Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #81: Express Entry Draw #345, North Bay RNIP 2025, PRRA Virtual Consent, 528,000 Job Vacancies

Published

6 months ago

May 9, 2025

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #81: Express Entry Draw #345, North Bay RNIP 2025, PRRA Virtual Consent, 528,000 Job Vacancies

00:00 / 5:17

Welcome to episode 81 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, where we deliver the most relevant immigration updates across Canada. In this episode, we cover the latest category-based Express Entry draw for healthcare workers, North Bay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) updates for 2025, a significant change to the PRRA hearing consent process, and the latest national job vacancy data.

Express Entry Draw #345 targets healthcare workers with a record-high CRS cut-off

On May 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #345, inviting 500 candidates under the healthcare category. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off was 510, the highest ever seen in a healthcare-targeted draw. This was the first healthcare-specific invitation round of the year and signals growing competition in the pool or a tightening of selection criteria. The tie-breaking rule for this round was set at July 21, 2024, 04:31:17 UTC, meaning candidates who met the minimum score and submitted their profiles before that date received invitations.

North Bay announces 2025 priority occupations under RNIP

North Bay, Ontario has updated its Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) community priorities for 2025. The city will now prioritize job offers in healthcare and social services, skilled trades, sales and marketing, business administration, and education including early childhood care. Applicants must meet both federal RNIP eligibility and secure employment with a participating local employer to qualify. The updated list reflects regional labor shortages and North Bay’s commitment to attracting long-term, skilled newcomers to support its economy and communities.

Virtual hearings become the new default for PRRA applicants

As of April 29, 2025, IRCC has revised its policy on Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) hearings by making virtual consent the default. Now, when an applicant submits a PRRA application, it is assumed they consent to a virtual hearing. Previously, applicants were required to submit written consent for remote attendance. This procedural shift aims to speed up scheduling and improve accessibility across the system. Those still seeking an in-person hearing must submit a formal request with justification.

Canada records 528,000 job vacancies as of February 2025

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the country had 528,000 job vacancies as of February 2025. While this marks a slight year-over-year decline, demand remains high across sectors such as healthcare, accommodation and food services, and retail trade. Nearly one in five vacancies were in healthcare, which continues to top the list of labor shortages nationwide. The numbers further underscore Canada’s need for targeted immigration to meet labor market demands and maintain economic momentum.

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Date	Province	Invitations
October 27	Prince Edward Island	159 Invitations
October 24	Alberta	199 Invitations
October 23	Manitoba	29 Invitations
October 22	Newfoundland and Labrador	100 Invitations
October 16	New Brunswick	522 Invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

Express Entry Draw 372 Invites 345 Provincial Nominee Program Candidates

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.

IRCC Healthcare Draw Invites 2,500 Skilled Professionals with CRS 472

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.

TR to PR Open Work Permit Extended Until December 31, 2026

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 Adds 60,000 Jobs in September 2025 Amid Economic Growth

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.

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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.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
376 (French)	6000	416
375 (CEC)	1000	533
374 (PNP)	302	761
373 (Healthcare)	2500	472
372 (PNP)	345	778
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜