Minister Marc Miller has unveiled tremendous changes to the Express Entry system in a significant move to align immigration with Canada’s evolving labour needs.
As of February 27, 2025, these updates will reshape the future of immigration in Canada.
For 2025, the focus will be on candidates in the Express Entry pool who qualify under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), prioritizing those with valuable Canadian work experience. These initiatives aim to retain skilled workers in the country and support smoother economic integration for newcomers.
What’s New in the Express Entry System?
1. New Education Category
IRCC introduces a brand-new category focusing on education-related occupations. The job roles included in the new Education category include:
Occupation Title
NOC Code
Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
43100
Instructors of Persons with Disabilities
42203
Early Childhood Educators and Assistants
42202
Elementary School and Kindergarten Teachers
41221
Secondary School Teachers
41220
2. Changes to Healthcare Category
The “Healthcare” category is now called Healthcare and Social Services Occupations. To expand access to healthcare and address community health needs, new Occupations are added to this category as follows:
Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians – NOC 32104
Cardiology Technologists and Electrophysiological Diagnostic Technologists – NOC 32123
Social workers- NOC 41300
Pharmacists- NOC 31120
Some occupations are removed from this category, such as instructors of persons with disabilities, and moved to the education category.
3. Expansion of Trades Category
The trades category now includes several additional skilled roles, including:
Roofers and Shinglers – NOC 73110
Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics – NOC 72401
Bricklayers – NOC 72320
Cooks – NOC 63200
4. Emphasis on Priority Sectors
The focus for 2025 draws will be on candidates with experience in:
Healthcare and Social Service occupations
French-language proficiency
Trade
Education
Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
5. Removal of the Transport Category
The transport occupations category is removed from the list of targeted sectors. Candidates with experience in transport occupations will no longer be prioritized in category-based draws. Instead, they can rely on general Express Entry draws or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) for immigration.
Emphasis on Experience and Language Skills
The 2025 Express Entry system will mainly focus on candidates with relevant work experience and language proficiency.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Takes the Lead
Candidates must demonstrate skilled work experience in eligible occupations under programs like the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
For category-based draws, most categories require at least 6 months of full-time work experience in the past 3 years.
Francophone Immigration Remains a Priority
French language proficiency continues to be a key selection factor, supporting the growth of Francophone communities across Canada.
Strong English or French language skills will make you an ideal candidate. You must meet minimum thresholds based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC).
For this category, candidates must achieve a minimum score of 7 on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) in all four language skills—Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing—on either the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) or Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) exams. French-speaking candidates can earn up to 50 CRS additional points for high proficiency.
The 2025 updates to Canada’s Express Entry system prioritize healthcare, trades, education, and Francophone immigration to address labour gaps. Candidates with Canadian work experience and strong language skills are now more likely to be selected.
As the Express Entry system evolves, its new scoring thresholds and selection patterns will provide critical insights into how these changes impact prospective immigrants. These adjustments will help refine strategies for applicants seeking permanent residency in Canada.
For expert assistance in navigating these changes, please schedule a consultation with ImmiLaw Immigration today to explore how we can support your immigration journey.
Canada is set to launch the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) on March 31, 2025, offering a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for home care workers. The initiatives will replace previous pathways for caregiver immigration. It provides two new LMIA-exempt immigration pathways for foreign home care workers.
What are the new streams included in the HCWP?
HCWP will offer two distinct streams for individuals seeking to work and live in Canada. They are:
Workers in Canada Stream: The stream is for home care workers who are already residing in Canada. It will begin accepting applications on March 31, 2025.
Applicants not working in Canada Stream: This stream is for foreign home care workers not currently in Canada. It will open later in 2025, with specific details to be announced by IRCC.
These LMIA-exempt pathways simplify the hiring process for employers and offer immediate PR to qualified applicants.
Things to Remember
Guidance Updates: IRCC warns that application guidance may change at any time. It is crucial to check their website for updates regularly.
Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria, including work experience, language proficiency, and education requirements
What are the Eligibility Criteria for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)?
To qualify for the HCWP, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Education: A secondary school diploma or equivalent.
Work Experience: Six months of recent, relevant work experience OR a credential of at least six months of related home care training. Work experience can be gained either in Canada or abroad.
Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in English or French.
Job Offer: A job offer from either a private household or an organization that directly hires full-time home care workers.
Intent to Reside: Must intend to reside in a Canadian province or territory other than Quebec.
No LMIA Required: Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) are not necessary for these job offers.
What are the Conditions for Eligible Job Offers in the HCWP?
Eligible job offers for the HCWP must meet specific conditions to qualify applicants for permanent residence.
Let us explore the types of organizations from which eligible job offers can be obtained for the HCWP:
Home Health Care Service Providers
Home Care Support Service Providers
Direct Care Agencies
Personal Care Services in Residential Settings
Pediatric Home Health Care Service Providers
Who is Not Eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)?
Specific individuals and job offers are not eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP).
Some of the key exclusions are:
Recruitment and Placement Agencies: Job offers from recruitment and placement agencies are not eligible. Applicants must secure a job offer directly from an organization that provides home care services.
Applicants Outside Canada: Initially, only applicants residing in Canada can apply through the Workers in Canada stream. Applicants outside Canada will have the opportunity to apply later.
Quebec Residents: Applicants must intend to reside in a Canadian province or territory other than Quebec to be eligible for these streams.
Who Else Is Eligible for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP)?
The Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) offer additional eligibility options for two specific groups:
1. Out-of-Status Home Care Workers
IRCC has extended eligibility to home care workers in Canada who are currently out of status. These individuals can apply under the HCWP through a public policy initiative, although only a limited number of spots are available.
2. Previous Applicants to Closed Pilots
Some previous applicants to the Home Child Care Provider and Home Support Worker Pilots may still apply under the old pathways.
Those who applied under the “Gaining experience category” before June 2024 can submit proof of their work experience to IRCC for consideration of their permanent residence application if they have gained enough experience.
Plan Yourself and Get Ready for the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots
Take an approved language test in English or French to ensure you meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4.
Get your high school diploma assessed through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) if necessary.
Secure a full-time job offer from an eligible home care employer if you are in Canada.
If you’re outside Canada, visit IRCC updates regarding the “Applicants Not Working in Canada” stream, which will open at a later date. Visit IRCC’s official page.
Caregivers are in high demand, and the home care industry is projected to reach $4.8 billion by 2030. As Canada’s population ages and the demand for home care services continues to grow, the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots (HCWP) are becoming increasingly relevant.
Launching on March 31, 2025, HCWP offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residence, making it an attractive opportunity for current caregivers in Canada and those abroad looking for a fresh start.
Keep reading our blogs to stay informed about the latest news and updates on the Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots.
Sponsoring a spouse or partner for permanent residence in Canada is an excellent way to reconnect with loved ones. If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can sponsor your loved one for permanent residence. However, understanding the eligibility requirements and the application process can be challenging.
The blog explores the eligibility criteria for sponsorship and an overview of the sponsoring process.
Who can Sponsor?
Understanding the eligibility for sponsorship is the initial step in bringing your spouse or partner. You must meet the following criteria to become eligible for sponsoring your dear ones:
You must be 18 years
A Canadian citizen/ resident or a registered Indian
Living in Canada
Living outside Canada, you must show intent to return to Canada when your sponsored partner becomes a permanent resident.
Permanent residents cannot sponsor someone while living outside Canada.
You must provide for the basic needs of those you sponsor, not receive social assistance (except for disability), and sign a financial support undertaking for at least three years after your permanent residency.
Quebec Spousal Sponsorship
Quebec Residents who wish to sponsor their spouse or partner for immigration must adhere to specific requirements. After being approved as a sponsor by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), they must meet Quebec’s immigration sponsorship criteria.
This includes signing an undertaking with the province and having the Quebec Ministry of Immigration assess their income. Sponsors must understand these additional steps if they wish to bring their loved ones to Quebec.
Who is not eligible to bring your spouse/partner to Canada?
Now that you have understood the eligibility requirements, it’s essential to ensure you do not fall into any situations that would make you ineligible to sponsor your spouse or partner.
You are not eligible to sponsor your spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner in Canada if:
You gained PR status less than five years ago after being sponsored by a spouse or partner.
You have signed an undertaking for a previous spouse or partner who has not been a permanent resident for more than three years.
You are still financially responsible for a previous spouse or partner, bound by the three-year undertaking.
You are in default on an immigration loan, performance bond, or court-ordered family support payments.
You failed to provide the financial support you agreed to when sponsoring someone in the past (this does not apply to Quebec residents).
You are declared bankrupt and have not yet been discharged (not applicable to Quebec residents).
You receive social assistance for any reason other than a disability.
You were convicted of, or threatened or attempted to commit, a violent crime, sexual offence, or an offence causing bodily harm to a relative.
You are in a penitentiary, jail, reformatory, or prison.
You have applied to sponsor your current spouse and haven’t received a decision.
You can’t legally stay in Canada due to being subject to a removal order.
What makes you Eligible to Sponsor a spouse or partner in Canada?
Canadian permanent residents and citizens have the opportunity to sponsor their spouse or partner for permanent residency. To qualify, the sponsored person must be at least 18 years. Their relationship with the sponsor must meet specific criteria, including legal marriage or a committed partnership.
Various Types of Relationships Eligible for Sponsorship
When sponsoring a partner for Canadian permanent residency, it is essential to understand the different relationship types recognized by immigration authorities. Each category has distinct criteria that must be met for the relationship to be recognized by IRCC.
A Spouse is a person legally married to the sponsor. The individuals must be legally married to each other, with the marriage recognized in both the country where it took place and in Canada. Both spouses must have been physically present at the marriage ceremony.
A Common-law partner is an individual who has lived with the sponsor in a conjugal relationship continuously for at least one year. They should demonstrate a significant commitment by sharing a home, supporting each other financially and emotionally, and presenting themselves publicly as a couple. Having children together can further validate their common-law relationship.
A conjugal partner must be in a conjugal relationship with the sponsor for at least one year while living outside Canada. They must also show significant attachment, mutual interdependence, and obstacles that prevent them from marrying or living together. Examples of such obstacles include immigration barriers, religious restrictions, or cultural limitations related to sexual orientation.
In most cases, the sponsored partner must be admissible to Canada. If the spouse or common-law partner lives in Canada, they need valid temporary resident status (like a work permit or visitor status) or must qualify for an exemption.
Who must be Admissible to Canada for Sponsorship?
The sponsored individual must generally be admissible to Canada.
If the spouse or common-law partner resides in Canada, they need valid temporary resident status (work permit, study permit, or visitor status).
They may also be exempt from needing temporary resident status under a public policy in 2005.
The sponsored partner must have valid documents by the time they receive permanent residency.
Under A25 (1) of the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act, spouses or common-law partners without valid temporary resident status can be sponsored.
Even if the partner is inadmissible due to:
Overstaying a visa, visitor record, work permit, or study permit.
Working or studying in Canada without legal status.
Entering Canada without the required visa or documentation.
Entering Canada without a valid travel document.
What are the benefits enjoyed by Permanent Residents in Canada?
Permanent residents in Canada enjoy a range of rights and privileges that allow them to live and thrive in the country.
Some of them include:
They can access most social benefits available to Canadian citizens, including healthcare and education.
They can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada without restrictions.
They are protected by Canadian law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to uphold their rights.
They can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting specific residency requirements.
However, permanent residents cannot cast their votes in federal or provincial elections. They may be ineligible for specific jobs that require high-level security clearance.
By fulfilling residency obligations and adhering to Canadian laws, permanent residents can maintain their status and enjoy these privileges while contributing to Canadian society.
Are you dreaming of living and working in Canada? Also, stressed about the mountain of paperwork and confusing legal requirements? Then, you will probably realize that Canadian immigration law is complex and requires a lot of paperwork. It is important to note that Canadian immigration constantly changes, and a misstep could cost you everything.
According to a Toronto Star report, enlisting the help of an experienced immigration lawyer nearly doubles your likelihood of a positive outcome. So, it is recommended that the help of an experienced immigration lawyer can nearly double your likelihood of a positive outcome.
This blog will explore the benefits of hiring an immigration lawyer and how they help you to navigate the Canadian immigration process smoothly.
What are the Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer?
Expertise and Knowledge: Immigration lawyers possess in-depth knowledge of constantly changing immigration laws and regulations. They ensure your application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.
Customized Legal Strategy: Lawyers can create a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances, identify potential roadblocks, correct them quickly, and advocate for your case effectively.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes: An immigration lawyer’s attention to detail helps you prevent errors or omissions that could lead to rejection or delays. They ensure all forms are properly filled out and documents are correctly submitted.
Access to Resources: Lawyers can access legal databases, precedents, and connections within the immigration system, expediting the process and providing valuable insights.
Personalized Guidance: Attorneys can provide guidance that considers an individual’s unique circumstances and goals.
What makes an Immigration Lawyer the Smarter Choice Over an Immigration Consultant?
Let us explore the key reasons why choosing an immigration lawyer can be more beneficial than an Immigration consultant:
Regulated by Law Societies: Immigration lawyers are regulated by provincial or territorial law societies. Lawyers must meet strict standards for education, ethics, and conduct. In contrast, immigration consultants may not be subject to the same level of oversight, potentially leading to inconsistencies in their qualifications and competence.
Extensive Legal Knowledge and Resources: Lawyers can access confidential legal research tools and resources that consultants do not. This gives them a strategic edge in preparing strong applications and handling complex cases.
Representation Before Legal Bodies: Only immigration lawyers can represent you before the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) and in court. They can provide comprehensive legal support if complications arise during your immigration process. Consultants cannot represent you in court.
Professional Conduct Rules: Lawyers are obliged to act in the client’s best interests and maintain honesty, integrity, and transparency while engaging with the clients. Consultants are not bound by the same legal ethics, increasing the risk of misleading claims.
Expertise in Handling Complex Cases: Lawyers are trained to handle complicated immigration cases, legal disputes, and appeals, ensuring thorough legal representation beyond basic application processing.
Choosing an immigration lawyer ensures guidance and legal protection throughout your immigration journey, which consultants cannot assure.
How to Protect Yourself from Immigration Fraud?
Immigration fraud is a growing threat, preying on the hopes of individuals seeking a better life in Canada. Unfortunately, this can make individuals vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. Some individuals and companies may promise quick and easy solutions, but these may be fake, and applicants may end up losing a good amount of money.
Learn how to recognize the red flags, verify credentials, and protect your personal information to ensure your Canadian dream doesn’t become a nightmare.
Here are essential steps to safeguard your application and future from immigration scams:
Ensure the individual or company is a member of a recognized professional organization, such as the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) or the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).
Always request written agreements that clearly outline the services provided, associated fees, and terms of the arrangement to avoid hidden costs or false promises.
Before providing personal information, ensure that websites are secure.
Be wary of anyone promising quick approvals or guaranteed visas. No one can guarantee application approval.
Be cautious if asked to pay into a personal bank account. Legitimate firms typically use corporate accounts.
Be cautious if someone claiming to be a CBSA employee requests personal information or demands money. The CBSA never asks for your SIN or credit card by telephone, text, or email.
If you believe you have become a victim of immigration fraud, report it immediately to local authorities, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and professional regulatory bodies like the CICC or CBA.
Why Hiring an Immigration Lawyer is a Smart Investment for Your Future?
You cannot predict the outcome of an immigration case with certainty. Similarly, you cannot foresee all the associated expenses involved in an immigration case due to various influencing factors. The cost of engaging an immigration lawyer may vary depending on the complexity of the matter and the lawyer’s fee structure. However, this expense is often a wise investment rather than merely an added cost.
By taking the help of an experienced immigration lawyer, you significantly increase your chances of a successful application. Their expertise helps you navigate complex legal procedures, avoid costly errors, and handle potential challenges efficiently. Ultimately, this can save time and money in the long run and provide invaluable peace of mind.
Expert Immigration Services from ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation
Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving, meaning even minor errors can lead to significant legal and financial repercussions. Hiring an immigration lawyer can significantly boost your chances of a successful application, whether you are a student, professional, or part of a family seeking a new future.
ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation aims to deliver cost-effective, client-focused solutions customized to your specific immigration needs. We provide transparent pricing and personalized support to help you navigate the complexities of the immigration process with ease. Our expertise ensures that your application is accurate, complete, and compliant with the latest immigration laws, reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
Remember, the cost of hiring an immigration lawyer is an investment in your future. Don’t take chances with your legal status—contact us today to schedule a consultation and to achieve your immigration goals.
As 2025 begins, Canada is welcoming foreign skilled workers to settle in through its Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Recently, Manitoba and Alberta held draws that opened doors for many candidates eager to start a new chapter in Canada.
The article will delve into the details of recently held draws, the opportunities are available for prospective immigrants and the requirements they must fulfil to qualify.
Manitoba PNP Draw
Manitoba conducted its first PNP draw of the year, issuing 197 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) across two streams: Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream and Skilled Worker Overseas Stream.
Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream
Letters of Advice to Apply Issued: 145
Lowest CRS Score: 838
Eligibility: Candidates or their spouses must have completed post-secondary education in Manitoba.
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream
Letters of Advice to Apply Invitations Issued: 52
Lowest CRS Score: 615
Priority for candidates from the Winkler area.
Among the candidates invited, 52 had valid Express Entry profiles, enhancing their chances for permanent residency through additional points in the Express Entry system.
About Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)
Manitoba was the first province in Canada to introduce a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) in 1998. The program aimed at attracting skilled immigrants to support the province’s economic growth. The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) has been instrumental in increasing the province’s population and supporting its labour force.
The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program is a key immigration pathway designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to the province.
The MPNP offers five main immigration streams:
Skilled Worker in Manitoba Stream: This stream is for temporary foreign workers and international graduates with a permanent job offer from a Manitoba employer.
Skilled Worker Overseas Stream: For skilled workers outside Canada who have a strong connection to Manitoba.
Manitoba Business Investor Stream: For individuals looking to begin or invest in a business in Manitoba.
International Education Stream: This is for international students who have completed post-secondary education at institutions in Manitoba and want to settle permanently there.
Morden Community Driven Initiative: Specifically for tradespeople like welders and plumbers who wish to settle in Morden.
Who can Apply for the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program?
You may qualify for MPNP:
If you have relevant work experience and can demonstrate a strong connection to Manitoba or
If you are working in Manitoba temporarily and have a permanent job offer from your employer. or
If you are looking to establish or invest in a business in Manitoba. or
If you graduate from a recognized post-secondary institution in Manitoba and wish to settle permanently.
Additional Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet specific criteria, including
Scoring at least 60 points on the MPNP Points Assessment Grid that evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Demonstrating a connection to Manitoba, which can be strengthened by having friends or relatives living in the province.
Showing the intention and ability to economically establish in Manitoba.
Hence, the MPNP provides various pathways for skilled individuals and their families to immigrate to Manitoba, contributing to the province’s growth and diversity.
Results of Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Draw
On December 23, 2024, the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted a draw and issued 588 invitations to candidates who met specific eligibility criteria. The lowest-ranked candidate invited had a score of 55. The draw invited candidates who fall under the Alberta Opportunity Stream.
Understanding Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) is a provincial initiative to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs to Alberta. Through this program, prospective immigrants can receive an Alberta Provincial Nomination Certificate, which allows them to apply for Canadian PR.
What is the eligibility to qualify for the Alberta Opportunity Stream?
If you wish to settle in Alberta, you must meet the following criteria for the Alberta Opportunity Stream under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).
Valid Job Offer: A full-time job offer from an Alberta employer in an eligible occupation (excluding specific NOC categories).
Education: At least a high school education equivalent to Canadian standards.
Work Experience: At least 12 months of full-time work experience in Alberta within the last 18 months.
Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 4 or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) level of 4 or higher.
Work Permit: A valid eligible work permit (excluding PGWPs) that expires on December 31, 2025, or later.
The Alberta Opportunity Stream (AOS) provides a pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers currently employed in Alberta and international graduates from approved Alberta post-secondary institutions. A part of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), it aims to attract individuals whose skills meet the province’s labour market needs.
International students can apply if they have completed their studies in Alberta and are working on a PGWP.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate at least six months of relevant work experience in Alberta, meet language proficiency requirements, and adhere to income standards. However, those who studied in other Canadian provinces are not eligible under this stream unless they hold a different type of work permit.
If you want to immigrate to Canada through the PNP or another skilled worker pathway, please contact us for complete guidance and tailored assistance. Our experienced team supports creating EE profiles, choosing PNP programs, and providing additional services. We are here with you at every step of the immigration journey.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for specific concerns. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information presented, and it should not be viewed as a comprehensive analysis. Opinions expressed may change over time. ImmiLaw Immigration Law Professional Corporation does not endorse any third-party advice or services mentioned.
