Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #36 – Changes in Processing Times for Immigration Applications to New Policies Affecting International Students

Published

1 year ago

August 1, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #36 - Changes in Processing Times for Immigration Applications to New Policies Affecting International Students

00:00 / 6:59

Welcome to Episode 36 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast! Today we have a packed episode covering a range of important updates, from changes in processing times for immigration applications to new policies affecting international students and much more. Let’s dive right in.

BC Announces Longer Processing Times for Skills Immigration Applications

Immigration Minister Ends Unrestricted International Student Intake

The federal government aims to reduce student permits by 35%, exempting Masters and PhD students from this reduction.

Increase in Indian Immigration Amid US Policy Challenges

IRCC Holds New PNP Draw Under Express Entry

Ontario Invites Candidates Under Three Employer Job Offer Streams

British Columbia Issues Invitations to 72 Candidates

Stakeholders Welcome New Saskatchewan Immigration Services Act

IRCC Holds Biggest Express Entry Draw for Canadian Experience Class Candidates

Canada Updates the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

Premiers Discuss Federal-Provincial Collaboration

New Brunswick Invests in Skilled Trades and Housing

That’s all for this episode of the Canada Immigration News Podcast. Thank you for joining us. Be sure to subscribe for the latest updates on immigration news and policies.

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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.

Subscribe to Canada Immigration News Podcast & Newsletter

Get timely analysis of every Express Entry draw, PNP update, and IRCC policy change. Join our community of over 2 million subscribers for weekly episodes and a newsletter packed with draw predictions, how-to guides, and settlement tips. Subscribe to the Canada Immigration News Podcast and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and ahead.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
388 (French)	6000	399
387 (CEC)	5000	515
386 (PNP)	399	731
385 (Healthcare)	1000	476
384 (CEC)	6000	520
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜