On December 2, 2025, the United States announced an indefinite freeze on immigration applications from citizens of 19 “high-risk” countries, leaving thousands of applicants—especially those pursuing green cards—stuck in limbo. Applicants from countries like Haiti, Somalia, Venezuela, Libya, Sudan, Nigeria, Myanmar, and others now face a future with no processing timeline, no updates, and no certainty.

But while the U.S. has paused its immigration pipeline, Canada’s Express Entry system remains fully open to all nationalities, offering a transparent, predictable, and points-based pathway to Permanent Residency (PR).

This guide breaks down what the U.S. halt means, how Canada’s Express Entry works, real examples of who qualifies, and how ICC Immigration can help you secure a stable future in Canada.

🌎 Which Countries Are Affected by the U.S. Immigration Freeze?

The Trump administration’s updated security policy has suspended immigration processing for 19 countries. This pause affects:

Family-based green card applicants
Employment-based immigration
Diversity visa applicants
Adjustment of status cases

This has left skilled workers, families, and students from impacted nations searching for viable alternative destinations.

And that is where Canada stands out.

🇨🇦 Why Canada’s Express Entry Is the Top Alternative in 2025–2026

Canada’s Express Entry remains one of the world’s most efficient, merit-based immigration systems. Unlike the U.S., it does not restrict applicants by nationality.

✔ Open to all countries

✔ Transparent points system

✔ Frequent draws

✔ Category-based invitations

✔ Pathway to Permanent Residency and later Citizenship

Express Entry manages three main programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

To apply for PR through Express Entry, candidates first create an Express Entry profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA). CRS scores range up to 1,200.

🎯 How Category-Based Draws Improve Your Chances

Since 2023, Canada has increasingly used category-based draws, which prioritize skilled workers in:

Healthcare
STEM
Trades
Agriculture
Transportation
Education
French-language speakers

These draws often have lower CRS cut-off scores, making them more accessible—even for candidates without Canadian experience.

In 2025, category-based draws accounted for over 60,000 ITAs, proving their importance.

📌 Real Examples: Who Qualifies?

Example 1: Education Category

Cenalia, a 29-year-old teacher from Libya, scored 489 CRS points with foreign experience, two credentials, and strong English.
She would have been invited under the Education category, even without Canadian experience.

Example 2: STEM or French Draw

Khin, a 31-year-old cybersecurity specialist from Myanmar with a PhD, scored 535.
He would have easily qualified under the French-language or STEM category.

Your profile may qualify too — even if you think your score is “not high enough.”

🔍 Why Canada Is Your Best Opportunity Now

With the U.S. shutting its doors to thousands of people, Canada’s demand for skilled talent continues to rise. Canadian provinces and the federal government actively target workers in education, tech, healthcare, trades, and agriculture.

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🛂 How ICC Immigration Helps You Secure Your Future in Canada

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Navigating immigration policies alone can be confusing, especially during global policy changes. ICC Immigration, with over 20 years of experience, can help you choose the right pathway, maximize your CRS score, and avoid costly mistakes.

🔹 Permanent Residency Applications

We assist with Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and economic pathways. Our team ensures your PR application is strong, complete, and processed efficiently.

🔹 Work Permits & Study Permits

If you need temporary options before PR, we help you secure a work permit or study permit—setting you up for future immigration success.

🔹 Family Sponsorships

If you have relatives in Canada, we help you reunite with them under family-class immigration.

🔹 Expert Legal Advice

Canadian immigration rules are complex and change frequently. We provide personalized legal guidance tailored to your background, work experience, and long-term goals.

🛑 Don’t Rely on Asylum — Choose a Secure Pathway

Asylum claims come with risks, uncertainty, and long processing delays.
Canada rewards skilled talent through legal, structured pathways like Express Entry and PNPs.

Take control of your future — don’t wait in limbo.

📞 Start Your Canadian Immigration Journey Today

Whether you’re already in North America or planning to relocate, ICC Immigration is ready to guide you.

👉 Call ICC Immigration: +1 905-461-2424
👉 Book a consultation: https://iccimmigration.ca/book-appointment/

Your future doesn’t have to pause because another country closed its doors.
Canada is still open — and ICC Immigration is here to help you every step of the way. 🇨🇦✨

🌎 Which Countries Are Affected by the U.S. Immigration Freeze?