September 2025 Canada updates: IRCC issues 1,000 CEC ITAs, Ontario OINP invites 1,893 candidates, ESDC updates LMIA processing times, and Northwest Territories boosts nominee spaces to 197. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.
Canada September 2025 Immigration Updates: Express Entry CEC Draw, OINP Invitations, LMIA Processing Times, and Northwest Territories Nominee Boost
Express Entry CEC Draw, OINP Invitations, LMIA Processing Times Introduction
September 2025 brings pivotal updates to Canada’s immigration system, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan targeting 395,000 permanent residents and 673,650 temporary residents.
On September 3, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducted a Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Express Entry draw, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued 1,893 invitations, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) updated Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing times, and the Northwest Territories increased its nominee program allocation to 197 spaces.
These updates address the user’s Arabic request to refine the provided news digest, incorporating prior queries on CEC draws, OINP invitations, LMIA times, and Northwest Territories nominee spaces.
Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance, leveraging web and X sources for accuracy.
Express Entry CEC Draw
IRCC conducted a targeted draw for CEC candidates to support skilled workers with Canadian experience. Key details:
- Details: On September 3, 2025, Express Entry draw #364 issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for CEC candidates with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) cut-off of 534, consistent with the previous CEC draw. The tie-breaking rule was August 14, 2025, at 08:28:38 UTC. As of September 1, 2025, 254,672 profiles were in the Express Entry pool, with 57,069 ITAs issued across 34 draws in 2025, including 6,719 PNP candidates.
- Context: CEC draws prioritize candidates with Canadian work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations, contributing to 54% of economic permanent residents (213,300 of 395,000). X posts from @IRCCEng emphasize CEC’s role in addressing labour shortages, with 15% vacancy rates in healthcare and 7% in tech. The 2025 plan allocates 18,500 Francophone, 8,000 Healthcare, 3,300 Trades, and 3,000 Education ITAs, per prior ATIP data.
- Impact: CEC candidates with CRS scores of 450–534 should enhance profiles with higher language proficiency (CLB 9+) or additional Canadian work experience (e.g., 1+ years in NOC 31100 for physicians). Those below the cut-off can pursue PNP nominations for +600 CRS points to boost eligibility.
For Express Entry support, contact Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
OINP Invites 1,893 Candidates Under Two Employer Job Offer Streams
Ontario targeted candidates in priority occupations to address labour market needs. Key findings:
- Details: On September 3, 2025, OINP issued 1,893 ITAs: 1,134 under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW) and 759 under the International Student Stream (EJO IS), targeting candidates residing in Canada with jobs in priority occupations (e.g., healthcare, education). Ontario has issued 8,799 invitations in 2025, within its 21,500 nomination allocation.
- Context: Following the September 2 draw (2,643 ITAs targeting healthcare and early childhood educators), this round continues Ontario’s focus on high-demand sectors with 15% healthcare and 8% education vacancy rates. The Employer Portal, launched July 2, 2025, streamlines applications. X posts from @ONImmigration note score ranges of 34–68 from prior August draws, with similar trends expected for September. Targeted NOCs include 33102 (nurse aides) and 42100 (early childhood educators).
- Impact: Candidates with Canadian job offers in healthcare or education should apply via the Employer Portal, ensuring Canadian residency and CLB 7+ proficiency. International students benefit from lower EJO IS score thresholds (e.g., 68 in August). Employers must align job offers with priority occupations to secure invitations.
For OINP support, explore Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.
ESDC Updates LMIA Processing Times
ESDC reported changes in LMIA processing times across various streams. Key points:
- Details: On September 3, 2025, ESDC updated LMIA processing times: Global Talent Stream (8 business days, -1 day), Agricultural Stream (16 business days, +2 days), Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (8 business days, +1 day), Permanent Residence Stream (259 business days, +5 days), High-wage Stream (37 business days, unchanged), Low-wage Stream (42 business days, +1 day).
- Context: The Permanent Residence Stream’s 259-day processing reflects high demand for PR pathways, with 60% of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) from the 2010–2014 cohort transitioning to PR. The Global Talent Stream’s efficiency supports tech sectors (NOC 21211 for data scientists). X posts from @ESDC_Canada highlight increased scrutiny following LMIA fraud concerns and the March 2025 removal of CRS points for LMIA-based job offers. LMIA applications support 140,000 TFWs in 2025, down from 2024.
- Impact: Employers and applicants in tech should prioritize the Global Talent Stream for faster processing (8 days). Those in the Permanent Residence Stream must plan for significant delays (259 days), maintaining valid work permits (e.g., maintained status under IRPA Section 186(u)). Candidates should target high-demand NOCs (e.g., 31100 for physicians) to align with labour market needs.
For LMIA support, visit Go Canada Services’ Work Permit Services.
Northwest Territories Boosts Nominee Program Spaces
The Northwest Territories expanded its immigration program to address workforce shortages. Key insights:
- Details: On September 3, 2025, the Northwest Territories secured 47 additional nominee spaces, increasing the 2025 allocation to 197. Minister Caitlin Cleveland emphasized prioritization based on work permit expiry dates, targeting healthcare and Francophone candidates to address a 10% vacancy rate in healthcare (NOC 31100) and other critical sectors.
- Context: The increase follows advocacy to restore prior levels (300 slots in 2023). The Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP) complements Yukon’s 282 slots and focuses on regional needs (e.g., tourism, healthcare). X posts from @NWTGov highlight the program’s role in driving 2.3% annual population growth. The second 2025 intake prioritizes expiring permits to prevent status loss.
- Impact: Applicants with expiring work permits should submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) promptly, emphasizing healthcare experience or French proficiency (NCLC 7+). Employers must align with NTNP priorities to secure nominations, ensuring candidates maintain valid status.
For NTNP support, contact Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.
Broader Context from Prior Queries
- Express Entry PNP Draw (September 2, 2025): 249 ITAs for PNP candidates, CRS 772, targeting regional nominees.
- OINP Draws (September 2, 2025): 2,643 ITAs (1,305 EJO FW, 1,105 EJO IS, 233 EJO IDS) targeting healthcare and education professionals.
- Quebec Arrima (August 28, 2025): 233 invitations (227 Stream 1, 4 Stream 4, 2 supplementary), prioritizing PhD holders with 3+ years’ experience.
- Immigration Targets: 246,300 PRs in the first seven months of 2025, on track for 395,000, with 125,903 fewer temporary workers and 88,617 fewer students than 2024.
- Study Permit Decline: 50% drop to 143,485 applications in H1 2025, with a 48% approval rate.
- Ontario Labour Mobility: “As of Right” reform (January 2026) allows certified workers (e.g., engineers, electricians) to start work in Ontario within 10 days.
- Newfoundland Draw (August 29, 2025): 202 invitations (125 NLPNP, 77 AIP) via Immigration Accelerator.
- CBSA AI Screening: Traveller Compliance Indicator set for 2027, analyzing 96 million annual entries.
- TFW Healthcare Surge: 57,500 TFWs in 2022, with 60% transitioning to PR (2010–2014 cohort).
- Poilievre’s Criticism: Calls for eliminating the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, citing 105,000 TFWs vs. an 82,000 cap.
Other Key Updates
- Biometrics for Citizenship: Mandatory fingerprints and facial recognition starting 2026–2027, costing $85–$170.
- Afghan Refugee Crisis: 3,000 Afghans in Tajikistan face deportation; IRCC collaborates with UNHCR.
- American Refugee Claims: 245 claims in H1 2025, driven by transgender issues.
- Poilievre’s Deportation Policy: Proposes immediate deportation for criminal non-citizens (August 20, 2025).
- Express Entry Medical Exams: Mandatory upfront exams starting August 21, 2025, costing $140–$280.
- PEI Healthcare Recruitment: 20 US professionals (physicians, nurses) recruited since January 2025.
- Alberta Tourism Mission: Targets $25 billion in visitor spending via Asia (August 28, 2025).
Immigration and Settlement Strategies
- Express Entry CEC Applicants: Optimize CRS scores with CLB 9+ language results or additional Canadian work experience (e.g., NOC 31100). Pursue PNP nominations (e.g., OINP, AAIP) for +600 CRS points if below 534.
- OINP Applicants: Apply via the Employer Portal with job offers in healthcare (NOC 33102) or education (NOC 42100), ensuring Canadian residency and CLB 7+. International students should leverage lower EJO IS score thresholds.
- LMIA Applicants: Prioritize the Global Talent Stream for tech roles (8-day processing). Plan for delays in the Permanent Residence Stream (259 days) by maintaining valid work permits.
- NTNP Applicants: Submit EOIs promptly, emphasizing healthcare experience or French proficiency (NCLC 7+). Employers should align with NTNP priorities to secure nominations.
For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the Express Entry CEC draw on September 3, 2025?
IRCC issued 1,000 ITAs for CEC candidates with a CRS cut-off of 534, unchanged from the prior CEC draw. - What were Ontario’s OINP draws on September 3, 2025?
Ontario issued 1,893 ITAs: 1,134 EJO FW and 759 EJO IS, targeting candidates in Canada with jobs in priority occupations. - What are the updated LMIA processing times as of September 3, 2025?
Global Talent Stream: 8 days (-1), Agricultural Stream: 16 days (+2), Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program: 8 days (+1), Permanent Residence Stream: 259 days (+5), High-wage Stream: 37 days, Low-wage Stream: 42 days (+1). - How many nominee spaces did the Northwest Territories secure for 2025?
The Northwest Territories increased its 2025 allocation to 197 spaces, prioritizing candidates with expiring work permits.
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