Canada Immigration News Podcast

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

Published

10 months 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
April 17	Prince Edward Island	168 invitations
April 17	Manitoba	27 invitations
April 16	Alberta	81 invitations
April 15	British Columbia	5 invitations
March 18	British Columbia	12 invitations
Check Out the Full List of PNP Draws➜

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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Subscribe today and never miss an episode! Whether you’re planning your move to Canada, exploring educational opportunities, or simply staying informed, we’ve got you covered. Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of immigration.

Draw	Number Of Invitations	Minimum CRS Points
347 (CEC)	500	546
346 (PNP)	511	706
345(Healthcare)	500	510
344 (Education)	1000	479
343 (PNP)	421	727
All Express Entry Draw Results ➜