Top 10 Canadian Immigration Policy 2025 Changes to Watch

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id="b666aa6c-12b4-4bb0-8c4a-3fd4a3218a85" data-testid="conversation-turn-116" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn="assistant"> Canadian immigration policy 2025 saw major reforms across citizenship, Express Entry, work permits, and provincial programs as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shifted toward a more targeted and controlled immigration system.

Throughout the year, IRCC introduced measures that narrowed eligibility for broad pathways while expanding access for candidates with in-demand skills, Canadian experience, and strong economic value.

Below is a clear breakdown of the most impactful immigration policy changes of 2025 and who they affect.

1. Bill C-3 Amends The Canadian Citizenship Act Who It Affects Lost Canadians affected by the former first-generation limit (FGL)

On December 15, 2025, Bill C-3 officially came into force, ending restrictions that previously prevented Canadian citizens born or adopted abroad from passing citizenship to their children.

Under the new law, thousands of lost Canadians are now eligible to apply for citizenship. However, children born or adopted abroad after this date must meet a substantial connection to Canada requirement.

This means the Canadian parent must have lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth or adoption.

2. Removal Of CRS Points For Arranged Employment Who It Affects All Express Entry candidates

As of March 25, 2025, IRCC eliminated the extra 50 to 200 CRS points previously awarded for LMIA-supported job offers in Express Entry,

This policy change reduced advantages for candidates with arranged employment and leveled the playing field for applicants without job offers. IRCC stated the goal was to reduce fraud and strengthen system integrity.

3. Major Overhaul Of Category-Based Express Entry Selection Who It Affects Candidates in priority occupations

In February 2025, IRCC restructured category-based selection. Education was added as a priority category, Transport was removed, and Healthcare expanded to include social service occupations under a new Healthcare and Social Services category.

Nineteen occupations were removed from STEM, while six new ones were added. A new physician-specific Express Entry category was also announced, with draws expected to begin in early 2026.

4. New Restrictions On Family Open Work Permits Who It Affects Spouses and partners of international students and foreign workers

Starting January 21, 2025, IRCC restricted eligibility for family open work permits .

Only partners of students enrolled in specific Master’s programs longer than 16 months, Doctoral programs, or select professional degrees now qualify. For foreign workers, eligibility is limited to spouses of those in TEER 0 or 1 roles and select TEER 2 or 3 occupations, mainly in healthcare and trades.

5. Changes To PGWP Field Of Study Requirements Who It Affects International students in non-exempt programs

IRCC expanded the list of eligible programs tied to labor shortages in June 2025, bringing the total to 1,107 approved programs.

Students in non-exempt programs must graduate from one of these fields to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs remain exempt.

6. New Rules For International Students Changing Schools Who It Affects Most post-secondary international students

Since November 8, 2024, students must remain enrolled at the designated learning institution listed on their study permit.

Changing schools now requires applying for a new study permit, with students needing to account for processing times that can exceed 119 days.

7. Provincial Nominee Program Policy Shifts Who It Affects PNP applicants across Canada

In January 2025, federal nomination allocations were reduced, forcing provinces to pause or narrow immigration streams.

British Columbia suspended certain graduate pathways, while Nova Scotia and PEI focused heavily on healthcare and trades. All provinces except Ontario negotiated allocation increases to recover lost spots.

8. New Medical Exam Rules For Express Entry Who It Affects Most Express Entry PR applicants

As of August 21, 2025, IRCC requires most Express Entry applicants to complete an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their PR application.

Applicants inside Canada may be exempt if they completed an IME within the past five years and pose no public health risk.

9. Changes To Maintained Status Rules Who It Affects Temporary residents applying for extensions

In 2025, IRCC revised maintained status rules. If a second extension application is submitted while on maintained status and the first is refused, the second application will now also be refused. This differs from previous policy and increases risk for multiple submissions.