Canada Immigration News Podcast #88 brings you another round of essential updates shaping Canada’s immigration system. This week’s episode covers Express Entry Draw 362 targeting healthcare and social services workers, IRCC’s new upfront medical exam rule for Express Entry applicants, Canada’s $34 million investment in French-language health services to support Francophone immigration, and Ontario’s $70 million workforce investment to protect workers and strengthen the economy. Together, these developments highlight how Canada continues to evolve its immigration system to meet urgent workforce needs and improve settlement opportunities.

On August 19, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw 362, issuing 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates in healthcare and social services. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off was 470, with a tie-break of April 23, 2025. This was the lowest CRS requirement for a healthcare-focused draw so far in 2025, signaling that Canada is prioritizing care professionals in the 470–475 CRS band. Eligible occupations included registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, social workers, and community service professionals. For many candidates in health and care-related roles, this round provided a faster route to permanent residency.

Beginning August 21, 2025, IRCC has introduced a new requirement for most Express Entry applicants: completing an upfront medical exam before submitting a permanent residence application. This policy shift means that medical results must now be included with the initial PR application, reducing delays and ensuring faster processing. While some applicants inside Canada can reuse a recent Immigration Medical Exam (IME) if completed within the last five years, most new applicants will need to schedule an exam with an approved panel physician. This change reflects IRCC’s effort to streamline the process, minimize back-and-forth requests, and deliver quicker decisions for Express Entry candidates.

On August 18, 2025, the Canadian government announced a $34 million investment to expand French-language health services in Ontario. The funding will enhance access to care for Francophone communities, supporting family medicine, community clinics, mental health services, and hospitals. For French-speaking immigrants, access to healthcare in their first official language improves both settlement outcomes and long-term well-being. This initiative also strengthens Canada’s broader Francophone immigration strategy, ensuring that French-speaking newcomers can access services and thrive in their communities. It aligns with ongoing programs such as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream and federal category-based draws for Francophone candidates.

Ontario is also making a significant investment to support its workforce in response to global economic pressures and shifting trade dynamics. The province announced $70 million in funding for two initiatives: Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and the Better Jobs Ontario program. POWER Centres will act as rapid-response hubs for workers facing layoffs, offering job search assistance and retraining resources. Better Jobs Ontario will expand tuition and training support for individuals transitioning into high-demand fields. For newcomers and residents alike, this funding provides opportunities to access training, upskill for the evolving job market, and secure stable employment in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

The Canada Immigration News Podcast continues to be the trusted source for up-to-date coverage of immigration draws, policy changes, and settlement resources. With more than 2 million subscribers worldwide, our community of future Canadians relies on timely, accurate insights to guide their journey. Subscribe today to the Canada Immigration News Podcast and newsletter to stay ahead of every update that could shape your path to permanent residency in Canada.

Canada Immigration News Podcast #87 brings you the latest updates shaping Canada’s immigration landscape. In this episode, we cover Express Entry Draw 360 that targeted French-speaking candidates, the latest draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates with a CRS of 800, upcoming 2026 Express Entry categories, and Alberta’s investment in an Early Childhood Educator Bursary. Each of these developments highlights how Canada continues to refine its immigration pathways while responding to workforce needs and community priorities.

On August 8, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held its third draw of the week, Express Entry Draw 360, focusing on French-speaking candidates. A total of 2,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 481. This strategy underscores Canada’s commitment to building Francophone communities outside Quebec and strengthening bilingual workforces. French speakers gain not only lower CRS cut-offs but also additional points for bilingualism, giving them a significant advantage compared to other categories.

The week also saw Canada issue invitations to 192 PNP candidates on August 18, 2025. With a CRS cut-off of 800, this draw highlighted the continued importance of provincial nominations in Express Entry. Candidates nominated through provincial programs benefit from an automatic 600-point boost, making their profiles highly competitive. As Canada balances program-specific and category-based draws, PNP candidates remain central to meeting regional labour market demands and filling skill shortages across the provinces.

Looking ahead, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has revealed that new categories will be added to Express Entry in 2026. In addition to the current six categories, which include healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, education, and French-language proficiency, three more will be introduced: Leadership and Senior Management, Researchers and Scientists, and Highly Skilled Military Recruits. These updates demonstrate Canada’s forward-thinking approach to aligning immigration intake with future economic needs. Skilled professionals in these new categories will have greater opportunities to secure permanent residency through a more targeted selection process.

Immigration and education are closely connected, and Alberta is addressing a critical workforce need by investing $3.3 million into its Early Childhood Educator Bursary program. This initiative provides $10,000 in tuition support for 300 students over the next three years, helping them complete certificate programs and enter licensed child-care centres. Alberta continues to face staffing shortages in early learning, and this bursary aims to remove financial barriers while encouraging more people to pursue careers in child care. For international students and newcomers considering careers in early childhood education, this investment highlights new pathways into meaningful employment in Canada.

With more than 2 million subscribers, the Canada Immigration News Podcast and newsletter provide the most trusted updates on Express Entry draws, immigration policy changes, and settlement opportunities. Don’t miss your chance to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Subscribe today and join our growing global community of future Canadians.

Welcome to Canada Immigration News Podcast #86, your trusted source for the latest developments in Canadian immigration. In this episode, we explore the newest Express Entry PNP and CEC draws, Quebec’s streamlined process for foreign physicians, and how the British Columbia Access Grant continues to make education more affordable. These updates highlight how Canada’s immigration and education systems are working together to attract talent and strengthen communities.

Canada began August 2025 with a targeted Express Entry draw for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. On August 6, 2025, IRCC issued 225 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a minimum CRS score of 739. Eligibility was limited to candidates who submitted their Express Entry profile before April 23, 2025, at 6:35 a.m. UTC.

PNP draws remain significant because provincial nominations provide an automatic 600-point boost, making selection almost guaranteed. This draw reflects Canada’s continued reliance on PNPs to address specific regional labor needs and ensure that immigration benefits provinces and territories directly.

Just a day later, on August 7, 2025, IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #359, inviting 1,000 Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates with a cut-off score of 534. The CEC category favors skilled workers who already have Canadian work experience, highlighting the value of in-country employment for permanent residency prospects.

This year has seen fluctuating CRS scores for CEC draws, with recent cut-offs ranging between 518 and 547. The latest results reaffirm that skilled workers already contributing to Canada’s labor market remain a priority in the federal immigration strategy.

Quebec has introduced a major change to make it easier for foreign-trained doctors to work in underserved regions. Starting July 31, 2025, physicians will only need a single employer-specific C10 work permit, valid for up to five years. This replaces the previous two-step process that required both an assessment permit and a practice permit.

The streamlined system reduces paperwork, speeds up integration, and allows healthcare facilities to fill critical vacancies more efficiently. Foreign physicians must still secure accreditation from the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ) and meet standard immigration requirements. This change is expected to attract more global medical professionals to Quebec’s rural areas, strengthening healthcare delivery where it is most needed.

British Columbia’s Access Grant has reached its five-year milestone, having supported more than 88,000 students since 2020. The program provides up to $4,000 annually for full-time students and $1,000 for part-time students, covering not just tuition but also housing, food, transportation, and learning materials.

Unlike loans, this is a non-repayable, upfront grant, which makes higher education more accessible and reduces financial stress for low- and middle-income families. With over $178 million distributed, the grant has been instrumental in closing skill gaps and ensuring that future workers are prepared for key industries like technology, healthcare, and natural resources.

Join over 2 million subscribers who rely on Canada Immigration News Podcast for timely updates, expert analysis, and in-depth coverage of immigration and education news. Subscribe to our podcast and newsletter to stay ahead of Express Entry trends, provincial programs, and policy changes that could impact your journey to Canada.

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.

Stay ahead of critical immigration updates and opportunities. Join over 2 million subscribers by following the Canada Immigration News Podcast and signing up for our newsletter. Get timely insights, draw analysis, job trends, and policy changes delivered straight to your inbox every week.

Welcome to Canada Immigration News Podcast #84, where we break down the latest developments from the world of Canadian immigration. In this episode, we look at IRCC’s most recent Express Entry draws, a record-breaking CEC cut-off score, Saskatchewan’s wage hike, and updates to proof of funds requirements for Express Entry applicants.

On July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #354, inviting 356 candidates under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 750.

This draw required candidates to have submitted their Express Entry profiles before March 19, 2025, and continues Canada’s strategy to use PNP draws to support regional labor market needs. A PNP nomination gives candidates an automatic 600-point CRS boost, making it a key pathway for those with in-demand skills.

Just one day after the PNP round, IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #355 on July 8, 2025, targeting Canadian Experience Class (CEC) candidates. A total of 3,000 ITAs were issued, with a remarkably low CRS cut-off of 518, the lowest since September 2024.

Applicants needed to have created their profile before October 2, 2024, at 1:48 a.m. UTC. This draw highlights a positive trend for CEC hopefuls, with scores consistently falling: the previous two CEC draws had cut-offs of 521 and 529.

In economic news relevant to newcomers, Saskatchewan will raise its minimum wage to $15.35/hour starting October 1, 2025. This follows the province’s indexation formula that adjusts wages based on inflation and average hourly wages.

This increase will benefit workers in entry-level positions across sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and retail. For prospective immigrants considering Saskatchewan, the new wage standard reflects a growing and stable local economy.

As of July 7, 2025, IRCC has revised the proof of funds requirements for candidates applying under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs. The new figures are based on 50% of Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) and vary by family size.

For example, a single applicant now needs to show $15,263 in available funds, while a family of four must demonstrate access to $28,362. Candidates already in the Express Entry pool have until July 28, 2025, to update their profiles without affecting their ranking.

These changes reflect new economic benchmarks and reinforce IRCC’s commitment to maintaining financial readiness as a core eligibility factor.

So far in 2025, IRCC has alternated between PNP and CEC draws, reflecting a balanced selection strategy. With CRS scores dropping and regular rounds of invitations, there is growing optimism among Express Entry candidates. IRCC has issued 45,201 ITAs through Express Entry so far this year.

If you're looking to boost your chances, consider retaking your language test, gaining Canadian work experience, or seeking provincial nomination in alignment with your occupation.

Join over 2 million subscribers who rely on Canada Immigration News for timely updates, expert analysis, and real-time insights. Subscribe to the Canada Immigration News Podcast for weekly episodes and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest immigration trends delivered straight to your inbox.

Welcome to episode 83 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast. In this episode, we dive into Canada's recent Express Entry draws, analyze Saskatchewan’s record-breaking employment numbers, and break down Alberta’s latest AAIP invitations across four vital sectors.

On June 4, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry draw #349, focusing on candidates in healthcare and social services occupations. A total of 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued to applicants with a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 504. To be eligible, candidates must have submitted their profile before 6:47 a.m. UTC on March 31, 2025, as per the tie-breaking rule. This was the second healthcare-focused draw of the year, emphasizing Canada’s ongoing commitment to prioritizing skilled professionals in high-demand sectors.

On June 10, 2025, IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #350, issuing 125 ITAs to candidates nominated through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The cut-off score for this draw was 784, which is 58 points higher than the previous PNP draw. The tie-breaking rule was set at September 12, 2024, at 18:12:15 UTC. As of June 9, 2025, the Express Entry pool had 256,653 active profiles. In total, 35,342 candidates have received invitations in 2025, including 4,992 PNP candidates.

Saskatchewan is making headlines for its impressive job market performance in 2025. The province now holds the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, thanks to strategic planning and policy support. In May 2025, the labor force reached 653,900 with 518,800 full-time jobs—the highest on record. Employment among women rose by 10,900, a 3.8% increase from last year, while male employment also climbed by 5,300 or 1.6%. These figures highlight Saskatchewan’s economic resilience and the growing importance of newcomers in maintaining labor force momentum.

Between May 22 and June 3, 2025, Alberta held four targeted draws under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). These draws invited 92 candidates across high-demand sectors including healthcare, agriculture, technology, and construction. The AAIP’s sector-based approach ensures alignment with Alberta’s economic needs and offers opportunities for skilled workers in key industries to secure a provincial nomination for Canadian permanent residency.

Join over 2 million subscribers who stay informed with the latest updates on Express Entry, PNP draws, immigration policies, and job opportunities in Canada. Subscribe to the Canada Immigration News Podcast for expert insights and in-depth discussions, and sign up for our newsletter to get breaking news delivered straight to your inbox. Stay ahead in your immigration journey with the most trusted updates!

Welcome to episode 82 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, where we bring you the most important updates in Canadian immigration. In this episode, we explore Canada’s evolving Express Entry trends, a proposed work permit extension in Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador’s latest immigration draw, and new PNP draw invitations issued by Manitoba under its Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

Canada’s Express Entry system is undergoing notable changes in 2025. The latest draw on May 13 issued 500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) at a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 547. This continues a recent pattern of smaller draw sizes and elevated CRS thresholds, driven in part by Canada’s reduced immigration targets for the year. The selection criteria are increasingly focused on in-Canada candidates and category-based draws, especially those with backgrounds in healthcare, French language proficiency, and skilled trades. Experts project the next draw to occur between May 27 and May 30, possibly targeting specific categories with tailored CRS requirements.

In a move to stabilize its workforce and support temporary foreign workers, Saskatchewan's Immigration Minister Jim Reiter has announced plans to negotiate a two-year work permit extension with the federal government. This initiative is inspired by Manitoba’s recent agreement, which provided 6,700 extensions until December 2025. Saskatchewan's proposed plan follows the federal government’s decision to reduce the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) quota by 50%, limiting it to just 3,600 nominations. The extension aims to retain skilled workers whose permits are nearing expiry and ensure that local businesses are not impacted by unexpected labor shortages.

On May 8, 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its second round of immigration selections through its Expression of Interest (EOI) system. A total of 328 invitations were issued, with 281 invitations going to Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) candidates and 47 under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This draw follows a successful negotiation with the federal government that secured Newfoundland and Labrador an enhanced immigration allocation of 2,525 spaces for 2025, an increase of 1,000 spots compared to the previous year. The province’s online Immigration Accelerator platform, launched in February 2025, has streamlined the EOI registration process and improved draw efficiency.

On May 15, 2025, Manitoba conducted Draw #245 of its Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), issuing 62 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under the Skilled Worker Overseas (SWO) stream. The minimum score required for this draw was 626 points, representing a significant drop of 101 points from the previous SWO draw. All invited candidates qualified under the strategic recruitment initiative. In 2025, Manitoba has issued 780 invitations under various streams, with 167 of those candidates having valid Express Entry profile numbers and job seeker validation codes, linking them directly to Canada’s federal immigration system.

Get the latest updates on immigration policies, Express Entry draws, PNP results, work permit changes, and settlement tips. Join our growing community of over 2 million listeners and readers. Subscribe to the podcast and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed and ahead.

Welcome to episode 81 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, where we deliver the most relevant immigration updates across Canada. In this episode, we cover the latest category-based Express Entry draw for healthcare workers, North Bay Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) updates for 2025, a significant change to the PRRA hearing consent process, and the latest national job vacancy data.

On May 2, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held Express Entry Draw #345, inviting 500 candidates under the healthcare category. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off was 510, the highest ever seen in a healthcare-targeted draw. This was the first healthcare-specific invitation round of the year and signals growing competition in the pool or a tightening of selection criteria. The tie-breaking rule for this round was set at July 21, 2024, 04:31:17 UTC, meaning candidates who met the minimum score and submitted their profiles before that date received invitations.

North Bay, Ontario has updated its Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) community priorities for 2025. The city will now prioritize job offers in healthcare and social services, skilled trades, sales and marketing, business administration, and education including early childhood care. Applicants must meet both federal RNIP eligibility and secure employment with a participating local employer to qualify. The updated list reflects regional labor shortages and North Bay’s commitment to attracting long-term, skilled newcomers to support its economy and communities.

As of April 29, 2025, IRCC has revised its policy on Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) hearings by making virtual consent the default. Now, when an applicant submits a PRRA application, it is assumed they consent to a virtual hearing. Previously, applicants were required to submit written consent for remote attendance. This procedural shift aims to speed up scheduling and improve accessibility across the system. Those still seeking an in-person hearing must submit a formal request with justification.

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the country had 528,000 job vacancies as of February 2025. While this marks a slight year-over-year decline, demand remains high across sectors such as healthcare, accommodation and food services, and retail trade. Nearly one in five vacancies were in healthcare, which continues to top the list of labor shortages nationwide. The numbers further underscore Canada’s need for targeted immigration to meet labor market demands and maintain economic momentum.

Join the Canada Immigration News Podcast, trusted by over 2 million subscribers worldwide, as your go-to source for the latest updates on immigration policies, provincial programs, and life in Canada. With a vibrant community of listeners, we provide expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable advice to help you achieve your Canadian dream.

Subscribe today and never miss an episode! Whether you’re planning your move to Canada, exploring educational opportunities, or simply staying informed, we’ve got you covered. Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of immigration.

Welcome to episode 80 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast. In this episode, we break down Express Entry Draw #342, a major update for U.S. doctors looking to move to Canada, the latest Manitoba PNP draw, and newly released 2025 LMIA processing times. If you’re exploring pathways to immigrate to Canada in 2025, these stories could make a big difference in your journey.

On April 14, 2025, IRCC held the 342nd Express Entry draw, inviting 825 candidates through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This is one of the largest PNP-only draws of the year, with a high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score cut-off of 764.

This draw follows recent policy changes, including the removal of CRS points for arranged employment, a move that’s beginning to impact applicant profiles across the board.

Express Entry Draw #342 Highlights:

The higher CRS requirement signals a more competitive environment — making it essential for candidates to explore provincial nomination options and optimize their profiles with professional guidance.

Amid rising burnout, layoffs, and political tensions in the U.S. healthcare sector, more American doctors are considering Canada — and the timing couldn’t be better.

Canada is experiencing a critical shortage of healthcare workers, and U.S.-trained doctors bring valuable experience and medical credentials that are in high demand.

Why This Matters in 2025:

Pro tip: Working with a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) can simplify and fast-track the transition.

On April 17, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its second draw of the month, inviting 27 candidates under the Skilled Worker Overseas stream.

This draw targeted candidates with strong connections to Manitoba through strategic recruitment efforts.

Draw Details:

In addition, new work permit support measures were announced for 2025 to help foreign workers and nominees transition more smoothly into the Canadian labor market.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) has updated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times as of March 2025.

Average LMIA Processing Times (Business Days):

Never miss an update on Express Entry draws, PNP results, policy changes, or LMIA trends. Subscribe to the Canada Immigration News Podcast and sign up for our weekly newsletter to stay ahead in your immigration journey.

Welcome to episode 79 of the Canada Immigration News Podcast, your trusted source for weekly immigration insights. In this episode, we cover the Alberta Opportunity Stream update under AAIP, upcoming SINP information sessions on nomination cuts, the immediate application cap of Canada’s Home Care Worker Pilots, and B.C.’s tuition-free pathway programs designed to boost post-secondary access for adult learners.

On March 26, 2025, Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) released an update based on its current application inventory. The province is processing:

The total number of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in the selection pool across all AAIP streams stands at 51,747.

Additionally, on March 7, Alberta invited 16 aviation professionals under the Alberta Opportunity Stream, with a minimum score of 56. So far in 2025, the province has issued 584 invitations and granted 1,257 nomination certificates across all AAIP streams.

In response to a 50% reduction in Saskatchewan’s 2025 federal nomination allocation, the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) is hosting online information sessions to clarify program changes.

These sessions, scheduled for April 3 and April 9, are split between prospective applicants and employers:

These updates will help attendees understand the impact of reduced allocations and how to best navigate the evolving provincial immigration landscape.

Canada’s Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot reached their full application caps on their March 31, 2025 launch date. Each pilot allows for 2,750 applications, including 150 spots for out-of-status workers.

Due to overwhelming demand, the online application portals closed the same day. While alternative application formats remain open, the main portal will not reopen until 2026. Additionally, the stream for "Applicants not working in Canada" is yet to launch, with no confirmed date announced.

From April 1, 2025, to August 31, 2026, British Columbia is investing $4 million to offer tuition-free Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English Language Learning (ELL) programs. These 23 pathway programs are available at 11 public post-secondary institutions and the Native Education College (NEC).

Launched in 2022, the initiative helps adult learners—especially Indigenous and rural populations—upgrade their academic skills in English, math, and science to pursue careers in healthcare, skilled trades, and more. These targeted pathways help ensure a smooth transition into further education and meaningful employment.

Stay informed on Canada’s evolving immigration programs, work permit updates, PNP draws, and education initiatives. Join our community of over 2 million engaged listeners and readers. Subscribe to the podcast and sign up for our newsletter to never miss an update.