Canada issued 6,000 ITAs to Francophone candidates while population growth reversed for the first time in decades. Key updates on Express Entry, international students, and provincial nominations.
Canada Immigration Update: Francophone Express Entry Draw and Sharp Decline in Temporary Residents
Canada’s immigration system continues to undergo significant changes as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) releases new Express Entry draws, population data, and provincial nomination updates.
The latest developments highlight Canada’s strong focus on Francophone immigration while confirming a notable reduction in temporary residents across the country.
6,000 Francophone Candidates Invited Through Express Entry
On December 17, 2025, IRCC conducted Express Entry draw #388, targeting candidates with French language proficiency. A total of 6,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued, with a cut-off score of just 399 points. This marks one of the lowest CRS thresholds for a category-based draw in 2025.
The Francophone Express Entry draw supports Canada’s long-term objective of strengthening French-speaking communities outside Quebec (Francophone Express Entry Draw).
In 2025 alone, Canada issued 113,998 ITAs through Express Entry, with 48,000 invitations allocated specifically to Francophone candidates, confirming the growing importance of bilingual immigration pathways.
Canada Records Population Decline for the First Time in Decades
Statistics Canada reported that the country’s population declined by 76,068 people in the third quarter of 2025, bringing the total population to 41.58 million as of October 1. This represents a 0.2% decrease and marks the first population decline in recent history.
The primary factor behind this shift is a sharp reduction in non-permanent residents. Updated immigration policies and record-high permit expirations significantly reduced the number of international students and temporary workers.
Ontario and British Columbia experienced the largest population declines, while Alberta and Nunavut posted modest growth.
International Student and Worker Arrivals Drop by Over 50%
Canada’s policy measures to control temporary resident numbers are now producing clear results. Between January and October 2025, international student and temporary worker arrivals fell by 53% compared to the same period in 2024.
Only 3,030 new international students arrived in October 2025, representing a 60% year-over-year decline. Temporary worker arrivals also dropped by 48%. These changes align with the federal government’s commitment to reducing the temporary resident population below 5% of Canada’s total population by 2027.
Provincial Immigration Updates: Alberta and Ontario
Alberta confirmed it has reached its full 2025 allocation under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) after receiving additional nomination spaces from IRCC. The province issued a total of 8,612 invitations in 2025, primarily targeting healthcare professionals and high-demand occupations.
Meanwhile, Ontario officially reached its 2025 allocation under the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), issuing 10,750 nominations. Applications submitted before the cap will continue to be processed under the 2026 allocation, while new applications remain open with extended processing timelines.
Alberta AAIP Reaches Full 2025 Allocation
Alberta confirmed that it has reached its full 2025 allocation under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP). After receiving an additional 1,728 nominations from IRCC, the province increased its annual allocation to 6,603.
Recent draws under the Dedicated Healthcare Pathway invited candidates with minimum scores of 49 points. In total, Alberta issued 8,612 invitations through AAIP streams in 2025. While all nomination spaces have been filled, more than 1,400 applications remain in the processing queue and will carry forward into the next cycle.
Ontario Fills 2025 Nomination Cap
Ontario also reached its 2025 immigration nomination limit, issuing 10,750 nominations through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). Provincial officials confirmed that applications submitted before the cap was reached will be processed under the 2026 allocation.
Despite the cap, Ontario continues to accept new applications, though some processing timelines are expected to extend into next year. The OINP remains a critical pathway for skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs seeking permanent residence in Canada.
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FAQ – Immigration Update (Francophone Express Entry Draw)
1. What is the Francophone Express Entry draw?
It is a targeted Express Entry draw that selects candidates with strong French language proficiency to support Francophone communities across Canada.
2. Why did Canada’s population decline in 2025?
The decline was mainly caused by a sharp reduction in non-permanent residents, including international students and temporary workers, due to stricter immigration policies and permit expirations.
3. How much did international student arrivals decrease?
International student and worker arrivals dropped by 53% between January and October 2025 compared to the previous year.
4. Has Alberta reached its AAIP nomination limit?
Yes, Alberta met its full 2025 allocation after receiving additional nomination spaces from IRCC.
5. What happens after Ontario reaches its OINP cap?
Applications submitted before the cap will be processed under the 2026 allocation, and Ontario continues accepting new applications despite longer processing times.
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