Canada Immigration News Podcast #24 – Immigrants Addressing Labor Shortages, Immigrant Bill of Rights, Decline in Spousal Sponsorship, H-1B Visa Holder Policy

Published

1 year ago

June 13, 2024

Ryan

Canada Immigration News Podcast

Canada Immigration News Podcast #24 - Immigrants Addressing Labor Shortages, Immigrant Bill of Rights, Decline in Spousal Sponsorship, H-1B Visa Holder Policy

00:00 / 5:42

Welcome to Episode 24 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, your go-to source for the latest updates and analysis on immigration matters across the country. In today’s episode, we’ll be delving into a range of significant developments, including policy proposals from the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association, new data on spousal sponsorship immigration trends, and the pivotal role immigrants continue to play in addressing labor shortages and fostering business creation.

Segment 1: CILA Calls for Immigrant Bill of Rights and Ombudsperson
The Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association, or CILA, has put forth a compelling proposal aimed at enhancing Canada’s immigration system. In their “Let’s Clean Up Our Act” report, the association has called for the establishment of an immigrant bill of rights and the appointment of an immigration Ombudsperson.

Segment 2: Decline in Spousal Sponsorship Immigration
Recent data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, or IRCC, has revealed a significant decline in permanent resident admissions through the spousal sponsorship program.

Segment 3: Immigrants Addressing Labor Shortages and Driving Business Creation
Immigration continues to play a crucial role in addressing Canada’s labor shortages and fostering economic growth through business creation.

Segment 4: H-1B Visa Holder Policy Updates
On June 5th, 2024, clarifications were provided on the public policy measures introduced last year to facilitate the transition of certain H-1B visa holders and their families to Canada.

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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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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 ➜