September 2025 Canada updates: IRCC modernizes DNA testing, BC PNP pool hits 10,876, optimism drives immigrant retention, BC Newcomers’ Guide 2025 launched. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.
Canada September 2025 Immigration Updates: DNA Testing Guidelines, BC PNP Pool, Immigrant Retention, and BC Newcomers’ Guide
DNA Testing Guidelines Introduction
September 2025 marks significant developments in Canada’s immigration framework, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (395,000 permanent residents, 673,650 temporary residents).
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated its DNA testing guidelines, the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) Skills Immigration pool reached 10,876 registrants, new research highlights optimism and belonging as key to immigrant retention, and British Columbia launched the 2025 Newcomers’ Guide.
These updates address the user’s Arabic request to refine the provided digest, incorporating prior queries (e.g., job losses, TFWP, refugee claims) and initial search topics (IRCC DNA testing, BC PNP pool, immigrant retention, BC Newcomers’ Guide).
Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance, leveraging web and X sources for accuracy.
IRCC Modernizes DNA Testing Procedures
IRCC has updated its DNA testing framework to enhance immigration and citizenship processes. Key details:
- Details: Effective September 5, 2025, IRCC introduced separate DNA testing processes for citizenship and immigration applications, virtual witnessing at select International Organization for Migration (IOM) offices, standardized results in the Global Case Management System (GCMS), and clear protocols for handling test outcomes. Testing remains voluntary and a last resort when documents (e.g., birth certificates) are insufficient. Applicants declining tests face procedural fairness measures but risk application refusal.
- Context: DNA testing is used for parent-child, sibling, or extended family relationships, per web sources [,,]. Tests must be conducted by Standards Council of Canada (SCC)-accredited labs, with cheek swabs and identity verification (two government IDs, passport photos). X posts from @IRCCEng note virtual witnessing at 10 IOM offices, reducing travel for overseas applicants. In 2024, ~2,500 DNA tests were requested, primarily for family reunification.
- Impact: Applicants should engage SCC-accredited labs promptly upon receiving IRCC’s DNA letter, ensuring consent forms and IDs are ready. Those declining tests should provide alternative documents (e.g., adoption records) to avoid refusal. Virtual witnessing benefits overseas applicants in regions like South Asia or Africa.
For family sponsorship or citizenship support, contact Go Canada Services’ Family Sponsorship Services.
BC PNP Skills Immigration Pool Reaches 10,876 Registrants
The BC PNP Skills Immigration pool reflects high demand but limited invitations. Key findings:
- Details: As of September 8, 2025, the BC PNP Skills Immigration pool has 10,876 registrants, with only 94 invitations issued in 2025 due to a reduced 4,000 nomination cap []. The 100–109 score range has 2,032 candidates, followed by 90–99 (2,011), with only 56 scoring 150+. Selection prioritizes high-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, NOC 33102; tech, NOC 21211).
- Context: The 2025 cap, halved from 8,000, focuses on backlog processing (1,100 new applications), per web sources [,]. X posts from @BCImmigration note priority for healthcare and tech professionals. The January 17, 2025, Skills Immigration Guide update paused new graduate streams []. BC’s unemployment rate (7.1%) and job losses (-16,000 in August) limit invitations.
- Impact: Candidates with scores below 150 should enhance profiles with job offers in priority NOCs and CLB 8+ (e.g., PTE Core, IELTS). Employers should use the Health Authority stream for healthcare hires. Applicants can explore other PNPs (e.g., MPNP) for faster PR pathways.
For BC PNP support, explore Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.
Optimism and Belonging Drive Immigrant Retention
New research highlights emotional factors as key to retaining immigrants. Key points:
- Details: The Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s “Here to Stay” report (4,892 immigrants surveyed) found a 1% increase in future optimism boosts retention by 28%, and a 1% increase in belonging adds 25%. Housing affordability, a concern for 60% of respondents, is less decisive than emotional connection. Retention is critical amid declining birth rates (1.3 children/woman) and rising departures (15% of 2019–2024 PRs).
- Context: Canada’s 2.36M temporary residents and 246,300 PRs in H1 2025 underscore retention needs. X posts from @CdnImmigration highlight community integration programs (e.g., WelcomeBC) boosting belonging. The report aligns with BC’s Newcomers’ Guide, enhancing settlement support.
- Impact: Newcomers should engage in community programs (e.g., language classes, cultural events) to foster belonging. Policymakers should fund settlement services (e.g., WelcomeBC, Manitoba Start) to improve retention, targeting 85% PR retention by 2030.
For settlement support, contact Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.
British Columbia Newcomers’ Guide 2025 Enhances Integration
BC’s updated guide supports newcomer settlement. Key insights:
- Details: The 2025 BC Newcomers’ Guide, released September 2025, includes pre- and post-arrival checklists, QR codes for digital access, enhanced chapter organization, and an A-to-Z directory for housing, healthcare, and employment. Available free in digital and print formats, it supports BC’s 4,000 PNP nominees and 2,050 refugee claimants.
- Context: BC’s 10,876 Skills Immigration registrants and 21% housing price growth (2006–2021) highlight settlement challenges []. X posts from @BCImmigration emphasize the guide’s role in addressing labour shortages (15% healthcare vacancies). The guide aligns with WelcomeBC’s integration services, per web sources [,].
- Impact: Newcomers should use the guide’s checklists and directory to access housing (e.g., BC Housing) and job services (e.g., WorkBC). Employers can leverage the guide to support hires in navigating settlement, enhancing retention.
Download the guide at WelcomeBC or contact Go Canada Services for support.
Prior Updates (Context from Previous Digests)
- Job Losses (August 2025): Ontario (-26,000), BC (-16,000), Alberta (-14,000), Windsor at 11.1% unemployment.
- Asylum Data Risks: $68M project lacks privacy assessments, risking refugee data.
- 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 (546,562 study permits, 1.5M work permits), 100,000 PR transitions in H1 2025.
- TFWP Survey: 44% support phasing out TFWP, with 54% in Alberta, 34% in Quebec.
- Refugee Claims (H1 2025): India (9,770), Mexico (7,410), Haiti (6,320), Ontario (5,075).
- Housing Price Impact: Immigration drove 21% price growth (2006–2021).
- Newfoundland Physiotherapist Program: $89,000 for mentorship to address shortages.
- Express Entry Francophone Draw (September 4): 4,500 ITAs, CRS 446.
- Manitoba MPNP Draw (September 4): 3,347 invitations (1,481 Skilled Worker, 1,866 International Education).
- Manitoba EDI/TRRP (September 2): Employer Direct Initiative, Temporary Resident Retention Pilot.
- 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
- TFWP Reform Proposal: Poilievre proposes abolishing TFWP, retaining agricultural programs.
- Express Entry CEC Draw (September 3): 1,000 ITAs, CRS 534.
- OINP Draws (September 3): 1,893 ITAs (1,134 EJO FW, 759 EJO IS).
- LMIA Processing Times (September 3): Global Talent Stream (8 days), Permanent Residence Stream (259 days).
- Northwest Territories Nominee: 197 spaces for 2025.
- Afghan Refugee Crisis: 3,000 Afghans in Tajikistan face deportation.
Immigration and Settlement Strategies
- DNA Testing Applicants: Respond promptly to IRCC’s DNA letter, using SCC-accredited labs. Provide alternative documents if declining tests to avoid refusal.
- BC PNP Candidates: Enhance profiles with job offers in healthcare (NOC 33102) or tech (NOC 21211) and CLB 8+. Consider MPNP or SINP for faster PR pathways.
- Newcomers Seeking Retention: Engage in community programs (e.g., WelcomeBC, cultural events) to boost belonging. Use the BC Newcomers’ Guide for housing and job resources.
- BC Newcomers: Leverage the 2025 Guide’s checklists and QR codes for housing (BC Housing), healthcare (MSP), and employment (WorkBC) to streamline integration.
For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are IRCC’s updated DNA testing guidelines for 2025?
Effective September 5, 2025, IRCC introduced separate processes for citizenship and immigration, virtual witnessing at IOM offices, and standardized GCMS results, keeping testing voluntary. - How many candidates are in the BC PNP Skills Immigration pool?
As of September 8, 2025, 10,876 candidates are registered, with 2,032 in the 100–109 score range, but only 94 received invitations in 2025. - What drives immigrant retention in Canada?
A 1% increase in optimism boosts retention by 28%, and a 1% increase in belonging adds 25%, per the ICC’s “Here to Stay” report. - What features does the BC Newcomers’ Guide 2025 include?
The guide offers pre- and post-arrival checklists, QR codes, enhanced organization, and an A-to-Z directory for housing, healthcare, and employment.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
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