Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #48: Top Tech Start-Ups, Quebec’s New Immigration Cap, BC PNP Draw, Afghan Refugee Support, and More

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #48: Top Tech Start-Ups, Quebec’s New Immigration Cap, BC PNP Draw, Afghan Refugee Support, and More

00:00 / 4:16

In this podcast episode #48, we dive into the latest news on immigration, tech start-ups, and provincial nominee programs shaping Canada’s future.

Here’s what you can expect in this episode:

Canada’s Top 10 Tech Start-Ups Shaping the Future:
Canada is emerging as a leader in the global tech start-up ecosystem. In this segment, we highlight the top 10 tech start-ups driving innovation and creating job opportunities across industries like e-commerce and AI. Learn how these companies are valued in the billions and how Canada’s Start-Up Visa Program supports their success.
Quebec Introduces New Immigration Cap for 2024-2025:
Quebec has announced its latest immigration cap for 2024-2025, outlining how many foreign nationals the province will admit over the next year. We’ll break down the new limits, their impact on prospective immigrants, and what this means for those planning to move to Quebec.
British Columbia’s October 8, 2024, Skills Immigration Draw:
British Columbia held a major Provincial Nominee Program draw, inviting 178 skilled workers under its Skills Immigration stream. We discuss the importance of this draw for those looking to settle in BC and how the BC PNP continues to be a critical pathway for skilled professionals.
Canada’s Continued Support for Afghan Refugees:
Canada’s humanitarian efforts remain strong as the government announces the arrival of 565 more Afghan refugees in October 2024, bringing the total to 54,730 since the fall of Kabul. We explore the latest programs and opportunities for Afghan refugees and how Canada remains a beacon of hope for those fleeing crisis situations.
Alberta’s Latest AAIP Update for 2024:
Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) update provides valuable insights into application volumes, nomination spaces, and new opportunities for immigrants. If you’re targeting Alberta as your destination, tune in to hear what the latest update means for your immigration journey.

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Date	Province	Invitations
December 23	Prince Edward Island	13 Invitations
December 18	New Brunswick	145 Invitations
December 18	Manitoba	63 Invitations
December 16	British Columbia	22 Invitations
December 15	Prince Edward Island	166 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Express Entry Draw 376 Issues 6,000 Invitations for French-Language Skilled Workers

On October 29, 2025, IRCC ran Express Entry Draw 376, issuing 6,000 Invitations to Apply to candidates demonstrating French-language proficiency. The cut-off was 416 and applicants needed CLB 7 or higher in all four skills. Draw 376 underlines Canada’s strategic push to grow Francophone communities outside Quebec and to plug labour gaps where bilingual services matter most. For many candidates with CRS scores in the 400–470 range, strong French results now represent a clear pathway to an earlier invitation.

Canadian Experience Class Draw 375 Continues CEC Stability with CRS 533

The day before, Express Entry Draw 375 targeted the Canadian Experience Class, issuing 1,000 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 533. CEC draws remain IRCC’s dependable channel for candidates already building careers in Canada. Draw 375 reinforces a pattern of steady CEC thresholds that give temporary workers and international graduates a predictable route to permanent residency when they maintain employment and updated profiles.

Provincial Nominee Draw 374 Shows PNP Demand with CRS 761

Express Entry Draw 374 on October 27 focused on Provincial Nominee Program candidates, issuing 302 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 761. PNP draws continue to prioritize regional labour needs and reward provincial nominations with a 600-point boost, often guaranteeing an ITA for nominated candidates. Draw 374’s score shows that while PNPs are powerful, competition remains intense, getting a provincial nomination is still a game changer for many applicants.

IRCC Tightens Rules with Mandatory Upfront Medical Exams for Express Entry

IRCC has ended the facilitation period that allowed some Express Entry files to be submitted without medicals. As of October 21, 2025, new Express Entry applications must include a completed Immigration Medical Examination (IME) at submission. This completeness check aims to reduce in-process delays, lower back-and-forth on medical admissibility, and speed final decisions. Applicants should book IRCC-approved panel physicians early, gather IME receipts/UME numbers, and ensure exams remain valid through processing.

How These Changes Affect Candidates Now:
Category-based draws like 376 (French) and 375 (CEC) show opportunity for candidates who align skills with IRCC priorities: bilingual candidates, those with Canadian work experience, and provincially nominated applicants. The new medical rule means preparedness matters more than ever. Submitting a complete PR application with IME proof reduces the risk of rejection and shortens wait times. Candidates should update profiles, confirm language test validity, secure panel physician bookings, and consider provincial pathways that match their occupation.

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Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
390 (CEC)	8000	511
389 (PNP)	574	711
388 (French)	6000	399
387 (CEC)	5000	515
386 (PNP)	399	731
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜