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The 10 Biggest Canadian Immigration Policy Changes of 2025: What Applicants Must Know

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > The 10 Biggest Canadian Immigration Policy Changes of 2025: What Applicants Must Know

Canada’s immigration landscape changed significantly in 2025, marking one of the most transformative years in recent history. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced wide-ranging reforms affecting Express Entry, international students, temporary foreign workers, family sponsorship, and citizenship by descent.

These updates signal a clear shift toward a more targeted and skills-based Canadian immigration system, with tighter eligibility rules and a stronger focus on labour market needs. Below is a clear breakdown of the 10 most important Canadian immigration policy changes of 2025 and who they impact most.

1. Bill C-3 Restores Citizenship for “Lost Canadians”

One of the most historic changes came with the passing of Bill C-3, which amended the Citizenship Act in December 2025. This law removed the former first-generation limit (FGL), allowing many individuals born or adopted abroad to Canadian parents to finally qualify for Canadian citizenship.

Children born abroad after December 15, 2025, must now meet a substantial connection to Canada, meaning their Canadian parent must have lived in Canada for at least three years prior to the child’s birth or adoption.

2. CRS Points Removed for Job Offers in Express Entry

As of March 25, 2025, Express Entry CRS points for arranged employment were eliminated. Previously, LMIA-supported job offers could add up to 200 CRS points.

This reform leveled the playing field for candidates without job offers and reduced misuse of the LMIA system, reinforcing fairness and transparency in Express Entry draws.

3. Major Overhaul of Category-Based Express Entry Draws

IRCC revised category-based selection in 2025 by:

  • Adding Education as a new priority category

  • Expanding Healthcare to Healthcare and Social Services

  • Removing Transport occupations

  • Restructuring STEM occupations

A new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience was also announced, with draws expected in early 2026. These changes strongly benefit candidates with in-demand Canadian work experience.

4. New Restrictions on Family Open Work Permits

Eligibility for spousal open work permits tightened significantly in January 2025.

Spouses of international students now qualify only if the student is enrolled in:

  • Master’s programs (16+ months)

  • Doctoral programs

  • Select professional programs (e.g., nursing, engineering, law)

For foreign workers, eligibility is now largely limited to TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 and 3 occupations in priority sectors like healthcare and skilled trades.

5. Changes to PGWP Field-of-Study Requirements

IRCC refined Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility by linking non-exempt programs to labour shortage occupations.

Although some fields were briefly removed in mid-2025, IRCC reinstated them, confirming over 1,100 PGWP-eligible programs remain available until the next update in 2026. Degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) remain fully exempt.

6. New Rules for International Students Changing Schools

International students must now study at the Designated Learning Institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. Changing schools requires a new study permit application, which can significantly delay academic plans due to long processing times.

7. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Allocation Shifts

Early 2025 saw major PNP allocation cuts, forcing provinces to pause or restrict programs. Later in the year, most provinces negotiated increased allocations, restoring opportunities—especially in healthcare, trades, and childcare sectors.

8. Upfront Medical Exams Required for Express Entry

As of August 21, 2025, most Express Entry PR applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their application, accelerating processing but requiring better preparation.

9. Maintained Status Rules Tightened

IRCC updated rules around maintained status, clarifying that submitting multiple extension applications will no longer extend legal stay if the first application is refused—closing a loophole that previously caused confusion.

10. Policy Extended for Closed Work Permit Holders Changing Employers

Certain closed work permit holders can now receive interim work authorization within 10 days when changing employers, rather than waiting months—providing crucial flexibility for foreign workers in Canada.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Navigating these Canadian immigration policy changes in 2025 requires expert guidance. ICC Immigration is committed to helping individuals and families choose stable, legal, and strategic pathways to Permanent Residency in Canada.

Our Core Services Include:

  • Permanent Residency Applications through Express Entry, PNPs, and other PR pathways

  • Work Permits and Study Permits that support long-term settlement goals

  • Family Sponsorship Applications to reunite loved ones in Canada

  • Expert Legal Immigration Advice aligned with the latest IRCC policies

Rather than facing uncertainty, take control of your immigration journey with a clear, compliant, and future-focused strategy. Whether you’re already in Canada or planning to apply from abroad, ICC Immigration is here to guide you every step of the way.