Canadian Immigration Weekly Update | Dec 2-8, 2025

lynn jin
Dec 11, 2025
6 min read

📊 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

🔹 **Historic PNP Draw**: 1,123 invitations issued - the largest in Express Entry history

🔹 **Medical Professionals**: 5,000 additional federal immigration spots for doctors

🔹 **2026 PNP Allocation**: 66% increase from 2025 levels

🎯 EXPRESS ENTRY UPDATES

Largest PNP Draw in History: 1,123 Invitations

On December 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a historic Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draw through Express Entry, issuing 1,123 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) - the largest PNP-specific draw ever recorded. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 772 points. However, since all candidates already held provincial nominations (which add 600 points), the actual base score requirement was only 172 points.

Key Details: - Invitations Issued: 1,123 ITAs (historic high) - CRS Cut-off Score: 772 points (including 600 provincial nomination points) - Base Score Requirement: Approximately 172 points (with provincial nomination)

Policy Impact: This massive draw demonstrates IRCC's strong commitment to provincial immigration priorities, providing a fast-track pathway for provinces to attract needed talent. Express Entry candidates with provincial nominations are entering the immigration "express lane."

Who This Affects: Express Entry candidates who have already received provincial nomination certificates

🏥 NEW HEALTHCARE CATEGORY

Doctor-Specific Express Entry Category: 5,000 Federal Spots

On December 5, 2025, IRCC announced a new dedicated Express Entry category specifically for medical doctors, with an additional 5,000 federal immigration spots allocated exclusively for this profession. This new category-based selection joins existing streams for healthcare workers, STEM professionals, and French-language speakers, marking another major milestone in Canada's immigration policy.

Key Details: - Additional Allocation: 5,000 federal immigration spots - Eligible Occupations: General practitioners, specialist physicians, and other medical professionals - Implementation: Category-based draws to begin in Q1 2025

Policy Impact: This initiative aims to address critical physician shortages in Canada's healthcare system. Medical doctors will have their own dedicated Express Entry selection stream, eliminating competition with other occupations for CRS scores and significantly increasing their chances of receiving ITAs.

Who This Affects: Doctors working in Canada and international medical graduates with Canadian medical licenses

🍁 PROVINCIAL NOMINEE PROGRAMS

Manitoba PNP Draw: 243 Invitations

On December 5, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) conducted a new draw, issuing 243 invitations across two categories: Skilled Workers and International Education.

Draw Results: - Skilled Workers Stream: 148 ITAs, minimum score 722 points - International Education Stream: 95 ITAs, minimum score 611 points - Total Invitations: 243

Who This Affects: Skilled workers and international students working or studying in Manitoba

⏰ Manitoba Two-Year Work Permit Pilot Closing December 31

Manitoba's Two-Year Work Permit Pilot Program for specific occupations will close to new applications on December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants should submit their applications immediately to avoid missing this opportunity.

Program Details: - Application Deadline: December 31, 2025 - Eligible Occupations: Priority occupations including agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation - Work Permit Duration: Two-year open work permit, renewable

Important Notice: This is a pilot program that will not accept new applications after the deadline. Eligible candidates should submit applications before December 31 to secure this opportunity.

Who This Affects: Foreign workers planning to work in Manitoba in priority occupations

Ontario OINP Major Reform: 4 New Pathways

On December 6, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) announced a major 2026 reform, consolidating 8 existing streams into 4 comprehensive new pathways, including the reopening of investment immigration!

The Four New Pathways:

✓ Employer Pathway: Consolidates 3 employer categories into one unified stream with two tracks ✓ Healthcare Priority Stream: Medical professionals can apply without a job offer if they hold valid professional registration ✓ Entrepreneur Stream: Investment immigration reopened! Create or purchase a business in Ontario to qualify ✓ Exceptional Talent Stream: Dedicated pathway for leaders in academia, technology, innovation, and creative industries

Policy Impact: This represents the largest reform in OINP history. The new system will be implemented in two phases: Phase 1 consolidates employer categories, Phase 2 launches three entirely new pathways. Reform goals include improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and creating dedicated streams for healthcare, investment, and exceptional talent. Public consultation is open until January 1, 2026.

Who This Affects: All prospective OINP applicants, particularly healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent candidates

2026 PNP Allocation Increases 66%

The federal government announced that the 2026 Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allocation will increase dramatically from 110,000 in 2025 to 183,000 in 2026 - a 66% increase!

Allocation Details: - 2025 Allocation: 110,000 nominations - 2026 Allocation: 183,000 nominations - Growth Rate: 66% increase (73,000 additional spots)

Policy Impact: This represents the largest PNP allocation increase in recent years. Provinces will receive significantly more nomination authority, allowing them to more flexibly attract talent based on local labor market needs. Popular provinces like Nova Scotia, Ontario, BC, and Alberta are expected to receive the largest allocation increases.

Who This Affects: All candidates planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence through provincial nomination programs

🎓 STUDY & WORK PERMITS

2026 Study Permit Changes: Master's/PhD Exempt from Caps

On December 4, 2025, IRCC announced 2026 study permit policy adjustments: Master's and PhD students will be exempt from study permit caps, while undergraduate and college students will remain subject to allocation limits.

Policy Details: - Exempt Categories: Master's and PhD graduate students - Subject to Caps: Undergraduate and college/diploma students - Effective Date: January 1, 2026

Policy Impact: This policy encourages highly educated international talent to pursue graduate studies in Canada. Master's and PhD students will not face cap-related competition, making study permit applications smoother and supporting future immigration applications (such as CRS score bonuses in Express Entry).

Who This Affects: International students planning to apply for Canadian Master's or PhD programs

💰 FEE UPDATES

2026 Immigration Fee Increases

IRCC announced that effective January 1, 2026, various immigration application fees will be adjusted, including permanent residence applications, work permits, and study permits.

New Fee Schedule: - Permanent Residence Application: Principal applicant fee increases from $850 to $920 - Work Permit Application: Increases from $155 to $170 - Study Permit Application: Increases from $150 to $165

Analysis: Fee adjustments represent approximately 8-10% increases, primarily to fund IRCC system improvements and enhance service quality. Applicants planning to apply are advised to submit before year-end to save on fees.

Who This Affects: Anyone planning to submit immigration, work permit, or study permit applications in 2026 or later

🔄 TEMPORARY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCE

TR-to-PR Pathway Update

IRCC updated the Temporary Resident to Permanent Resident (TR-to-PR) pathway, providing international students and work permit holders in Canada with a more convenient immigration route.

Eligibility Requirements: - Eligible Categories: International graduates, healthcare workers, essential workers - Work Experience: Minimum 12 months of Canadian work experience - Language Requirements: English or French CLB 5 (essential workers) or CLB 7 (skilled workers)

Policy Impact: TR-to-PR is a dedicated "fast-track" pathway for temporary residents already in Canada. Applicants do not need to compete in the Express Entry points system; they can apply once they meet work experience and language requirements. This represents a major advantage for international students and work permit holders who have accumulated Canadian work experience.

Who This Affects: International graduates, healthcare workers, and essential workers holding valid work permits

📰 OTHER IMPORTANT UPDATES

🔹 LMIA Processing Acceleration: IRCC announced faster Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing, with average times reduced to 8-12 weeks

🔹 BC Tech Draw: BC Tech Pilot December draw issued 85 invitations, minimum score 80 points

🔹 Alberta Rural Pilot: Alberta launched Rural Renewal Stream immigration pilot targeting rural areas, with 2,000 nomination spots

🔹 Express Entry System Upgrade: IRCC announced Express Entry system upgrade in early 2026, adding AI-assisted processing functionality

🔹 French Immigration Bonus: Federal government increases French-language immigration allocation to 8,000, encouraging francophone development outside Quebec

🔹 Family Reunification Faster Processing: Average processing times for spousal and child sponsorship applications reduced to 12 months

💡 PROFESSIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS

🎓 For International Students

If you're a Master's or PhD student, the 2026 study permit policy is excellent news for you - no cap restrictions! We recommend preparing applications early for Fall 2026 admission. Additionally, monitor the TR-to-PR pathway; after graduation, accumulate 12 months of work experience to apply for permanent residence without competing in Express Entry high-score competition.

💼 For Work Permit Holders

If your spouse holds a study or work permit, you may be eligible for an open work permit extension, enhancing family stability. Monitor TR-to-PR pathways and provincial nomination draws closely, especially in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and BC for priority occupations (healthcare, IT, construction, etc.).

🗺️ For Provincial Nominee Applicants

With 2026 PNP allocations increasing 66%, your chances of receiving a provincial nomination have significantly improved! Prioritize provinces with the largest allocation increases (Nova Scotia, Ontario, BC, Alberta). If you work in Manitoba, ensure you apply for the two-year work permit pilot before the December 31 deadline - you won't get another chance after it closes.

🌏 For Overseas Applicants

If you're a medical doctor, 2026 will bring a new Express Entry category-based selection with 5,000 additional federal spots! Prepare early: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), language tests (IELTS/TEF), and medical license verification. Candidates with strong French-language abilities should also monitor French immigration pathways, with allocations increased to 8,000.

Disclaimer: This content is compiled from publicly available information and is for reference purposes only. Specific policies are subject to official announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) official website, Provincial immigration authority websites, CIC News

📞 Need Professional Assistance?

Contact L.J. Immigration Consulting for expert guidance on your Canadian immigration journey.

📧 info@ljimmigration.ca 🌐 www.ljimmigration.ca