Canada Immigration Updates September 2025: NBPNP Draws, IFHP Funding Surge, Job Market Decline, Refugee Claims Backlog

September 2025 Canada updates: New Brunswick issues 1,052 NBPNP ITAs, IFHP funding surges 1,186%, job vacancies drop to 505,900, refugee claims fall but backlog hits 294,423. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.

Canada September 2025 Immigration Updates: NBPNP Draws, IFHP Funding Surge, Job Market Decline, and Refugee Claims Backlog

NBPNP Draws, IFHP Funding Surge Introduction

September 2025 highlights significant immigration and economic developments in Canada, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (395,000 permanent residents, 673,650 temporary residents).

New Brunswick issued 1,052 NBPNP Invitations to Apply (ITAs), Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) funding surged 1,186% since 2016, job vacancies dropped to a seven-year low, and refugee claims declined but the backlog grew to 294,423.

This article refines the provided digest, integrating prior updates (e.g., Express Entry PNP draw, AAIP nominations, pragmatic leadership poll, Alberta digital ID, Quebec study permits, economic precarity, NLPNP/AIP, TFWP tensions, international arrivals, IRCC processing times, IEC invitations) and initial search topics, ensuring accuracy for September 20, 2025.

Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance, leveraging web and X sources.

New Brunswick Issues 1,052 NBPNP Invitations

New Brunswick advances its Provincial Nominee Program. Key details:

• Details: On September 16, 2025, New Brunswick announced results from NBPNP draws held August 11–19, issuing 1,052 ITAs across three streams: NB Skilled Worker – NB Experience Stream, NB Skilled Worker – NB Graduates Stream, and NB Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick Stream. The province invited 3,067 candidates in 2025, using an Expression of Interest (EOI) system to streamline applications.
• Context: NBPNP aligns with Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) goals, complementing Newfoundland’s 353 AIP/NLPNP invitations. X posts from @NB_Gov highlight focus on healthcare (NOC 33102) and tourism (NOC 64300). The draws support New Brunswick’s 70% retention rate for skilled workers, per ICC reports, amid 2.36M temporary residents in Canada.
• Impact: Candidates should secure job offers in priority sectors and CLB 7+ to boost EOI scores. Employers in New Brunswick can leverage NBPNP for staffing shortages, particularly in rural areas. Those not invited should explore AIP or Nova Scotia’s NSNP.

For NBPNP support, contact Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.

IFHP Funding Surges 1,186% Since 2016

Conservatives highlight healthcare funding concerns for non-citizens. Key findings:

• Details: Conservative Shadow Minister Michelle Rempel Garner reported that Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) funding reached $456 million in 2024, a 1,186% increase since 2016. User claims rose 376%, with reimbursements up 1,101%. This occurs alongside $1.1 billion for asylum seeker accommodations and $1.5 billion for provincial refugee support, raising questions about resource allocation amid healthcare capacity challenges.
• Context: The surge aligns with 294,423 pending refugee claims (August 2025) and $68M in asylum data privacy risks. X posts from @CPC_HQ criticize Liberal spending, noting 245 American refugee claims in H1 2025. Prior updates highlight 9,770 Indian and 7,410 Mexican claims, reflecting diverse asylum pressures.
• Impact: Asylum seekers should ensure complete applications to access IFHP benefits. Canadians and policymakers may push for balanced healthcare funding, potentially tightening asylum pathways. Newcomers should explore private health insurance to mitigate delays.

For asylum support, visit Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.

Canadian Job Market Contracts in Q2 2025

Job vacancies hit a seven-year low. Key points:

• Details: Canadian job vacancies fell 18,900 (-3.6%) to 505,900 in Q2 2025, following a 3.7% Q1 decline, marking a 12.6% year-over-year drop. Full-time positions dropped 5.1%, with the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio rising to 2.9. Arts, culture, and recreation grew 9.5%, while healthcare (-7.5%) and trades (-6.1%) saw significant declines.
• Context: The contraction follows 106,000 job losses (August 2025) and 14.5% youth unemployment. X posts from @StatCan_eng note a 4.7% unemployment rate in Saskatchewan, contrasting Windsor’s 11.1%. Prior updates highlight 105,000 TFWP permits in H1 2025, exceeding the 82,000 cap.
• Impact: Job seekers should target growing sectors like arts (NOC 53100) and secure CLB 7+ for PNPs. Employers may rely on IEC or AIP for staffing. Newcomers should settle in regions with lower unemployment, like Saskatchewan or Manitoba.

For work permit support, explore Go Canada Services’ Work Permit Services.

Refugee Claims Decline, Backlog Grows

August 2025 immigration data shows mixed trends. Key insights:

• Details: New refugee protection claims dropped 20% from 11,170 in July to 8,785 in August 2025, per the IRB’s “Recent Trends” report. However, the backlog grew to 294,423 from 291,969, reflecting IRB capacity challenges. Processing delays persist without increased resources or efficiency measures.
• Context: H1 2025 saw 9,770 Indian, 7,410 Mexican, and 6,320 Haitian claims. X posts from @IRCCEng note 901,700 total pending applications, including 291,975 refugee claims (July 2025). The $1.5B provincial refugee support underscores systemic pressures.
• Impact: Asylum seekers should submit complete claims early, using regulated consultants to avoid delays. Policymakers may prioritize backlog reduction, potentially affecting claim processing timelines. Settlement services like Manitoba Start can support refugees during waits.

For refugee support, contact Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.

Prior Updates (Context from Previous Digests)

• Express Entry PNP Draw (September 15): 228 ITAs, CRS 746, 61,797 total ITAs in 2025.
• AAIP Nominations: 6,403 spots for 2025, including 1,528 additional nominations.
• Pragmatic Leadership Poll: 62% of Canadians worry about affordability, seeking pragmatic solutions.
• Alberta Digital ID: Citizenship markers on driver’s licenses starting fall 2026.
• Quebec Study Permits (September 12): Clarified CAQ/PAL requirements, updated renewals.
• Economic Precarity: 62% worry about basics, 81% of 18–29-year-olds affected.
• Alberta AAIP Draws: 4,142 ITAs, including 891 AOS and 292 Priority Sectors.
• Newfoundland NLPNP/AIP: 353 invitations (218 NLPNP, 135 AIP), 2,604 in 2025.
• TFWP Tensions: Carney’s “focused approach” vs. Poilievre’s criticism; 44% support phase-out.
• International Arrivals: 14.9% drop in August 2025 to 6.6M, US air travel down 25.4%.
• IRCC Processing Times (September 10): FSW (5 months), family sponsorship (10 months), PNP (14 months), study permits (8 weeks), 901,700 pending applications.
• IEC Invitations: 5,532 ITAs (August 11–September 5), 94,378 in 2025.
• IRCC DNA Testing: Updated guidelines with virtual witnessing and GCMS integration.
• BC PNP Skills Immigration: 10,876 registrants, 94 invitations in 2025.
• Immigrant Retention: 28% retention boost, 25% belonging, per ICC report.
• Job Losses (August 2025): Ontario (-26,000), BC (-16,000), Alberta (-14,000).
• Asylum Data Risks: $68M project lacks privacy assessments.
• Minimum Wage Increases (October 2025): Ontario ($17.60), Nova Scotia ($16.50), PEI ($16.50), Saskatchewan ($15.35), Manitoba ($16.00).
• Temporary Residents: 2.36M, with 100,000 PR transitions in H1 2025.
• Refugee Claims (H1 2025): India (9,770), Mexico (7,410), Haiti (6,320).
• Housing Price Impact: Immigration drove 21% price growth (2006–2021).
• Newfoundland Physiotherapist Program: $89,000 for mentorship.
• Express Entry Francophone Draw (September 4): 4,500 ITAs, CRS 446.
• Manitoba MPNP Draw (September 4): 3,347 invitations.
• Canadian Job Crisis: 106,000 job losses, 105,000 TFWP permits in H1 2025.
• Saskatchewan Job Growth: 16,500 jobs, 4.7% unemployment.
• OINP Penalties: $509,100 in fines since 2018.
• Chinese STEM Students’ Lawsuit: 25 students sue IRCC over study permit delays.

Other Key Updates

• Biometrics for Citizenship: Mandatory fingerprints/facial recognition starting 2026–2027 ($85–$170).
• Afghan Refugee Crisis: 3,000 Afghans in Tajikistan face deportation.
• American Refugee Claims: 245 claims in H1 2025, driven by transgender issues.
• Poilievre’s Deportation Policy: Immediate deportation for criminal non-citizens (August 20, 2025).
• Express Entry Medical Exams: Mandatory upfront exams starting August 21, 2025 ($140–$280).

Immigration and Settlement Strategies

• NBPNP Applicants: Secure job offers in healthcare or tourism (NOC 33102, 64300) and CLB 7+ to boost EOI scores. Explore AIP or NSNP if not invited.
• Asylum Seekers: Submit complete refugee claims early, using regulated consultants, and secure private health insurance to complement IFHP.
• Job Seekers: Target arts and culture (NOC 53100) or regions with low unemployment (Saskatchewan, Manitoba). Use IEC or AIP for work permits.
• Refugee Claimants: Engage settlement services (e.g., Manitoba Start) to manage delays from the 294,423-case backlog. Prepare for potential policy tightening.

For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How many ITAs did New Brunswick issue in the NBPNP draws?
  New Brunswick issued 1,052 ITAs from August 11–19, 2025, across NB Skilled Worker and Express Entry streams, totaling 3,067 in 2025.
• How much has IFHP funding increased since 2016?
  IFHP funding surged 1,186% to $456 million in 2024, with user claims up 376% and reimbursements up 1,101%.
• What is the state of Canada’s job market in Q2 2025?
  Job vacancies dropped 3.6% to 505,900, a seven-year low, with healthcare (-7.5%) and trades (-6.1%) declining, while arts grew 9.5%.
• What is the status of Canada’s refugee claims backlog in August 2025?
  New claims dropped 20% to 8,785, but the backlog grew to 294,423, reflecting IRB capacity challenges.

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