Canada’s immigration system is at a turning point. From sudden Express Entry draws to looming Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) reforms, major changes are underway that will impact newcomers, students, and employers.
Here are the top 5 Canadian immigration stories this week — and why they matter.
1. Express Entry CRS Score Drops to 462
In a surprise move, Canada issued nearly 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) across multiple categories, including a special draw for education professionals. The CRS cut-off dropped to 462, one of the lowest scores this year.
📌 What this means: Lower CRS scores could make permanent residency more accessible for newcomers, particularly those in high-demand professions.
2. Reforms Coming to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will soon roll out significant reforms to the TFWP. These may include stricter wage requirements, tougher LMIA processes, and regional caps.
📌 What this means: Employers hiring temporary workers may face more hurdles, while workers themselves will need to adapt to new rules.
3. Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pushes Back
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce called for a “meticulous review” of the TFWP, warning that its complexity and unpredictability are damaging both businesses and the newcomers they hire.
📌 What this means: Business leaders are pressuring Ottawa to strike a balance between protecting Canadian jobs and filling urgent labour gaps.
4. Study Permit Approvals Plummet — Conestoga Hit Hard
International students are facing the sharpest impact of Canada’s new immigration caps. Conestoga College reported a 97% decline in study permit approvals in early 2025.
📌 What this means: Colleges reliant on foreign students are at risk, and newcomers looking to study in Canada may find fewer opportunities.
5. Population Growth Slows as Temporary Residents Decline
Canada’s population growth fell to its lowest level in decades due to fewer temporary residents entering the country.
📌 What this means: The drop in temporary workers and students could reshape housing demand, job markets, and future immigration policies.
🚀 The Big Picture
Immigration remains Canada’s engine of growth — but the engine is sputtering. For newcomers, this means adapting fast, staying informed, and finding smart strategies to succeed in an evolving system.
👉 At SettleFast, we’ll continue to break down these updates into actionable insights — so you don’t just read the news, you use it.
