR open work permit program until December 31, 2026. This extension allows temporary residents who applied for permanent residency through the 2021 TR to PR streams to continue working in Canada without interruption while their applications are processed.
The revised policy also expands eligibility to certain family members outside Canada, ensuring better family reunification and reducing the need for repeated permit renewals. Applicants under healthcare, essential worker, and international graduate streams will benefit the most, gaining stability while they await permanent status. This decision reflects IRCC’s efforts to simplify transitions for temporary workers and maintain workforce continuity across critical industries.
Canada’s latest employment report from Statistics Canada shows that 60,000 new jobs were added in September 2025, marking a 0.3% rise in overall employment. The national employment rate climbed to 60.6%, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 7.1%.
The growth was strongest among core-aged workers (25–54 years old), particularly women, and was driven by hiring in manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Alberta led provincial gains with 43,000 new jobs, followed by Manitoba and New Brunswick. Meanwhile, the average hourly wage rose 3.3% year-over-year to $36.78, signaling improved earnings potential despite economic uncertainty.
The data reflects a shift toward full-time employment, with 106,000 new full-time positions offsetting part-time job losses. For newcomers and work permit holders, these labor trends indicate a resilient and expanding job market, especially in high-demand sectors that continue to align with Canada’s immigration priorities.
Join over 2 million subscribers who rely on the Canada Immigration News Podcast for timely updates on Express Entry draws, work permits, and Canada’s job market trends. Stay informed, stay prepared, and never miss a major immigration announcement. Subscribe now to our podcast and newsletter to receive expert insights directly in your inbox every week.
