Canada’s immigration system went through one of its most transformative years in 2025. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced sweeping changes — from updating Express Entry and citizenship rules to tightening work-permit access and overhauling provincial programs. These reforms reflect a shift toward targeted immigration policies that prioritize specific skills and occupations while making some pathways more selective. CIC News
Here’s a breakdown of the 10 most impactful immigration policy changes of 2025, and who they affected most. CIC News
1️⃣ Bill C-3: Citizenship Act Amendment
Impact: Individuals affected by the old first-generation limit (FGL) on citizenship.
Bill C-3 came into force on December 15, 2025, removing the old FGL that prevented Canadian citizens born abroad from passing citizenship to children born abroad. Now, many previously ineligible “lost Canadians” can apply for citizenship again. Going forward, children born abroad must show a “substantial connection” to Canada (e.g., the Canadian parent must have lived in Canada for at least three years before the child’s birth). CIC News+1
2️⃣ Removal of CRS Points for Arranged Employment
Impact: Express Entry candidates.
As of March 25, 2025, IRCC removed additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for arranged employment supported by an LMIA. This levels the playing field — candidates without job offers now have a better chance of receiving Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. CIC News
3️⃣ Overhaul of Category-Based Selection
Impact: Skilled workers under Express Entry.
IRCC updated the Express Entry category-based system in 2025 by revising priority categories. The Education category was added, Transport was removed entirely, and the Healthcare & Social Services category expanded. This restructure affects how Canada prioritizes targeted occupational experience for PR draws. CIC News
Additionally, IRCC announced a new Express Entry category specifically for physicians — with invitations expected to begin in early 2026. CIC News+1
4️⃣ Restrictions on Family Open Work Permits
Impact: Spouses and partners of international students and workers.
Effective January 21, 2025, eligibility for open work permits for family members became more limited. For example, spouses of international students can now only apply if the student is in a master’s, PhD, or select professional program. Similar limits now apply to spouses of foreign workers in specific TEER occupations. CIC News
5️⃣ Field-of-Study Requirement Changes for PGWPs
Impact: International students seeking Post-Graduation Work Permits.
IRCC introduced a field-of-study requirement for PGWP eligibility in 2024, then adjusted it in June and again in July 2025. Under the updated rules, many previously removed programs remain eligible until the next review — meaning over 1,100 programs are PGWP-eligible for now. CIC News
6️⃣ New Rules for Students Changing Schools
Impact: International students wishing to transfer institutions.
Starting November 8, 2024, post-secondary international students must obtain a new study permit if they transfer to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This replaces the old system where notification alone sufficed. CIC News
7️⃣ Provincial Immigration Allocation Changes
Impact: Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applicants.
2025 saw major provincial changes after federal cuts to provincial nomination allocations early in the year. Many provinces temporarily paused or tightened PNP streams, focusing on priority sectors like healthcare, trades, childcare, and natural resources. Some allocations have since been partially restored. CIC News
8️⃣ Medical Exam Requirement for Express Entry
Impact: Express Entry applicants.
In August 2025, IRCC mandated that most Express Entry applicants complete their Immigration Medical Exam (IME) before submitting their PR applications. This is a shift from the previous requirement where IRCC asked for the exam after filing. CIC News
9️⃣ Changes to Maintained Status
Impact: Temporary residents in Canada.
IRCC revised how maintained status works when a foreign national files multiple permit extensions. Now, if a second application is refused while on maintained status, that individual’s authorized stay is no longer extended. CIC News
🔟 Expanded Policy for Closed Work Permits
Impact: Temporary foreign workers in Canada.
IRCC continued a public policy that allows certain workers with employer-specific (closed) work permits to begin working for a new employer while their new work permit is in process. This can significantly reduce wait times for new work authorizations. CIC News
📌 Final Thoughts
2025 brought significant immigration reforms aimed at reshaping how Canada selects newcomers. From streamlining categories to tightening certain permit rules and enhancing citizenship rights, these changes will continue to influence applicants — especially Express Entry profiles, international students, and skilled workers — well into 2026 and beyond. CIC News
