July 2025 Canada immigration updates: Alberta holds six AAIP draws, PEI issues 39 skilled worker ITAs, Nova Scotia prioritizes healthcare and construction, and IRCC updates the Recognized Employer Pilot. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.
Canada Immigration Updates July 2025: AAIP Draws, PEI PNP, Nova Scotia Priorities, and REP Update
Introduction
July 2025 brings critical updates to Canada’s immigration landscape, addressing labor shortages, economic growth, and streamlined processes. Alberta conducted six Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) draws, Prince Edward Island (PEI) issued 39 invitations for skilled workers, Nova Scotia prioritized healthcare and construction sectors, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP).
These align with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, targeting 395,000 permanent residents and 673,650 temporary residents. Additional updates include the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) intake, Quebec’s CSQ work permit changes, and Canadians in ICE detention. Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance.
This article explores these developments and their implications.
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Draws
On July 16, 2025, Alberta released results for six AAIP draws held in July, issuing 382 invitations to apply (ITAs) across various streams, contributing to 2,012 invitations in 2025. Details:
- July 3: 36 Express Entry candidates, Dedicated Healthcare Pathway (minimum CRS score not disclosed).
- July 4: 15 candidates, Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (agriculture).
- July 8: 20 candidates, Alberta Express Entry Stream – Priority Sectors (aviation).
- July 9: 32 non-Express Entry candidates, Dedicated Healthcare Pathway.
- July 11: 269 candidates, Alberta Opportunity Stream.
- July 16: 10 candidates, Alberta Express Entry Stream – Law Enforcement Pathway (launched June 25, 2024, with 50 nominations allocated for 2024).
The AAIP’s Expression of Interest (EOI) system, launched September 30, 2024, prioritizes healthcare, agriculture, aviation, and law enforcement to address labor shortages. Candidates with high EOI scores and job offers are selected. Processing times average 4–6 months, with a $1,500 application fee effective April 1, 2025. X posts from @HabsNatna confirm Alberta’s focus on in-demand sectors. For AAIP support, visit Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
PEI Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP) Skilled Worker Draw
On July 17, 2025, PEI conducted its seventh PEI PNP draw of 2025, issuing 39 ITAs to skilled workers in priority sectors with high economic impact (e.g., healthcare, construction, manufacturing). Key points:
- Total Invitations: 659 skilled workers and 1 business candidate invited in 2025.
- Process: Candidates submit EOIs via the PEI PNP portal, ranked by skills, experience, and labor market needs. Invited candidates apply for nomination, followed by a permanent residence application to IRCC.
- Next Draw: Scheduled for August 21, 2025.
- Context: PEI’s PNP aligns with the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), requiring job offers from designated employers. PEI’s 3.6% GDP growth in 2024 supports demand for skilled workers.
For PEI PNP guidance, contact Go Canada Services.
Nova Scotia Immigration Priorities for 2025
Nova Scotia’s Immigration and Population Growth Branch announced 2025 priorities due to application volumes exceeding nomination capacity (limited by federal allocations). Key measures:
- Priority Processing: Current residents with expiring work permits in healthcare, social assistance, and construction are prioritized to retain long-term contributors.
- Outside Canada Applicants: Limited to priority sectors (healthcare, construction) via the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and AIP, with exceptions for trucking, science/technology, clean energy, and resource development.
- System Upgrade: The Labour Market Priorities Stream System (LaMPSS), effective May 1, 2025, streamlines AIP employer endorsements with a mobile-friendly interface and error-reducing prompts.
- Planning: 2026 priorities await federal allocation figures, expected late 2025.
X posts from @liveinnovascotia highlight Nova Scotia’s focus on retaining talent. For NSNP or AIP support, explore Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.
IRCC Recognized Employer Pilot (REP) Update
IRCC updated the REP, effective until fall 2026, to streamline work permit processing for qualifying employers. Key features:
- Eligibility: Employers with proven compliance records (three positive LMIAs in five years) qualify for 36-month Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) across high-wage, low-wage, and agricultural streams.
- Benefits: Allows flexible worker allocations based on yearly labor needs, maintaining strict standards for wages, working conditions, and worker protections.
- Impact: Enhances efficiency for businesses in agriculture, fish processing, and other priority sectors, supporting the 2025–2027 Levels Plan’s focus on in-Canada transitions.
The REP aligns with new IRCC initiatives, like a foreign labor stream for agriculture. For work permit support, visit Go Canada Services’ Work Permit Services.
Other Key Updates
- PGP Intake: IRCC opens 10,000 applications on July 28, 2025, for 2020 interest-to-sponsor pool members.
- Quebec CSQ Changes: MIFI halted work permit invitation letters for CSQ holders outside Quebec as of January 16, 2025.
- Canadians in ICE Detention: Approximately 55 face prolonged legal battles in U.S. facilities.
- CUAET Extension: Ukrainians can apply for work/study permits until March 31, 2026.
- Canada-EU Partnership: Promotes jobs and innovation, launched June 2025.
- Immigrant Income (2021): Averaged $49,160, with bachelor’s degree holders at $65,200.
- Unemployment Rate: Dropped to 6.9% in June 2025, with 83,000 new jobs.
- Rental Market: 2–8% rent declines due to 61,111 fewer temporary residents.
Immigration and Settlement Strategies
- AAIP Applicants: Target healthcare, agriculture, aviation, or law enforcement for higher EOI scores. Ensure job offers align with Alberta’s priority sectors.
- PEI PNP Candidates: Focus on healthcare or construction skills for the August 21 draw. Secure a job offer from a designated employer.
- Nova Scotia Applicants: Current residents should renew work permits early, especially in healthcare or construction. External applicants must target AIP priority sectors.
- Employers/Workers (REP): Qualifying businesses should apply for REP to streamline LMIA processes, ensuring compliance with IRCC standards.
For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were Alberta’s AAIP draws in July 2025?
Alberta held six draws, inviting 382 candidates (36 Express Entry, 32 non-Express Entry for healthcare; 15 agriculture, 20 aviation, 10 law enforcement; 269 Alberta Opportunity Stream). - What was PEI’s PNP draw on July 17, 2025?
PEI issued 39 ITAs to skilled workers in priority sectors; the next draw is August 21, 2025. - What are Nova Scotia’s 2025 immigration priorities?
Priority processing for residents with expiring work permits in healthcare, social assistance, and construction; external applicants limited to priority sectors via NSNP and AIP. - What is the updated Recognized Employer Pilot?
The REP, ending fall 2026, offers 36-month LMIAs to compliant employers, streamlining work permits for high-wage, low-wage, and agricultural sectors.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
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