Canada Immigration Updates September 2025: Education Draw, Toronto Rally, Alberta Control, World Cup Visas, NBPNP, IFHP Surge, Job Decline, Refugee Backlog

September 2025 Canada updates: IRCC issues 2,500 ITAs for education occupations, Toronto rally sees 10 arrests, Alberta seeks immigration control, 2026 World Cup requires TRV/eTA, NBPNP issues 1,052 ITAs, IFHP funding surges 1,186%, job vacancies drop to 505,900, refugee backlog hits 294,423. Go Canada Services offers expert support.

Canada September 2025 Immigration Updates: Education Draw, Toronto Rally, Alberta Control, World Cup Visas, NBPNP, IFHP Surge, Job Decline, and Refugee Backlog

Education Draw, Toronto Rally, Alberta Control Introduction

September 2025 marks significant immigration, social, and economic developments in Canada, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (395,000 permanent residents, 673,650 temporary residents). IRCC conducted an Express Entry draw for education occupations, issuing 2,500 ITAs, a Toronto anti-immigration rally led to 10 arrests, Alberta pushed for greater immigration control, and Canada announced TRV/eTA requirements for 2026 World Cup fans. New Brunswick issued 1,052 NBPNP ITAs, Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) funding surged 1,186%, job vacancies dropped to 505,900, and the refugee claims backlog grew to 294,423. This article refines the provided digests, 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.

Express Entry Draw for Education Occupations

IRCC targets education professionals. Key details:

• Details: On September 17, 2025, IRCC held the second occupation-specific Express Entry draw for education occupations (e.g., NOC 41200, university professors), issuing 2,500 ITAs with a CRS cut-off of 462, down 17 points from the previous draw. The tie-breaking rule was July 09, 2025, at 04:24:19 UTC. As of September 14, 2025, 251,630 profiles were in the Express Entry pool, with 64,297 ITAs issued in 2025 across 37 draws.
• Context: Prior draws include a September 15 PNP draw (228 ITAs, CRS 746), a September 4 francophone draw (4,500 ITAs, CRS 446), and a September 3 CEC draw (1,000 ITAs, CRS 534). X posts from @IRCCEng note 901,700 pending applications. Web sources highlight demand for educators amid a 7.5% healthcare vacancy drop in Q2 2025.
• Impact: Education professionals should secure job offers and CLB 8+ to boost CRS scores. Those below 462 can explore PNPs like NBPNP or OINP for faster PR pathways.

For Express Entry support, contact Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.

Clashes at Toronto Anti-Immigration Rally

Tensions flared at a historic site. Key points:

• Details: A “Canada First” rally at Toronto’s Christie Pits Park, advocating deportations and reduced immigration, met counter-protests, resulting in 10 arrests. The site, known for a 1933 antisemitic riot, saw anti-immigration marchers with Canadian flags and hundreds of counter-protesters with drums and refreshments. Police, including mounted units, intervened during standoffs. City officials condemned the rally as a “hate demonstration.”
• Context: The rally reflects tensions noted in Abacus Data’s poll, with 44% supporting TFWP phase-out. X posts from @TorontoPolice report increased public safety measures. Prior updates highlight Poilievre’s deportation policy for criminal non-citizens (August 20, 2025).
• Impact: Newcomers should engage community settlement programs (e.g., WelcomeBC, Manitoba Start) to counter anti-immigration sentiment. Policymakers may face pressure to address public tensions, potentially impacting immigration policies.

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

Alberta Pushes for Greater Immigration Control

Alberta seeks more autonomy. Key insights:

• Details: Premier Danielle Smith instructed Jobs Minister Joseph Schow to pursue “all legal means” for provincial immigration control, prioritizing economic migrants, Canadian job access, and young Albertans over temporary foreign workers. The Alberta Next panel gathers public feedback, aligning with broader devolution efforts. The mandate also boosts youth employment and business expansion.
• Context: Alberta’s 6,403 AAIP nominations and 4,142 ITAs in 2025 reflect its labor focus. X posts from @AlbertaGov note alignment with a 670,000-unit housing gap and 8.4% unemployment. Prior updates highlight Carney’s TFWP “focused approach” and Poilievre’s criticism.
• Impact: Candidates should target AAIP Priority Sectors (NOC 31100, 72100) and leverage youth employment programs. Employers may face stricter TFW regulations. Newcomers should prepare for potential policy shifts.

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

Canada Requires TRV/eTA for 2026 World Cup

Visa requirements announced for visitors. Key details:

• Details: International fans attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), with no special Fan ID system. IRCC urges early applications to avoid delays, given multi-country match schedules across Canada, the US, and Mexico.
• Context: The requirement aligns with a 14.9% drop in international arrivals (August 2025, 6.6M). X posts from @IRCCEng emphasize standard visa processes. Prior updates note Air Canada disruptions affecting US return travel (-25.4%).
• Impact: Fans should apply for TRV/eTA 6–12 months in advance, ensuring valid passports and multi-country travel plans. Tourism businesses should prepare for increased demand. Travel agencies can assist with logistics.

For visa support, explore Go Canada Services’ Visitor Visa Services.

New Brunswick Issues 1,052 NBPNP Invitations

New Brunswick advances its PNP. Key details:

• Details: On September 16, 2025, New Brunswick announced results from NBPNP draws held August 11–19, issuing 1,052 ITAs across 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.
• 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.
• Impact: Candidates should secure job offers in priority sectors and CLB 7+ to boost EOI scores. Employers can leverage NBPNP for staffing shortages. Those not invited should explore AIP or NSNP.

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

IFHP Funding Surges 1,186% Since 2016

Conservatives highlight healthcare concerns. Key findings:

• Details: Conservative Shadow Minister Michelle Rempel Garner reported 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.
• 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.
• Impact: Asylum seekers should ensure complete applications to access IFHP benefits. Canadians may push for balanced healthcare funding, potentially tightening asylum pathways.

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: Job vacancies fell 18,900 (-3.6%) to 505,900 in Q2 2025, a 12.6% year-over-year drop. Full-time positions dropped 5.1%, with the unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio at 2.9. Arts, culture, and recreation grew 9.5%, while healthcare (-7.5%) and trades (-6.1%) declined.
• Context: The contraction follows 106,000 job losses (August 2025) and 14.5% youth unemployment. X posts from @StatCan_eng note Saskatchewan’s 4.7% unemployment rate. Prior updates highlight 105,000 TFWP permits in H1 2025.
• Impact: Job seekers should target arts (NOC 53100) and regions like Saskatchewan. Employers may rely on IEC or AIP for staffing.

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

Refugee Claims Decline, Backlog Grows

August 2025 data shows mixed trends. Key insights:

• Details: New refugee claims dropped 20% from 11,170 in July to 8,785 in August, per the IRB’s “Recent Trends” report. The backlog grew to 294,423 from 291,969, reflecting IRB capacity challenges.
• 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. The $1.5B provincial refugee support underscores pressures.
• Impact: Asylum seekers should submit complete claims early, using regulated consultants. Settlement services 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, including 1,528 additional nominations.
• Pragmatic Leadership Poll: 62% 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

• Education Professionals: Boost CRS scores with job offers in NOC 41200 and CLB 8+. Explore NBPNP or OINP if below 462.
• Newcomers in Toronto: Engage community programs (e.g., WelcomeBC, Manitoba Start) to counter anti-immigration sentiment and integrate effectively.
• Alberta Applicants: Target AAIP Priority Sectors (NOC 31100, 72100) and leverage youth employment programs. Prepare for stricter TFW regulations.
• World Cup Visitors: Apply for TRV/eTA 6–12 months in advance, ensuring valid passports and multi-country travel plans.
• NBPNP Applicants: Secure job offers in healthcare or tourism (NOC 33102, 64300) and CLB 7+. 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 (NOC 53100) or regions like Saskatchewan. Use IEC or AIP for work permits.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• What was the cut-off score for the Express Entry education draw?
  IRCC issued 2,500 ITAs for education occupations with a CRS cut-off of 462 on September 17, 2025.
• What happened at the Toronto anti-immigration rally?
  A “Canada First” rally met counter-protests at Christie Pits Park, resulting in 10 arrests; city officials condemned it as a “hate demonstration.”
• What is Alberta’s push for immigration control?
  Premier Danielle Smith instructed Minister Joseph Schow to seek greater provincial authority, prioritizing economic migrants and Canadian job access.
• What visa requirements apply for the 2026 World Cup in Canada?
  International fans need a TRV or eTA, with no special Fan ID; early applications are recommended to avoid delays.
• 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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