Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve rapidly, as highlighted in the latest Express Entry developments and sector-specific policy updates. In this week’s episode of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, we break down the July 21, 2025, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw, explore the major healthcare and social worker intake, and look into new reforms for marine jobs and student city rankings.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry draw on July 21, 2025, issuing 202 Invitations to Apply (ITAs). The required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score was 788, a significant increase of 38 points from the previous PNP draw on July 7. This jump underscores the growing competitiveness for PNP pathways, where even candidates with provincial nominations must meet increasingly high thresholds.

Applicants were selected based on profiles submitted before June 5, 2025. These results reaffirm the critical value of securing a provincial nomination, which automatically adds 600 CRS points. As Express Entry draws become more targeted and selective, PNPs remain a crucial route for skilled workers to gain permanent residency.

Just one day after the PNP round, IRCC conducted a massive category-based draw on July 22, inviting 4,000 healthcare and social service professionals. With a relatively low CRS cut-off of 475, this draw marked the third healthcare-focused round in 2025, showing a strong commitment to filling labor shortages in Canada’s essential services.

The tie-breaking rule was applied to profiles created before March 13, 2025. This initiative aligns with the federal government's push to bolster the health sector workforce by targeting occupations in demand, such as nurses, doctors, and social workers.

Canada updated its International Mobility Program (IMP) on July 18, introducing new clarity on work permit requirements for marine occupations. The revised rules under paragraph 186(s) now better define when foreign nationals can work without a permit. The policy specifically benefits sectors like shipping, above-deck retrofitting, and marine operations.

For marine professionals, this reform opens more streamlined entry routes into Canada’s job market. Canadian shipping firms, international hires, and HR teams now have clearer pathways for compliance and employment.

Canada’s reputation as a global education hub remains strong, with four of its cities- Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, and Ottawa, featured in the QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2026. Montreal led the way at #18, followed by Toronto at #22, Vancouver at #29, and Ottawa at #80.

While affordability continues to challenge students in these cities, their international appeal is fueled by diversity, strong employer networks, and top-tier universities. These rankings highlight Canada’s continued relevance in the global academic landscape.

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