Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #46: Immigration’s Role in Population Growth, Quebec’s RSWP Draw, Express Entry Draw, and More

Published

11 months ago

October 16, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #46: Immigration's Role in Population Growth, Quebec’s RSWP Draw, Express Entry Draw, and More

00:00 / 5:20

In this episode, we delve into the latest immigration developments that are shaping Canada in 2024.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

The Role of Immigration in Shaping Canada’s Population in 2024:
Canada’s population reached an estimated 41.29 million by July 1, 2024, largely driven by immigration. We discuss how immigration is crucial for demographic and economic growth, even as the rate of growth slows compared to previous years.
Quebec’s Latest RSWP Draw:
On September 19, 2024, Quebec’s Minister of Immigration invited 1,650 candidates to apply for permanent residency under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP). We highlight the importance of this draw and what it means for those looking to start a new life in Quebec.
Canada’s Express Entry Draw #317:
On October 9, 2024, the IRCC held its most recent Express Entry draw, issuing 500 invitations under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for candidates with a CRS score of 539 or higher. Learn about the implications of this draw for aspiring immigrants.
Ontario PNP’s Foreign Worker Stream Draw:
Ontario’s Provincial Nominee Program conducted major draws, issuing 1,728 invitations on October 8, 2024. We discuss how these draws aim to meet labor demands across key industries in Ontario.
Policy Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits:
The Canadian government plans to reduce the issuance of Spousal Open Work Permits by over 100,000 in the next three years. This significant shift could impact international students and temporary foreign workers. We explore the potential ramifications of this decision.

Join us as we unpack these critical updates and what they mean for the future of immigration in Canada!

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Date	Province	Invitations
September 12	Alberta	1,376 Invitations
September 04	Manitoba	3,347 Invitations
September 03	Ontario	1,893 Invitations
Aug 29	Newfoundland and Labrador	125 Invitations
Aug 28	Ontario	468 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Express Entry Draw 367 Opens Opportunities for Education Professionals

On September 17, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted Express Entry Draw 367, targeting the education category. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 462, the lowest for this category in 2025 outside of French-language draws. The occupations eligible under this draw include early childhood educators, elementary and secondary school teachers, special needs instructors, and teaching assistants. For many candidates in the education sector, this round provides a strong opportunity to transition to permanent residency, reflecting Canada’s recognition of the critical role educators play in supporting a growing population and strengthening communities.

Express Entry Draw 368 Prioritizes Trade Occupations

Just days after the education-focused round, IRCC held Express Entry Draw 368 for trade occupations. In this draw, 1,250 invitations were issued, with a CRS cut-off of 505. Eligible candidates needed to have submitted their profiles before November 5, 2025. This was the first trades-focused round in nearly a year, and it underscored the high demand for skilled tradespeople across Canada. Sectors such as construction, mechanics, welding, and electrical work remain vital to the economy. Although the CRS cut-off was higher than in other category-based draws, the inclusion of trade occupations demonstrates Canada’s continued commitment to attracting workers in these essential roles.

IRCC Increases Alberta AAIP Nomination Capacity for 2025

Another important update comes from Alberta, where IRCC announced an increase in the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) nomination allocations. For 2025, Alberta’s allocation has risen by 1,528 spots, bringing the total to 6,403 nominations. The AAIP provides pathways for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates to gain provincial nominations and accelerate their route to permanent residency. With Alberta’s economy growing in key sectors such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, and technology, this increase ensures that employers have access to the talent they need while newcomers benefit from more opportunities to settle in the province. The higher allocation also signals IRCC’s recognition of Alberta’s expanding role in Canada’s overall immigration strategy.

Alberta Introduces Canadian Citizenship Marker on IDs and Driver’s Licenses

Looking ahead to 2026, Alberta is set to launch a new Canadian citizenship marker on all newly issued and renewed driver’s licenses and provincial ID cards. This change will allow residents to prove both their identity and citizenship using a single document, reducing the need to carry multiple forms of identification. The measure is also designed to safeguard democratic processes by making it easier to verify voter eligibility. For new Canadian citizens, the change means proof of citizenship will be required when applying for or renewing identification starting in the fall of 2026. Alberta’s decision aligns with international best practices and reflects a broader shift toward secure, efficient identity verification systems.

Stay Connected with Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast continues to provide trusted, timely updates on Express Entry draws, provincial immigration programs, and settlement changes that affect future Canadians. With over 2 million subscribers worldwide, the podcast and newsletter deliver essential insights for anyone planning their immigration journey. Subscribe today to stay informed about the latest opportunities and policies that could shape your path to permanent residency in Canada.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
367(Education)	2500	462
366 (PNP)	228	746
365 (French)	4500	446
364 (CEC)	1000	534
363 (PNP)	249	772
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜