Blog

July 14, 2025

Manitoba invites 67 candidates in latest MPNP draw

Dear future neighbour,

On July 10, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 67 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) across two immigration streams:

Stream	Number of invitations issued	Cut-off score
IES	40	N/A
SWS	27	673

Notably, 29 candidates had valid Express Entry profiles and job seeker validation codes, enhancing their chances at federal permanent residency through added CRS points.

This draw reflects Manitoba’s focus on:

Retaining international graduates educated in the province
Supporting local skilled workers with job offers or work experience
Strengthening links to the federal Express Entry system

Focus on Manitoba-Educated Graduates

The International Education Stream (IES) continues to play a vital role in Manitoba’s immigration strategy, contributing 40 invitations in this round. Designed for international graduates who have completed advanced post-secondary programs in Manitoba, this stream offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for highly educated individuals already integrated into the province’s economy and community.

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: Moderate Cut-off

Under the Skilled Worker in Manitoba (SWM) stream, 27 candidates were invited with a minimum required score of 673. This reflects a moderately competitive cut-off compared to previous draws, making this stream accessible to skilled workers with solid employment history and settlement potential within the province.

The July 10 draw follows a consistent trend of regular MPNP selections throughout 2025. Key highlights from recent months include:

June 26, 2025: 492 LAAs issued (including 478 under IES)
June 12, 2025: 36 Skilled Worker Overseas invitations (cut-off: 613)
May 29, 2025: 30 Skilled Worker Overseas invitations (cut-off: 606)

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, submitting a work permit or visa application, creating an Expression of Interest (EOI), setting up an Express Entry or Provincial Nomination profile, preparing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply, or simply want a professional review of your self-prepared application, we’re here to assist you.

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 14, 2025

British Columbia invites candidates in latest BC PNP draw

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

British Columbia extended more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to immigrant entrepreneurs in the just concluded week.

The BC Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) selected less than 17 candidates through two Entrepreneur Immigration (EI) streams: the EI Base and EI Regional streams.

See below details of BC PNP Draw:

Stream	Number of invitations issued	Cut-off score
EI Base stream	12	121
EI Regional stream	<5	115

This was the fifth entrepreneur-focused draw in 2025.

So far this year, nearly all draws have targeted entrepreneurs, except for one skilled worker draw on May 8.

Up to 39 invitations have gone through the EI Base stream and no more than 20 through the EI Regional stream. No draws have happened under the EI Strategic Projects stream yet.

Entrepreneur Pathways to B.C.

Foreign entrepreneurs can apply to start or buy a business in B.C. through either the EI Base or Regional stream. Each stream has different eligibility rules, including personal net worth and investment amount.

The EI Regional stream is for starting a new business in a rural community. Applicants must first visit and get a referral from that community.

The EI Base stream allows entrepreneurs to start or buy a business anywhere in B.C. and does not require a referral.

To qualify, Regional stream candidates need a score of at least 105/200, and Base stream candidates need at least 115/200. Both require the creation of one full-time job for a Canadian or permanent resident.

Most applications receive a decision within four months.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 14, 2025

Newfoundland and Labrador Sends Out More Immigration Invitations

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Newfoundland and Labrador invited more people to apply for immigration, June 24, 2025 through two programs: the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).

This was the fourth time the province selected candidates using its new Expression of Interest (EOI) system. In this round, 320 invitations were sent out, one of the smallest rounds since April.

Here’s how many people were invited in earlier rounds:

405 on May 29
328 on May 8
256 on April 3

So far in 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador has invited 1,309 people in total—1,095 through the PNP and 214 through the AIP.

Although the federal government reduced the province’s immigration spaces for 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador successfully asked for more. They now have 2,050 spaces for the PNP (up from 1,050 originally) and 475 for the AIP. Right now, 1,216 PNP and 261 AIP spots are still open.

How to Apply

To be considered, candidates must fill out an Expression of Interest (EOI) on the province’s Immigration Accelerator website. Most people also need a special code from their employer to prove they have a valid job offer. This code is not needed for PNP candidates already living in Canada.

EOIs stay active for 12 months. If any personal or job details change, the candidate must update their profile.

If selected, candidates will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) by email. After receiving an ITA, they (or their employer for AIP) must submit a full application within 60 days.

Getting an ITA doesn’t mean automatic approval. Applicants still need to meet all program rules, be allowed to come to Canada, and follow all provincial requirements.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 10, 2025

New Minimum Funds Required for Express Entry to Canada

By EUIC Admin Express Entry, News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has just updated the minimum amount of money required for Express Entry applicants to be eligible. If you’re planning to immigrate through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).

On July 7, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) boosted the minimum required settlement funds across the board by approximately CAD $500—adjusted annually based on 50 % of Canada’s low-income cut-off (LICO).

See Below Minimum Funds Required (Effective July 7, 2025)

Family Members	New Requirement (CAD)	Previous Requirement (CAD)
1	15,263	14,690
2	19,001	18,288
3	23,360	22,483
4	28,362	27,297
5	32,168	30,690
6	36,280	34,917
7	40,392	38,875
+1 member	+4,112	+3,958

These new amounts apply to applicants under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)—two streams managed through the Express Entry system.

Important Deadline: July 28, 2025

If you’re already in the Express Entry pool, you must update your “Settlement funds” section to reflect these new amounts by July 28, 2025, to remain eligible. Luckily, doing so doesn’t affect your original profile submission date or CRS ranking .

Who Needs to Show Funds?

You need to show proof of funds if:
- You’re applying under FSWP or FSTP
- You don’t have a job offer in Canada
You don’t need to show funds if:
- You’re applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- You have a valid job offer and are authorized to work in Canada

Even if you’re exempt, you must still upload a letter of explanation stating your exemption (e.g., CEC invitation or job offer details).

What Counts as Proof of Funds?

Acceptable documentation includes:

Official bank letters on institution letterhead, including:
- Account holder’s name
- Account numbers, open dates
- Current balances and 6‑month average
- Outstanding debts, if any
- Bank contact details (address, phone, email)
The money must be readily available and not locked in investments or borrowed.

DON’T include: Property equity, borrowed money, investments not readily accessible .

Joint bank accounts are acceptable, though you must prove access if the account isn’t solely in your name.

What Do You Need to Do Now?

Check your Express Entry profile
Update your settlement funds if required
Gather updated bank letters
Upload a letter of explanation if you’re exempt

As noted, Express Entry issues roughly 100,000 ITAs annually, making it crucial to meet eligibility criteria without delay .

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 9, 2025

Canada holds consecutive Express Entry Draws on July 7 and 8, 2025

By EUIC Admin Express Entry

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has continued its targeted Express Entry strategy with two new draws held on July 7 and July 8, 2025. These latest rounds of invitations reflect Canada’s ongoing focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants—two of the most sought-after immigration streams under the Express Entry system.

See below details of July 7 Express Entry draw:

Program: Provincial Nominee Program
Date and time: July 7, 2025
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 750
Number of invitations issued: 356
Rank needed: 356 or above
Tie-breaking rule: March 19, 2025

This was a category-specific draw aimed solely at Express Entry candidates who had secured a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. The high minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 750 reflects the 600-point boost that comes with a provincial nomination.

PNP draws remain one of the fastest and most reliable pathways to permanent residency for candidates working in high-demand occupations across Canada.

See below details of July 8 Express Entry Draw

Program Targeted: Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Date of Draw: July 8, 2025
CRS score of lowest-ranked candidate invited: 518
Number of invitations issued: 3,000
Rank needed: 3,000 or above

The second draw, held on July 8, 2025, invited 3,000 candidates under the Canadian Experience Class—marking the third consecutive CEC-specific draw this summer.

This draw saw a slight drop in the minimum CRS score, down from 521 in the previous CEC round. The consistent number of invitations suggests that IRCC is ramping up efforts to transition more temporary workers and graduates already in Canada to permanent residency.

CEC draws continue to benefit international graduates and skilled foreign workers who have gained at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation.

See below CRS Score Distribution in the Pool

The Express Entry pool had 256,224 candidates as of July 6, 2025, with the following breakdown::

CRS score range	Number of candidates
601-1200	358
501-600	22,591
451-500	77,550
491-500	13,342
481-490	13,830
471-480	17,534
461-470	17,309
451-460	15,535
401-450	72,608
441-450	15,069
431-440	15,786
421-430	14,341
411-420	14,315
401-410	13,097
351-400	53,697
301-350	21,135
0-300	8,285
Total	256,224

Immigration Strategy and Planning

These two draws reflect IRCC’s deliberate shift toward targeted, program-specific invitations. The current Express Entry strategy, introduced in mid-2023, allows the department to invite candidates based on specific categories such as provincial nominations, in-Canada experience, healthcare occupations, STEM professionals, French speakers, and others.

As of July 8, 2025, IRCC has issued a total of 42,201 ITAs through Express Entry, across general, program-specific, and category-based draws.

What This Means for Candidates

PNP applicants should maintain high CRS scores and monitor provincial nomination opportunities closely.
CEC candidates with CRS scores above 510 may find improved chances in upcoming rounds, especially as IRCC balances scores to meet annual targets.
Category-based draws are expected to continue throughout 2025, focusing on Canada’s labor market needs and demographic goals.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 7, 2025

Alberta invites over 130 Candidates in two targeted AAIP Draws

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) recently held two targeted draws, extending invitations to 133 candidates in skilled sectors vital to the province’s economic growth.

See below details of latest AAIP draw

Date	Stream	Cut-off score	Number of Invitations
June 25, 2025	Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors – Construction	67	15
June 20, 2025	Alberta Opportunity Stream – Agriculture	52	118

On June 20, Alberta focused on the agriculture sector, inviting individuals who are already working in farming or related fields within the province.

With a relatively low score requirement of just 52 points, this draw gave a clear message: Alberta needs workers who are helping feed the country and keep rural economies running.

Just five days later, Alberta held a much smaller but equally important draw this time aimed at people with construction experience inviting fewer candidates were selected. From electricians to heavy equipment operators, the province is looking for tradespeople who can help build homes, roads, and infrastructure across Alberta’s growing cities and towns.

Why These Draws Matter

Alberta is choosing to invite people who are already making a difference in the province especially in industries where workers are in short supply. These draws aren’t just about filling jobs, they’re about helping communities grow and thrive.

So far this year, the AAIP has nominated 2,688 candidates from its total allocation of 4,875. This means 2,187 nomination spots are still available for eligible applicants in the months ahead.

Is This a Sign You Should Apply?

If you:

Are already working in Alberta in farming, construction, or other essential sectors
Have created a profile through Express Entry or Alberta’s EOI system
Are waiting for your chance to be invited…

Now might be the perfect time to update your profile and make sure your information is current. Even if you weren’t selected in these draws, Alberta is likely to continue inviting people based on what the province needs most.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 7, 2025

Canada raises financial requirements for International Students effective September 2025

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Starting September 1, 2025, international students applying for study permits in Canada (outside Quebec) must show they have at least CAD 22,895 to cover living expenses—not including tuition and travel. This is an increase from the previous requirement of CAD 20,635.

This new rule applies only to applications submitted on or after September 1, 2025. Applications filed before that date can still follow the old requirement.

Why the Increase?

The financial requirement is based on Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), which is updated annually to reflect the rising cost of living. The goal is to make sure students can support themselves without financial hardship.

New financial benchmarks (excluding Quebec):

Family Size	New Requirement (per year, excluding tuition & travel)
1	CAD 22,895
2	CAD 28,502
3	CAD 35,040
(Amounts increase by approx. CAD 6,170 per additional family member)

What counts as proof of funds?

Students can provide:

Bank statements (Canada or home country)
GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)
Education loans
Scholarship letters
Receipts for paid tuition or housing
Letter of financial support (e.g., from a parent or sponsor)

Why it Matters

This change is part of a wider effort by Canada to:

Protect international students from financial struggles
Ease pressure on housing and student services
Reduce the number of low-quality education providers
Control the overall number of incoming students

For example, during the first quarter of 2025, study permit approvals for Indian students dropped by 31% (from 44,295 to 30,650), illustrating how heightened requirements are impacting applicant numbers.

What Should You Do?

Apply before August 31, 2025 if possible, to meet the lower financial threshold.
Prepare documents early especially if you’re applying after the new rules take effect.
Budget carefully- include tuition, living costs, and travel.
Plan for family- each additional person significantly increases the required funds.

Canada remains a top study destination, but it’s becoming more selective. If you’re planning to study there, be financially prepared and stay informed about the latest immigration policies.

Need help with your Canadian admission process?

If you need help selecting the right school in Canada, preparing your application documents, or simply feel overwhelmed by the admission process, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Schedule a consultation or contact us at: info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 7, 2025

Canada reverses PGWP ban on 178 programs for International Students

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Good news for international students! On July 4, 2025, Canada’s immigration department (IRCC) reversed a recent decision that had made 178 study programs ineligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). These programs are now eligible again, and students in these fields can apply for a PGWP until early 2026.

See Below Quick Timeline of Events

Date	Event
Nov 1, 2024	IRCC introduced PGWP field restrictions. Non-degree programs must align with in-demand job sectors
June 25, 2025	IRCC added 119 programs and removed 178 fields, lowering total eligible fields to ~920 .
July 4, 2025	IRCC reinstated the 178 removed fields, retroactive to all students even those who applied during the June removal period .

Who Benefits from This?

Students currently enrolled in one of the 178 reinstated programs.
Anyone who applied for a study permit before or during the removal period (June 25–July 4, 2025).
This change applies retroactively, so even students affected during that short window are now eligible again.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students to work in Canada after finishing their studies. It’s an important step for many who want to gain Canadian work experience and eventually apply for permanent residency.

Important Details

Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs are still fully eligible for PGWP, no matter the field of study.
The study program must have a valid CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code listed as eligible by IRCC.
IRCC now lists over 1,090 programs as PGWP-eligible.

What Students Should Do Moving Forward

– Check Your Program: Ensure your CIP code is listed in the updated PGWP database. Access the full list on the IRCC website.

– Gather Evidence: Keep proof of your study permit application date, this is critical if your program was briefly deemed ineligible.

– Monitor Future Changes: IRCC will next review the list in early 2026, so keep tabs on any announcements.

– Speak with Your Institution: Ask your school’s international office to confirm your program’s PGWP status.

If you’re studying one of the reinstated programs, you’re now back on track to apply for a PGWP. Take this time to plan your career, gather your documents, and stay informed about future changes.

If you need help checking your eligibility or understanding how to apply, feel free to ask—send an email on info@eseumohimmigration.com or Schedule a consultation

July 2, 2025

Manitoba invites international students and skilled workers in latest MPNP draw

By EUIC Admin Provincial nomination

Dear future neighbour,

Manitoba recently held a new immigration draw through its Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP). The draw took place on June 26, 2025, a total of 492 candidates were invited to apply for permanent residency.

See below summary of latest MPNP draw

-International Education Stream (IES)

Total Invitations Issued: 478
This draw was exclusively focused on candidates under the International Education Stream with strong family ties in Manitoba.

Eligibility Requirements:

Graduation from a post-secondary institution in Manitoba
A Manitoba Supporter, who must:
- Be a close relative (parent, sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, cousin, niece/nephew)
- Have resided in Manitoba for at least one year
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Required documentation:
- Proof of relationship and residency
- A settlement plan from the supporter

This shows that Manitoba wants to keep international students who already have support networks in the province.

– Skilled Worker Stream

Total Invitations Issued: 14
Minimum Required EOI Score: 712

This was a highly selective draw, targeting candidates through Strategic Recruitment Initiatives. Invitations were issued based on employer recommendations, community involvement, and demographic alignment with Manitoba’s workforce needs.

Breakdown by Recruitment Pathway:

Category	Invitations
Employer Services	5
Francophone Community	5
Regional Communities	3
Ethnocultural Communities	1

These applicants had high scores and were chosen for meeting specific labor market needs in Manitoba.

Why This Draw Is Important

Big focus on family ties: Manitoba is prioritizing applicants with family connections in the province.
Helping international students stay: Most invitations went to recent grads already living in Manitoba.
Skilled workers must be well-prepared: Only those with high scores and targeted job connections were selected.

Tips for Future Applicants

If you’re considering the MPNP, here’s what to focus on:

Stream	Key Requirements	Tips
International Education Stream	Manitoba post-secondary education + family supporter	Prepare settlement plan and proof of relationship early
Skilled Worker Stream	High EOI score (700+) + employer or community link	Strengthen work experience, employer endorsements, and language scores

Application Deadline: Candidates who received a Letter of Advice to Apply (LAA) must submit a complete MPNP application within 60 days.
Documentation is crucial: Ensure your family ties, education, employment history, and settlement plans are clearly documented and verifiable.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

July 1, 2025

Canada plans targeted Worker Stream to support Agriculture and Fish Processing Sectors

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

The Government of Canada is working on a new immigration stream to bring more foreign workers into the agriculture and fish/seafood processing industries. This is meant to help fill jobs that are hard to staff with local workers.

What Is This New Stream?

It’s a special immigration program that will help farms and food-processing companies hire foreign workers.
It will focus on seasonal farming jobs, seafood processing, and fruit/vegetable processing.
The goal is to solve long-term labour shortages in these industries.

When Will It Start?

The program is being developed now and is expected to launch in 2027.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is working on it together with Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

Why Is This Happening?

Canada had a similar program before, called the Agri-Food Pilot, which helped workers in farming and food processing get permanent residency.
That program closed to new applications in February 2025, and there’s no direct replacement yet.
Employers still need workers, especially in rural and seasonal jobs that Canadians don’t often take.
This new stream will help protect workers and make it easier for them to move between jobs in the same sector.

What Can Workers and Employers Expect?

For Workers	For Employers
A chance to work legally in farming or food processing	A new way to hire international workers
Better job security and possibly easier job changes	A solution to hard-to-fill jobs
A possible path to permanent residency in the future	Less red tape and more targeted hiring

What’s Next?

More information will be released before the program launches.
IRCC may open consultations with employers, worker groups, and the public to help shape the final rules.
The government is also working on new protections for temporary foreign workers to reduce abuse and unfair treatment.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

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Dear future neighbour,

Focus on Manitoba-Educated Graduates

Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: Moderate Cut-off

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

See below details of BC PNP Draw:

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

See Below Minimum Funds Required (Effective July 7, 2025)

Important Deadline: July 28, 2025

Who Needs to Show Funds?

What Counts as Proof of Funds?

What Do You Need to Do Now?

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

See below details of July 7 Express Entry draw:

See below details of July 8 Express Entry Draw

See below CRS Score Distribution in the Pool

Immigration Strategy and Planning

What This Means for Candidates

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

See below details of latest AAIP draw

Why These Draws Matter

Is This a Sign You Should Apply?

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

Why the Increase?

New financial benchmarks (excluding Quebec):

What counts as proof of funds?

Why it Matters

What Should You Do?

Need help with your Canadian admission process?

Dear future neighbour,

See Below Quick Timeline of Events

Who Benefits from This?

Important Details

What Students Should Do Moving Forward

Dear future neighbour,

See below summary of latest MPNP draw

-International Education Stream (IES)

Eligibility Requirements:

– Skilled Worker Stream

Breakdown by Recruitment Pathway:

Why This Draw Is Important

Tips for Future Applicants

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

What Is This New Stream?

When Will It Start?

Why Is This Happening?

What Can Workers and Employers Expect?

What’s Next?

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

See Below Minimum Funds Required (Effective July 7, 2025)

Important Deadline: July 28, 2025