September 2025 Canada updates: (Ontario Labour Mobility) Ontario removes interprovincial barriers for certified workers, Newfoundland issues 202 invitations, CBSA plans AI screening by 2027, and study permit applications drop 50%. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.
Canada September 2025 Immigration Updates: Ontario Labour Mobility, Newfoundland Second Draw, CBSA AI Screening, and Study Permit Decline
Ontario Labour Mobility, Newfoundland Draw Introduction
September 2025 brings significant updates to Canada’s immigration and labour landscape, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (395,000 permanent residents, 673,650 temporary residents).
Ontario’s “As of Right” reform removes interprovincial barriers for certified workers, Newfoundland and Labrador held its second August draw, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) advances an AI-powered screening system, and study permit applications plummeted 50% in H1 2025.
These updates address prior user queries on interprovincial barriers, Newfoundland draws, CBSA AI systems, and study permit trends, responding to the user’s Arabic query with accurate September 2025 context.
Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance, integrating web and X sources for context.
Ontario Breaks Down Interprovincial Barriers for Certified Workers
Ontario is enhancing labour mobility to address workforce shortages. Key details:
- Details: Starting January 1, 2026, the “As of Right” reform allows certified professionals (e.g., architects, engineers, electricians) from other provinces to work in Ontario within 10 days of credential confirmation, compared to months previously. Covering 50 regulatory authorities and 300 certifications, Ontario signed 10 agreements with provinces/territories to boost mobility. This addresses a 12% vacancy rate in skilled trades (e.g., NOC 72100).
- Context: Ontario’s 2025 PNP allocation (21,500 nominations) prioritizes trades and engineering. The reform supports 213,300 economic PRs (54% of Canada’s 395,000 PR target). X posts from @ONImmigration emphasize economic unity and job access. Labour shortages persist, with 182,000 vacancies in Q1 2025.
- Impact: Certified workers should verify credentials with Ontario regulators (e.g., PEO for engineers) and leverage mobility agreements. Immigrants with foreign credentials can use bridging programs (e.g., ACCES Employment) to align with Canadian standards (CLB 7+).
For labour mobility support, contact Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Second August Draw
Newfoundland and Labrador continues to streamline immigration processes. Key findings:
- Details: On August 29, 2025, the province issued 202 invitations via the Enhanced Expression of Interest (EOI) system: 125 under NLPNP and 77 under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Applications now use the Immigration Accelerator platform (since February 19, 2025). The province issued 2,251 invitations in 2025, targeting healthcare and tech (NOC 31100, 21211).
- Context: Newfoundland’s 477 invitations on April 8 and 231 on August 13 reflect a focus on Ukrainians and skilled workers. The 2025 PNP/AIP allocation (1,200 slots) supports rural retention (85% stay rate). X posts from @NLGov highlight the platform’s efficiency.
- Impact: Candidates with job offers or Canadian experience (CLB 5+) should apply via the Immigration Accelerator, targeting high-demand sectors. AIP applicants need employer endorsements.
For NLPNP/AIP support, explore Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.
CBSA’s AI-Powered Screening System
The CBSA is revolutionizing border security with AI technology. Key points:
- Details: The Traveller Compliance Indicator (TCI), set for 2027 implementation, uses five years of traveller data to assign compliance scores, flagging high-risk individuals for secondary inspection. Tested at six land ports, it aims to streamline 96 million annual entries. Experts warn of bias risks, despite human oversight.
- Context: CBSA processes 6.6 million visas/eTAs annually, with 245 American refugee claims in H1 2025. X posts from @CBSA_ASFC caution about privacy concerns. The system aligns with tightened border policies under Poilievre’s deportation stance (August 20, 2025).
- Impact: Travellers should ensure accurate documentation and expect delays during TCI rollout. Immigrants facing secondary inspections can seek legal support to address potential biases.
For border-related support, visit Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.
Study Permit Applications Plummet 50% in H1 2025
Canada’s international education sector faces challenges due to policy changes. Key insights:
- Details: Study permit applications dropped 50% to 143,485 in H1 2025 (vs. 290,635 in H1 2024), with a 48% approval rate. Universities (45–59% approval) outperform colleges (23–33%). The 2025 cap (550,162 permits) may not be met, impacting enrollment.
- Context: The 2024 cap and tightened rules (e.g., cost-of-living requirements) caused a 214,520 drop in student/worker arrivals. X posts from @UniversitiesCA warn of economic impacts ($37 billion from international students in 2024). Refusal rates are high (65.4% overall).
- Impact: Students should target university programs with higher approval rates and secure financial proof (CAD 20,635). Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility requires strategic program selection (e.g., master’s, doctoral).
For study permit support, contact Go Canada Services’ Study Permit Services.
Broader Context from Prior Queries
- OINP Draws (August 28): 486 invitations (348 Employer Job Offer, 138 REDI pilot) with scores 34–68, targeting Northern Ontario.
- AAIP Inventory (August 27): 1,876 applications, 1,407 nominations, 65,093 EOIs; 10 Law Enforcement invitations.
- Ukrainian Integration: Newfoundland’s $750,000 Corner Brook hub supports 3,200 Ukrainians (85% retention).
- Employment Trends (June 2025): Payroll employment fell 0.2% (32,900 jobs), earnings up 3.7% to $1,302.11, vacancies at 492,000.
- IRCC Express Entry: 18,500 Francophone ITAs, 8,000 Healthcare, 3,300 Trades, 3,000 Education, with CEC cut-offs in the high 500s.
- TFW Healthcare Surge: 57,500 TFWs in 2022, 60% PR transition (2010–2014 cohort).
- Poilievre’s Deportation Policy: Immediate deportation for criminal non-citizens (August 20, 2025).
- Refugee Surge: 11,163 claims in July 2025, 291,975-case backlog.
Other Key Updates
- Biometrics for Citizenship: Mandatory fingerprints/facial recognition start 2026–2027 ($85–$170).
- Afghan Refugee Crisis: 3,000 Afghans in Tajikistan face deportation; IRCC collaborates with UNHCR.
- Express Entry Medical Exams: Mandatory upfront exams start August 21, 2025 ($140–$280).
- PEI Healthcare Recruitment: 20 US professionals (physicians, nurses) since January 2025.
- Alberta Tourism Mission: Targets $25 billion in visitor spending via Asia (August 28, 2025).
- Yukon Nominee Program: 282 slots, prioritizing healthcare and French speakers.
- Start-Up Visa Delays: 52-month processing, 73–85% refusals, 1,000 spots by 2027.
Immigration and Settlement Strategies
- Certified Workers: Verify credentials with Ontario regulators (e.g., PEO, CEC) for “As of Right” mobility; use bridging programs for foreign credentials.
- NLPNP/AIP Applicants: Submit EOIs via the Immigration Accelerator, targeting healthcare/tech (NOC 31100, 21211) with CLB 5+.
- Travellers: Prepare accurate documentation for CBSA’s TCI; seek legal support for secondary inspections.
- International Students: Apply to universities with higher approval rates (45–59%); ensure financial proof and PGWP-eligible programs.
For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Ontario’s “As of Right” reform?
Starting January 1, 2026, certified professionals (e.g., architects, engineers) can work in Ontario within 10 days of credential confirmation, covering 300 certifications. - What was Newfoundland’s second August 2025 draw?
On August 29, 2025, Newfoundland issued 202 invitations (125 NLPNP, 77 AIP) via the Immigration Accelerator platform. - What is CBSA’s AI screening system?
The Traveller Compliance Indicator (TCI), set for 2027, uses AI to assign compliance scores, streamlining 96 million annual entries but risking biases. - Why did study permit applications drop in 2025?
Applications fell 50% to 143,485 in H1 2025 due to the 2024 enrollment cap, with 48% approval rates and universities outperforming colleges.
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