🌞 Happy Monday, Newcomers!

Big changes for Express Entry applicants - IRCC now requires a completed medical exam with your PR application. Plus, we’ve got updates on priority invitations for healthcare workers, tighter Temporary Foreign Worker rules, new immigration legislation, and the job opportunities across Canada.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and start your week empowered!

A major change is impacting thousands hoping to make Canada their home.

As of October 21, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has ended its pandemic-era policy allowing flexibility for medical exams.

Now, all Express Entry applicants must submit proof of a completed Immigration Medical Examination (IME) with their initial permanent residence application.

The rule affects all major economic streams, including the Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class programs.

For applicants, this change makes careful, proactive planning more critical than ever to avoid losing their Invitation to Apply and starting the process over again.

🇨🇦 Canada Immigration Update: October 2025

1. Healthcare & Social Service Workers Get Priority Invitations

🎟️ What’s New: 2,500 invitations were sent to candidates in healthcare and social-service occupations (minimum CRS 472).
📄 Details: Canada continues to prioritize professionals who support community well-being; from nurses to social workers. If you’re in this field, now’s a great time to update your Express Entry profile.

2. Government Tightens Oversight of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

📄 Details: Ottawa reports a 50 % drop in Temporary Foreign Worker Program applications since last year, while employer fines nearly doubled. The government is emphasizing fairer employment practices and stricter compliance.

3. IRCC Publishes Latest Backlog and Processing Data

📄 Details: IRCC processed nearly 300,000 applications so far this year and welcomed 276,900 new permanent residents. The numbers show steady progress, though backlogs remain a challenge.

4. IRCC Outlines 2025–26 Priorities in New Departmental Plan

📄 Details: The new plan focuses on improving management of international students, visitors, and temporary workers, with $427 million allocated to strengthen these programs. Expect more reforms to study permits and temporary migration in 2026.

5. New Bill to Modernize Immigration and Border Security

📄 Details: The federal government introduced Bill C-12, the “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act.” The legislation aims to modernize border controls and enhance digital security, shaping how applications and screening will work in the future.

💡 Quick Tip: Stay on Top of Your Application the Smart Way

✳️ Use IRCC’s Application Tracker — If you’ve applied for permanent residence, citizenship, or a work/study permit, track your file online through the official IRCC portal.

• 📲 Set up your account: You’ll need your UCI or application number.

• 🔔 Get notifications: The tracker now shows updates like “under review” or “decision made.”

• 🛡️ Avoid scams: IRCC never asks for payments by text or email  only through your secure Canada.ca account.

• 🌐 Bookmark carefully: Always check that the address begins with https://www.canada.ca before entering personal information.

💼 Canada Job Opportunities – October 2025

Canada’s job market has shown a slight cooling this fall, but there are still solid opportunities across skilled trades, administration, and public sector roles. Healthcare openings have eased slightly, yet remain a major source of employment for newcomers and experienced workers alike.

🔧 Skilled Trades & Technical Roles

• Automotive Technicians
  Employers across BC and Alberta continue to post openings for licensed technicians, often with relocation support and competitive pay.👉 Browse technician listings on Indeed ›

• Welders, Truck Drivers & General Labourers
  Although vacancies have dipped slightly from last year, these trades remain among the most consistently in-demand roles across provinces.👉 Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada (CanadaWiz) ›

🏥 Healthcare & Community Services

• Registered Nurses & Health Aides
  Vacancies in healthcare fell modestly this quarter (−7.5%), but the need for long-term-care and rural health staff continues.👉 Find healthcare jobs on Job Bank ›

• Emergency Management & Public Safety Roles
  Municipal and federal departments are recruiting for emergency coordinators and support staff.👉 Job Bank – Emergency Services Listings ›

💼 Administrative & Professional Careers

• Project Managers, HR Managers & Account Managers
  Employer demand remains steady, particularly in urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
  👉 Explore 2025 Job Trends (CanadaWiz) ›

• Receptionists & Administrative Assistants
  Entry-level office roles are plentiful and suitable for newcomers seeking Canadian experience.
  👉 Admin openings (Moving2Canada) ›

🌱 Youth & Internship Opportunities

• Government & Indigenous Internship Programs (2025)
  Agencies such as CMHC and Employment and Social Development Canada continue to offer summer internships that provide mentorship and paid experience.
  👉 Browse internship listings on Job Bank ›

📊 Labour Market Snapshot (Q2 2025)

• Total job vacancies: 505,900 (−3.6% from Q1 2025).

• Vacancy rate: 2.8% (steady cooling trend since 2024).

• Sectors with the highest openings: retail, construction, manufacturing, and health care.

• The unemployment-to-vacancy ratio rose to 2.9, meaning nearly three job-seekers per open role.
  🔗 Source: Statistics Canada (Sept 2025 release) ›

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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