News Archives - Ese Umoh Immigration – Canada Immigration Consultant

October 8, 2025

IRCC’s 2025 PR-Processing Plan: What You Need to Know

Dear future neighbbour,

In a newly released Minister Transition Binder, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has revealed which permanent residence (PR) application streams it intends to fully clear in 2025 and which ones will see only a partial inventory processed.

The bottom line: IRCC is aiming to completely eliminate its backlog for certain pathways (notably most Express Entry streams, PNP streams tied to Express Entry, federal community pilots, and Quebec’s skilled worker programs). For other economic and pilot programs, only a share of pending applications will be addressed in 2025.

Below, we break down IRCC’s plan by immigration stream, show key numbers and expected wait times, and discuss what this means for prospective applicants.

What IRCC Will and Won’t Fully Clear in 2025

IRCC’s strategy divides PR pathways into two broad groups:

Streams whose full application inventory will be processed in 2025
Streams for which only a portion of the inventory will be cleared

Here’s a breakdown:

Category	PR Stream(s)	Inventory Status as of Sept 11, 2025*	Portion to Be Processed in 2025	Notes / Wait-Time Trends
Full clearance planned	Express Entry (CEC, FSW, FSTP)	CEC: 19,300 ● FSW: 12,500	100%	Express Entry wait times hovering around 5–7 months
	Express Entry–aligned PNP (Enhanced PNP)	16,300	100%	PNP (Express Entry) sees wait times of ~6–7 months
	Quebec skilled worker streams (PSTQ, PEQ, Quebec pilot programs)	27,600	100%	Skilled worker wait times ~8–11 months
	Quebec business streams	4,100	~3%	Business pathways have long delays (108+ months)
	Federal community pilots (RNIP, RCIP, FCIP)	3,500	100%	Wait times ~7–14 months
Partial clearance	Base PNP (non-Express Entry)	87,700	~35% (≈ 30,695)	Wait times rising, up to ~19–24 months
	Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	12,100	~33% (≈ 3,993)	Wait times soared to 24–27 months
	Caregiver Pilots	34,400	~14% (≈ 4,816)	Delays now into the 80–108 month range
	Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)	2,500	~12% (≈ 300)	Growing backlog, up to 36–54 months
	Agrifood Pilot	8,900	~5% (≈ 445)	Extreme backlog escalation (up to 180–228 months)
	Start-Up Visa (SUV)	38,600	~2% (≈ 772)	Substantial wait times (420+ months)

Figures are based on IRCC’s inventory as of September 11, 2025.

Highlights & Key Takeaways by Stream

Express Entry / Federal Skilled Programs

IRCC intends to process 100% of the backlog for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), and Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP) in 2025.
As of mid-September, the backlog stood at 19,300 for CEC and 12,500 for FSW.
Historical processing times over recent quarters have ranged from 5 to 7 months.

These figures suggest that IRCC believes it can return to a more predictable, efficient processing cycle

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Enhanced (Express Entry–aligned) PNP streams will also see their backlog fully cleared. Inventory: ~16,300 applications.
Conversely, base (non-Express Entry) PNP streams will experience only ~35% inventory reduction (≈ 30,695 applications). Backlogs have led to wait times up to 19–24 months.

Quebec Immigration Streams

IRCC (in coordination with Quebec authorities) will clear the full backlog in the skilled worker category (including PSTQ, PEQ, and Quebec pilot programs) — ~27,600 applications.
The Quebec business immigration streams are treated more conservatively: only ~3% (~123 applications) of the backlog will be addressed, reflecting the complex vetting and longer delays involved (wait times have exceeded 108 months in recent quarters).
Skilled worker streams in Quebec have experienced wait times in the range of 8 to 11 months quarterly.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Only one-third (~33%) of AIP’s backlog will be processed in 2025. That’s ~3,993 of 12,100 pending files.
Wait times have surged: from ~13 months in earlier quarters to 24–27 months as of 2025-Q1/Q2.

Federal Economic & Pilot Programs

Caregiver Pilots: ~14% of the backlog (~4,816 of 34,400) will be handled. Delays now reach 80–108 months in some quarters.
EMPP (Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot): ~12% (~300 out of 2,500) will be processed. Wait times recently spiked to 36–54 months
Agrifood Pilot: ~5% (~445 of 8,900) processed in 2025. Wait times have ballooned into the 180–228 month range (i.e. 15–19+ years!).
Start-Up Visa (SUV): Only ~2% (~772 of 38,600) will be processed. Processing times have reached 420+ months (35 years+ in some instances).

Federal Community Pilots (RNIP, RCIP, FCIP)

IRCC will fully clear the backlog (~3,500 applications) in 2025.
Recent wait times have ranged from 7 to 14 months depending on the quarter.

What This Means for Prospective Applicants (and What to Watch For)

1. Better prospects for Express Entry & Enhanced PNP routes

Because IRCC aims to eliminate those backlogs entirely, candidates in these streams may benefit from faster turnaround times and more predictable processing.

2. Long waits persist for “niche” and pilot routes

For pathways like Start-Up Visa, Agrifood, caregiver programs, and EMPP, the current delays are extreme — and only a small fraction of pending applications will move forward in 2025. That suggests continued frustration for applicants in those categories.

3. Quebec business streams remain heavily constrained

Given the tiny percentage allocated to business immigration pathways, those considering Quebec business investment or entrepreneur streams should anticipate very protracted processing times.

4. Processing time trends still volatile

Note how wait times for many streams have fluctuated wildly from quarter to quarter — e.g. PNP (base) rising from ~11 to 24 months, AIP jumping to 27 months. The backlog is real, and clearing it won’t necessarily bring stability overnight.

5. Policy shifts may change the numbers

These figures come from IRCC’s internal planning (via the Minister’s binder). Actual processing outcomes will depend on staffing, budgets, validation of applications, and shifting immigration priorities.

What This Means Moving Forward

IRCC’s 2025 roadmap is bold: full clearance of Express Entry, aligned PNP, Quebec skilled worker streams, and federal community pilots. For many applicants, this signals a return to more reliable processing. Yet for many niche economic and pilot classes, the backlog remains formidable, and only a sliver will be handled in the coming year.

If you’re planning to apply (or are in process) in any of these streams, now is a good time to monitor updates from IRCC, check your eligibility or pathways for switching streams, and weigh your options carefully.

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

September 16, 2025

Alberta gains more Provincial Nominee spaces, opening doors for skilled workers

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Alberta has received a major boost to its immigration capacity for 2025. The federal government has granted the province an additional 1,528 nominations under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), raising the total allocation to 6,403.

The move comes as Alberta faces pressing demand for skilled workers across healthcare, technology, and agriculture. Previously, the province’s cap was 4,875 nominations, with nearly 3,750 already issued by early September. The increase represents a 31% jump, giving Alberta more flexibility to meet labour market needs and ease pressure on popular program streams.

Provincial officials welcomed the expansion, noting that Alberta’s economic growth depends on attracting and retaining skilled talent. The additional spaces are expected to create new opportunities for both workers and employers across the province.

Key Takeaways from Alberta’s Nomination Boost

Total 2025 allocation raised to 6,403 nominations (up from 4,875).
Additional 1,528 spaces granted by IRCC — a 31% increase.
3,749 nominations already issued as of September 11.
More opportunities for skilled workers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and tech.
Greater chances of selection in AAIP streams such as the Alberta Opportunity Stream, Rural Renewal, and Express Entry pathways.
Stream-by-stream breakdowns coming soon from the Alberta government.
Signals stronger federal-provincial cooperation to meet labour shortages.

For applicants, this means a greater chance of nomination through AAIP streams. While competition remains strong, the larger cap could translate into more draws and potentially lower selection thresholds for eligible candidates.

The province has not yet released details on how the new nominations will be divided among its streams, but updates are expected soon. In the meantime, prospective applicants are encouraged to keep profiles active and ensure they meet Alberta’s program priorities.

This expanded allocation underscores a broader trend: federal and provincial governments are adapting immigration pathways to respond quickly to economic needs. For Alberta, the increased nomination spaces are not just about numbers; they’re about securing the right skills to sustain growth and strengthen communities.

If you’re considering applying through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program, our team can guide you through every step — from eligibility checks to application success — so you don’t miss out on these new opportunities. Schedule a consultation or contact us at:
info@eseumohimmigration.com

August 22, 2025

Canada adds TOEFL Essentials to accepted English Tests for Permanent Residency

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that the TOEFL Essentials test will now be accepted as proof of English proficiency for permanent residency applicants.

The test, developed by ETS (Educational Testing Service), is designed to measure everyday English skills in a flexible and adaptive format. This update expands the list of recognized tests and provides applicants with another option beyond IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE Core.

This change is important because it gives newcomers more flexibility when choosing how to demonstrate their language ability. While traditional exams like IELTS General Training or CELPIP General have long been the main options, TOEFL Essentials offers a shorter testing experience that many applicants may find more accessible. The test is fully digital, adaptive, and typically provides faster results, making it a convenient choice for candidates preparing for the immigration process.

IRCC has been working to modernize and expand the list of accepted English tests. In August 2023, it allowed four new exams—CELPIP General, CAEL, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT—for students applying through the Student Direct Stream (SDS). This made it easier for international students to study in Canada. Now, by adding TOEFL Essentials for permanent residency, IRCC is offering the same kind of flexibility to immigration applicants.

IRCC has strict requirements for approving new tests. A recognized exam must evaluate all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It also needs to be reliable, secure, and widely accessible. TOEFL Essentials meets these criteria by focusing on communication in real-life situations while still maintaining testing integrity. Its shorter, adaptive design makes it different from other exams but still suitable for accurately measuring English ability.

For applicants, this update means more choice and easier access. You can now decide between several tests depending on your strengths, preparation style, and availability in your region. However, it’s important to remember that all language test results are valid for only two years from the date of testing. This rule applies to TOEFL Essentials as well as the other accepted exams.

At this stage, applicants should watch for further updates from IRCC, especially about:

Minimum score requirements for TOEFL Essentials
Accepted testing formats (in-centre only or also online)
How to submit results correctly with immigration applications

Until then, applicants can still choose between IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, and TOEFL Essentials, depending on which option works best for them.

Overall, the addition of TOEFL Essentials highlights Canada’s commitment to making immigration more accessible by recognizing a wider range of testing options. This change makes the process easier for applicants around the world and allows them to prove their English skills using the test format that best suits them.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

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

August 1, 2025

Canada updates Visa Refusal process with Officer Notes: What Applicants Should Know

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Effective from July 29, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has begun attaching officer decision notes to many visa refusal letters. This change applies mainly to temporary resident applications, including visitor, study, and work visas.

The move is part of IRCC’s broader efforts to help applicants better understand the reasons behind refusals. While many immigration experts have welcomed the update, early feedback suggests that the notes provided are often brief and surface-level, sometimes lacking in specific detail. Still, it marks a step toward greater accountability in visa decision-making and may reduce the number of formal information requests and court appeals.

Rising Refusal Rates and Stricter Scrutiny

Visa refusal rates have steadily climbed in recent years. By early 2025, IRCC data showed that visitor visa refusal rates had risen to approximately 42%, up from 34% in 2023. Applicants from certain countries face even higher rates, some above 60% as officers apply increased scrutiny to application documents and background details.

The most common reasons for visa refusals include:

Incomplete documentation
Insufficient proof of financial support
Weak ties to the applicant’s home country.
In some cases, misrepresentation, even if unintentional, can lead to a refusal or even a five-year ban.
Other factors such as a lack of travel history, errors in application forms, and security or medical issues may also trigger rejections.

IRCC officers have also flagged challenges related to high application volumes, which can sometimes lead to oversight or document omissions during the review process. This has led to increasing calls for better systems and support for visa applicants, especially those applying for the first time.

What to Do After a Refusal

If your Canadian visa application is refused, there are now clearer steps you can take:

First, carefully read the refusal letter, which now may include brief decision notes from the visa officer. While these summaries can be helpful, they often lack detail. For a full explanation, applicants are encouraged to request their GCMS (Global Case Management System) notes through an Access to Information (ATIP) request.

Once you understand the reason for the refusal, you can choose to submit a reconsideration request. This should be done through the IRCC web form, ideally with supporting documents and a short explanation of what you believe was missed or misjudged. Note that reconsideration is not guaranteed, and IRCC is not obligated to accept new evidence unless a processing error is clearly demonstrated.

If the issues in your original application can be resolved or improved, you may also choose to reapply. There is no waiting period to reapply unless explicitly stated in your refusal letter. However, simply resubmitting the same information without changes will likely result in another refusal. Be sure to address any weaknesses, inconsistencies, or missing documents from the previous application.

Legal Options: Appeals and Reviews

In specific cases such as refused family sponsorships, removal orders, or PR residency obligations—you may be eligible to file an appeal through the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD). This process has strict deadlines, typically 30 or 60 days, depending on the case.

For most temporary visa refusals, however, an appeal is not available. If you believe the refusal involved a legal or procedural error, your only formal option may be to seek a judicial review in Canada’s Federal Court. This process requires filing an application within 15 days (if outside Canada) or 60 days (if inside). Judicial reviews generally require the help of a lawyer and are only granted if there is strong evidence that the officer made a significant error in judgment or process.

Tips to Strengthen a Reapplication

If you decide to reapply, it is critical to strengthen your case with updated and complete information. Include a clear letter of explanation (LOE) outlining your purpose of travel, intended stay, and how you will address the concerns raised in the previous refusal. Provide stronger evidence of home-country ties, such as job confirmation letters, property ownership, family obligations, or long-term business ties.

Ensure all financial documents are transparent, up-to-date, and clearly show your ability to support yourself during your stay in Canada. If your travel history is limited, you may want to build it by visiting other countries before applying again. Most importantly, be honest about any previous refusals or errors, and provide a logical explanation for how your situation has changed.

Need to apply for a Canadian Visa?

Do you need assistance with your visa application? Visitor Visas, PNP, Study Visa, Super Visa, Spousal Sponsorship, Express Entry, e.t.c.

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

August 1, 2025

Canada begins 2025 invitations for Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship Program

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has officially launched its 2025 Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), inviting 17,860 eligible sponsors to apply for permanent residence on behalf of their parents and grandparents. The invitation round began on July 28, 2025, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) set to issue invitations over a two-week period.

Why 17,860 Invitations for a Cap of 10,000 Applications?

Although IRCC aims to process up to 10,000 complete sponsorship applications, it issued 17,860 invitations to accommodate withdrawals and ineligibility, ensuring the application target is met. This strategic over-invitation helps offset non-responders and incomplete submissions.

See below details of PGP Invitation

Detail	Information
Invitation Date	July 28, 2025
Total Invitations Issued	17,860
Complete Applications Target	10,000
Eligibility Pool	Interest to Sponsor forms submitted in 2020
Submission Window	Within 60 days of ITA receipt
Processing Time	~24 months (outside Quebec); up to 48 months in Quebec
Alternatives	Super Visa; Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&C)

Who Was Eligible for the 2025 Invitation Round?

Only applicants from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool qualified. IRCC did not reopen the form for new submissions in 2025, maintaining consistency with prior intake strategies.

Eligible sponsors needed to:

Be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered Indian under the Canadian Indian Act;
Reside in Canada throughout the process;
Demonstrate financial stability (Minimum Necessary Income) over the past three tax years (2022‑2024)

Invitation Timeline & Required Actions

July 28 – early August 2025: Invitations were sent via email, including to spam/junk folders so invitees were advised to monitor closely.
Once invited, sponsors had 60 days to submit a complete application through the Permanent Residence Portal or a representative portal

Processing Duration & Regional Differences

Processing time varies by location:

For applicants outside Quebec: approximately 24 months
For applications targeting Quebec: up to 48 months due to provincial requirements

What Invitees Should Do Now

If you received an ITA:

Gather documentation early—proof of income (CRA Notices of Assessment), identity, relationship, medical exams, and police certificates.
Submit both sponsorship and permanent residence application within 60 days.
Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and complete every form accurately to avoid delays.

Alternatives if You Were Not Selected

If you did not receive an invitation:

You remain in the 2020 pool and may be invited in future draws.
Consider the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit Canada for up to five years per stay, with multiple entries over 10 years. While it doesn’t grant permanent residency, it offers greater flexibility.
In special hardship or caregiving situations, Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications may present another pathway.

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

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

July 18, 2025

Canada opens 2025 Parents and Grandparents Sponsorship on July 28

By EUIC Admin News

Dear future neighbour,

Canada has announced its 2025 intake for the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP), a special immigration pathway that allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. This program is a key part of Canada’s family reunification plan, helping families stay together for the long term.

When Will Invitations Be Sent?

The invitation process will begin on July 28, 2025, and will continue for about two weeks. During this time, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will send out email invitations to potential sponsors who submitted an “Interest to Sponsor” form back in 2020.

If you submitted the form in 2020 and haven’t received an invitation in the past, you might be one of the lucky ones this year. Make sure to check your email inbox and spam folder regularly starting July 28.

Who Can Be Sponsored?

This program allows you to sponsor your:

Biological or adopted parents
Grandparents
Their spouses or common-law partners (if applicable)

However, siblings and extended family members cannot be sponsored through this program.

Who Can Sponsor?

To sponsor your parents or grandparents, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or registered under the Canadian Indian Act
Live in Canada
Meet the required income level for the past three years
Agree to financially support your parents or grandparents for 20 years (or 10 years if you live in Quebec)

Meeting the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is very important. It shows that you can take care of your family members financially without needing social assistance.

See below the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Table

Family Size	2024	2023	2022
2 people	$47,549	$44,530	$43,082
3 people	$58,456	$54,743	$52,965
4 people	$70,972	$66,466	$64,306
5 people	$80,496	$75,384	$72,935
6 people	$90,784	$85,020	$82,259
7 people	$101,075	$94,658	$91,582
Each additional person	$10,291	$9,636	$9,324

For instance, if you want to sponsor your parents and you live with your spouse and one child (making a household of 5 people in total), you must have earned at least $80,496 in 2024, $75,384 in 2023, and $72,935 in 2022 to qualify.

How Many Invitations Will Be Sent?

IRCC will send 17,860 invitations, with the goal of approving 10,000 complete applications. Only people who submitted an interest form in 2020 will be considered—no new forms are being accepted this year.

What Happens After You Receive an Invitation?

If you receive an invitation, you must:

Submit a complete sponsorship application through IRCC’s online portal
Include all necessary documents such as income proofs, medical exams, and police clearances
Submit your application within the deadline given in the invitation

It’s a good idea to start preparing your documents now so that you’re ready if you are selected.

Didn’t Get an Invitation?

If you don’t receive an invitation this year, you won’t be able to apply for PGP until the next intake period. However, you can still bring your parents or grandparents to Canada through the Super Visa program.

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to:

Stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time
Visit multiple times over 10 years
Reapply for extensions if needed

To apply for a Super Visa, you need to show proof of medical insurance and meet income requirements.

What Should You Do Now?

If you submitted the interest form in 2020, check your email regularly starting July 28
Start gathering your documents now, just in case you get selected
If you don’t get selected, consider applying for the Super Visa as a backup option

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 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 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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Category Archives: News

Dear future neighbbour,

What IRCC Will and Won’t Fully Clear in 2025

Highlights & Key Takeaways by Stream

What This Means for Prospective Applicants (and What to Watch For)

What This Means Moving Forward

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

Key Takeaways from Alberta’s Nomination Boost

Dear future neighbour,

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

Rising Refusal Rates and Stricter Scrutiny

What to Do After a Refusal

Legal Options: Appeals and Reviews

Tips to Strengthen a Reapplication

Need to apply for a Canadian Visa?

Dear future neighbour,

Why 17,860 Invitations for a Cap of 10,000 Applications?

See below details of PGP Invitation

Who Was Eligible for the 2025 Invitation Round?

Invitation Timeline & Required Actions

Processing Duration & Regional Differences

What Invitees Should Do Now

Alternatives if You Were Not Selected

Need help with your Canadian immigration process?

Dear future neighbour,

When Will Invitations Be Sent?

Who Can Be Sponsored?

Who Can Sponsor?

See below the Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) Table

How Many Invitations Will Be Sent?

What Happens After You Receive an Invitation?

Didn’t Get an Invitation?

What Should You Do Now?

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,

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

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