🌞 Happy Monday, Newcomers!

Canada’s immigration landscape is shifting fast; from bold new exemptions for master’s and doctoral students to record-breaking Express Entry draws and modernized work permit rules. In this issue, we break down the top 5 updates you need to know, spotlight booming job and business opportunities, and share trusted newcomer resources to help you thrive.

Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or entrepreneur, the changes ahead open doors to exciting possibilities. Let’s dive into the highlights shaping Canada’s future and your next big move.

In a major policy shift, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that master’s and doctoral students will be exempt from the national study permit cap.

Beginning January 1, 2026, these students at public institutions will no longer need a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) to apply.

The decision is a direct response to advocacy from top universities in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, which argued the cap threatened Canada's global competitiveness.

This change prioritizes attracting high-level academic talent, ensuring a continued flow of innovators for local research ecosystems and skilled workforces.

To further attract top scholars, doctoral applicants from abroad will now benefit from an expedited 14-day study permit processing time for themselves and their families.

The move signals a strategic pivot, aiming to transition these highly skilled graduates into Canada's permanent economy.

This week has brought seismic shifts in Canadian immigration policy, with major announcements impacting skilled workers, international students, and families. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has unveiled a new vision that balances ambitious permanent residency goals with a more restrictive approach to temporary residents.

Here are the Top 5 Immigration Updates you need to know

1️⃣ Massive Express Entry Draw for Healthcare Workers

• On November 14, 2025, IRCC held a category-based Express Entry draw targeting healthcare and social services professionals.

• 3,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued.

• The minimum CRS score was 462, one of the lowest cut-offs for this category in 2025.

• This draw highlights Canada’s commitment to addressing healthcare labour shortages.

• Earlier draws this month included:

  • Nov 12 (CEC draw): 1,000 ITAs, CRS 533

  • Nov 10 (PNP draw): 714 ITAs, CRS 738

2️⃣ New Immigration Levels Plan (2026–2028)

• Canada has released its Immigration Levels Plan for 2026–2028.

• Permanent residents: Stabilized at 380,000 annually starting in 2026.

• Temporary residents: Targeted reduction to less than 5% of Canada’s population by 2027.

• Focus areas:

  • Economic immigration remains the priority.

  • Strong emphasis on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry.

• Goal: Balance population growth with housing, healthcare, and infrastructure capacity.

3️⃣ International Student Caps & New Rules

• A national cap on study permits continues in 2025, now including master’s and doctoral students.

• Proof of funds requirement raised to $22,895 (plus first-year tuition).

• Impact:

  • 60% drop in study permits issued to students from India.

  • End of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) in late 2024 has complicated applications.

• Consequences:

  • Post-secondary institutions face financial strain.

  • Many students are reconsidering Canada as a study destination.

4️⃣ Québec Immigration Overhaul

• Québec is implementing sweeping changes this week:

  • PEQ program (for graduates & temporary foreign workers) officially ends Nov 19, 2025.

  • The Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ) via the Arrima portal becomes the main pathway.

• New requirements:

  • From Dec 17, 2025, many temporary foreign workers applying for a CAQ must show Level 4 spoken French.

• Intake target: 45,000 new immigrants in 2026, with a focus on integration and preserving French.

5️⃣ Modernized Work Permit Rules & PNP Extensions

• IRCC has introduced a fully online system for work permit extensions:

  • Faster, more transparent, fewer delays.

  • Designed to prevent employment gaps.

• PNP open work permit policy extended:

  • Applies to workers in Manitoba, Yukon, and Alberta (with support letters issued before end of 2024).

• This provides stability for thousands of workers awaiting permanent residency.

📌 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the CRS score for the latest healthcare Express Entry draw?

• 462 (Nov 14, 2025, healthcare/social services draw).

Q: Is Canada reducing the number of permanent residents?

• No. Canada will stabilize PR admissions at 380,000 annually (2026–2028). The reduction applies to temporary residents.

Q: Are there new rules for sponsoring parents and grandparents in 2025?

• Yes. For the 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), IRCC only invited sponsors who submitted interest forms in 2020. No new forms were accepted this year.

Canada Job & Business Opportunities

🚀 Jobs in High Demand

Canada’s labour market is booming, with healthcare, tech, and skilled trades leading the way. Employers are actively hiring for:

• Healthcare roles: Nurses, personal support workers, medical technologists
• Tech careers: Software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, AI developers
• Skilled trades: Electricians, carpenters, project managers
• Business services: Accountants, compliance officers, HR specialists

👉 Take Action: Explore openings on Canada’s Job Bank Outlook Tool and tailor your resume to one of these growth sectors.

💡 Business Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Canada is encouraging new ventures through immigration-linked programs and digital-first industries:

• Start-Up Visa Program: Build your company while gaining permanent residency
• Digital-first ventures: E-commerce, online education, fintech
• Green economy: Renewable energy and sustainability-focused businesses
• Youth employment programs: Wage subsidies help small businesses hire talent

👉 Take Action: Learn more about the Start-Up Visa Program and check out Government Business Grants to support your venture.

📈 Position Yourself for Success

• Upskill in tech or healthcare with short certifications
• Leverage remote & hybrid work opportunities
• Network locally and online to connect with employers and investors
• Stay compliance-savvy when hiring or scaling

👉 Take Action: Browse online learning platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning to pick one skill upgrade this month—coding, cybersecurity, or a healthcare certification.

🔑 Final Takeaway

Canada’s 2025 landscape is a dual opportunity zone:

• Workers can secure high-paying, flexible jobs
• Entrepreneurs can tap into immigration-linked programs and booming industries

👉 Challenge for You This Week: Pick one concrete step - apply for a job, enroll in a certification, or draft a business plan. Small actions today build big wins tomorrow.

Explore further:

• Explore Jobs Now
• Learn About Start-Up Visa
• Find Provincial Grants
• Upskill Online

Newcomer Services Across Canada 🇨🇦

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of unknowns. From finding 🏠 housing to navigating 🏥 healthcare, 💼 employment, and everyday life, there’s a lot to figure out.

This resource brings together trusted organizations, tools, and tips to make settling in Canada a little easier one step at a time.

IRCC – Find Free Newcomer Services

• 📄 Details: Offers a comprehensive, searchable list of settlement organizations across Canada (except Quebec). Filter by city or type of service, from 🗣️ language classes to 💼 employment support.

👉 Start exploring today: IRCC Newcomer Services Directory

Quebec-Specific Services

• 📄 Details: Quebec has its own centralized newcomer resources, covering settlement services, orientation, and community integration. 🍁 Accompagnement Québec

Whether you're a newcomer family navigating a new school system or a student aiming for top grades, Mobile Tutors delivers flexible, high-quality learning support right where you need it.

Want to fast-track your success in Canada? These tools and services can help:

👩‍💼 Book a 1-on-1 Immigration Consultation with Motion Immigration - Whether you're applying for PR, navigating Express Entry, or planning your next move, get expert advice from a licensed immigration consultant. Book your consultation 

📊 TradingRich.com – Learn how to build wealth in Canada through smart investing and trading. Join the FREE community

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