Canada Immigration News Podcast
Canada Immigration News Podcast #80: Express Entry PNP Draw, U.S. Doctors Eye Canada, Manitoba PNP Update, LMIA Processing Times 2025
Welcome to episode 80 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast. In this episode, we break down Express Entry Draw #342, a major update for U.S. doctors looking to move to Canada, the latest Manitoba PNP draw, and newly released 2025 LMIA processing times. If you’re exploring pathways to immigrate to Canada in 2025, these stories could make a big difference in your journey.
Express Entry PNP Draw #342 Invited 825 Candidates
On April 14, 2025, IRCC held the 342nd Express Entry draw, inviting 825 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This is one of the largest PNP-only draws of the year, with a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 764.
This draw follows recent policy changes, including the removal of CRS points for arranged employment, a move that’s beginning to impact applicant profiles across the board.
Express Entry Draw #342 Highlights:
- Draw Type: PNP-specific
- Invitations Issued: 825
- CRS Cut-off: 764
- Draw Date: April 14, 2025
- Tie-breaking Rule: August 17, 2024, at 18:35:52 UTC
The higher CRS requirement signals a more competitive environment — making it essential for candidates to explore provincial nomination options and optimize their profiles with professional guidance.
Canada Immigration for U.S. Doctors: A Golden Chance to Move North
Amid rising burnout, layoffs, and political tensions in the U.S. healthcare sector, more American doctors are considering Canada — and the timing couldn’t be better.
Canada is experiencing a critical shortage of healthcare workers, and U.S.-trained doctors bring valuable experience and medical credentials that are in high demand.
Why This Matters in 2025:
- U.S. doctors seek better work-life balance
- Canada offers a public healthcare system that values their expertise
- There’s a growing push to attract skilled medical professionals through easier immigration pathways
Pro tip: Working with a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) can simplify and fast-track the transition.
Manitoba PNP Draw Invites 27 Candidates and Launches New Work Permit Support
On April 17, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its second draw of the month, inviting 27 candidates under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream.
This draw targeted candidates with strong connections to Manitoba through strategic recruitment efforts.
Draw Details:
- Stream: Skilled Worker Overseas
- Invitations Issued: 27
- Minimum CRS Score: 621
In addition, new work permit support measures were announced for 2025 to help foreign workers and nominees transition more smoothly into the Canadian labor market.
Canada LMIA Processing Times Updated for 2025
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has updated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times as of March 2025.
Average LMIA Processing Times (Business Days):
- Global Talent Stream: 7
- Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 8
- Agricultural Stream: 16
- High-Wage Stream: 74
- Low-Wage Stream: 74
- Permanent Resident Stream: 165
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