JAPA: 10 Key Canadian immigration changes from 2025 reshaping study, work pathways

By Alagbe Shenayon On Jan 14, 2026

Canada introduced sweeping changes to its immigration policies in 2025, impacting Express Entry, post-graduation work permits, family open work permits, and provincial nominations.

The updates were announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) throughout the year.

These changes now determine who can successfully transition from study or temporary work to permanent residence in 2026, influencing application strategies, eligibility decisions, and settlement planning for thousands of prospective migrants.

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10. Bill C-3 removes the first-generation limit for citizenship

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 came into force, amending the Citizenship Act to remove the former “first-generation limit” (FGL). The law previously prevented Canadian citizens born abroad from passing citizenship to children also born abroad.

IRCC explained that children born or adopted abroad on or after December 15, 2025, to a Canadian parent who was also born or adopted abroad must meet a ‘substantial connection’ requirement, defined as the parent having spent at least three years in Canada prior to the child’s birth or adoption. The bill immediately restored eligibility for thousands of lost Canadians, enabling them to apply for proof of citizenship.

9. CRS points removed for arranged employment

From March 25, 2025, Express Entry candidates no longer receive additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported job offers.

The federal government stated the change aims to reduce fraud and “strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system.” Candidates without job offers now have a more level chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

8. Category-based selection overhauled

IRCC removed Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points previously awarded for arranged employment through Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported job offers. The government stated the update aimed to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and reduce fraud. Candidates without job offers now have a more level playing field when seeking an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

IRCC overhauled category-based selection for Express Entry. Education was added as a priority category while Transport was removed.
The Healthcare category was expanded to include social services occupations, now labelled Healthcare and social services.
STEM saw 19 occupations removed and six added.
IRCC also announced a new Express Entry category for physicians with Canadian work experience, with draws expected to begin in early 2026. Candidates typically need six months of continuous full-time work experience in a qualifying occupation to be eligible

7. Family open work permits restricted

Effective January 21, 2025, family open work permit (OWP) eligibility was tightened. International students can only sponsor spouses or common-law partners if enrolled in:

Master’s programs of 16 months or longer
Doctoral programs
Select professional programs like nursing, engineering, and law
OWPs for foreign workers were limited to spouses of those working in TEER 0 or 1 occupations, or select TEER 2 or 3 roles in healthcare, trades, and natural resources.

5. New rules for international Study permit transfers

An earlier policy change made in 2024 required post-secondary students must be enrolled at the designated learning institution (DLI) listed on their study permit. Previously, students only needed to notify IRCC.

The January 2025 new rule requires students to submit a study permit extension if transferring schools, including supporting documents such as a letter explaining the transfer, a new valid PAL/TAL, and proof that they meet eligibility criteria. Processing delays, currently averaging 119 days, can affect the timing of transfers. Students with applications already in progress can submit documents through the IRCC web form.

4. Provincial immigration changes

Due to federal allocation cuts in January 2025, many provinces narrowed or paused Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) streams, focusing on priority sectors like healthcare, trades, and childcare.

By late 2025, provinces including Alberta and Manitoba received 65% of their 2024 allocations, while Yukon and the Northwest Territories restored allocations to near full capacity.

3. An Immigration Medical Exam is now required upfront

From August 21, 2025, non-exempt Express Entry applicants must complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting PR applications.

Applicants already in Canada with a recent low-risk IME may be exempt.

2. Maintained status rules updated

Temporary residents on maintained status will no longer have their stay automatically extended if a second extension application is submitted after a refusal of the first. Previously, multiple applications could prolong authorized stay without work or study rights.

1. Closed work permit rules extended

IRCC has updated a public policy allowing workers with employer-specific permits to request authorisation to work for a new employer while their new work permit application is being processed.

Workers may gain authorization within 10 days, compared with the standard 210-day processing period for new work permits.

What you should know

Nairametrics reported that Canada has overtaken the United Kingdom as the preferred study‑to‑immigrate destination for international students seeking permanent residence, reflecting a significant shift in global student mobility trends.

This development comes as both countries tighten immigration policies amid shifting public sentiment, but Canada has maintained a clearer and faster post‑study pathway to permanent residence compared to the UK’s increasingly restrictive framework.

[Nairametrics]

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