July 2025 Canada immigration updates: IRCC revises marine worker guidelines, Quebec halts PGP applications until 2026, four cities rank in QS 2026 student list, and 500,000 undocumented residents signal a system crisis. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.
Canada Immigration Updates July 2025: Marine Workers, Quebec PGP, Student Cities, and System Crisis
Marine Workers, Quebec PGP Introduction
July 2025 highlights critical shifts in Canada’s immigration policies, addressing labor needs, family reunification, education, and systemic challenges.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated guidelines for marine workers under the International Mobility Program (IMP), Quebec capped parent and grandparent sponsorship applications until 2026, four Canadian cities ranked among the top 100 for international students in 2026, and the immigration system faces a crisis with 500,000 undocumented residents.
These align with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, targeting 395,000 permanent residents and 673,650 temporary residents in 2025.
Additional updates include Alberta’s AAIP draws, PEI’s PNP draw, and Nova Scotia’s priorities. Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance. This article explores these developments and their implications.
IRCC Updates Guidelines for Marine Workers (IMP)
On July 18, 2025, IRCC revised guidelines for foreign nationals in transportation occupations, focusing on the marine sector under the International Mobility Program (IMP). Key points:
- Clarifications: Updates to paragraph 186(s) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations specify when work permits are required or exempt. Examples distinguish between roles like above-deck retrofit workers (permit required) and temporary consultants (exempt).
- Operational Bulletin 649: Incorporated into program delivery instructions for Seaspan above-deck retrofit workers, ensuring compliance for shipbuilding and repair roles.
- Impact: Streamlines entry for marine workers in high-demand roles (e.g., shipbuilding, logistics), supporting Canada’s $2.3 billion marine industry, which employs 30,000 workers.
X posts from @ImmigCanada1 confirm the update’s focus on easing entry for marine workers. For IMP work permit support, visit Go Canada Services’ Work Permit Services.
Quebec Reaches PGP Application Cap Until 2026
Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) announced on July 18, 2025, that it has reached its cap for parent, grandparent, and certain family reunification applications for June 26, 2024, to June 25, 2026. Details:
- Cap Details: No new applications accepted until after June 25, 2026. Applications received post-cap will be returned with refunded fees ($915 for parents/grandparents).
- Exceptions: Applications for minor dependent children and adult dependent children with physical/mental conditions remain open.
- Context: Quebec’s 2024–2025 plan limits family sponsorship to 13,000 (10,400 spouses/children, 2,600 parents/grandparents), reflecting infrastructure constraints.
Applicants can explore the federal PGP (10,000 applications opening July 28, 2025) or Super Visa. For family sponsorship guidance, contact Go Canada Services.
Four Canadian Cities in QS Best Student Cities 2026
The QS Best Student Cities 2026 ranking includes four Canadian cities, reinforcing Canada’s appeal for international students despite a study permit cap of 305,900 in 2025. Rankings:
- Montreal (18th): Strong in Student View and Student Mix, weaker in Affordability.
- Toronto (22nd): High desirability but impacted by rising costs.
- Vancouver (29th): Noted for quality of life, lower affordability scores.
- Ottawa (80th): Emerging as a student hub, challenged by cost metrics.
North American cities saw declines in Student Mix and Desirability due to tightened policies, yet Canada remains attractive with 437,000 international students in 2024. For study permit support, explore Go Canada Services’ Study Permit Services.
Canadian Immigration System Crisis: 500,000 Undocumented Residents
Canada’s immigration system faces scrutiny with an estimated 500,000 undocumented residents as of July 2025. Key issues:
- Systemic Failures: 17,000 individuals with criminal convictions admitted, while qualified applicants face delays. Backlogs reached 2.2 million applications by June 2025.
- Proposed Reforms: Prime Minister Carney is urged to implement stricter criminal vetting, link study permits to accredited programs, align intake with infrastructure, and publish transparent audits.
- Public Sentiment: X posts reflect growing distrust, with calls for fairness and transparency to restore public support for immigration.
A March 2025 regularization pathway for undocumented construction workers (1,365 admitted by November 2024) signals reform efforts. For immigration solutions, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Other Key Updates
- Alberta AAIP Draws: Six draws in July 2025 invited 382 candidates (healthcare, agriculture, aviation, law enforcement).
- PEI PNP Draw: Issued 39 ITAs to skilled workers on July 17, 2025; next draw August 21.
- Nova Scotia Priorities: Prioritizes healthcare, construction, and social assistance for residents with expiring work permits.
- IRCC REP Update: Offers 36-month LMIAs for compliant employers until fall 2026.
- PGP Intake: Federal program opens for 10,000 applications on July 28, 2025.
- CUAET Extension: Ukrainians can apply for work/study permits until March 31, 2026.
- Immigrant Income (2021): Averaged $49,160, with bachelor’s degree holders at $65,200.
- Unemployment Rate: 6.9% in June 2025, with 83,000 new jobs.
Immigration and Settlement Strategies
- Marine Workers: Confirm IMP eligibility under updated guidelines; retrofit workers need permits, while consultants may be exempt.
- Quebec PGP Applicants: Pivot to federal PGP or Super Visa; ensure applications for dependent children are submitted promptly.
- International Students: Target Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, or Ottawa for study, but budget for high living costs. Apply for permits early due to caps.
- Undocumented Residents: Explore regularization pathways (e.g., construction) or legal consultation to address status.
For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the new IRCC guidelines for marine workers?
Revised on July 18, 2025, they clarify work permit requirements under IMP’s paragraph 186(s), with examples for marine roles like retrofit workers. - Why has Quebec capped PGP applications?
MIFI reached its 13,000 family sponsorship limit for 2024–2026; no new parent/grandparent applications until after June 25, 2026. - Which Canadian cities ranked in QS Best Student Cities 2026?
Montreal (18th), Toronto (22nd), Vancouver (29th), and Ottawa (80th), excelling in Student View but lower in Affordability. - What is the Canadian immigration system crisis?
An estimated 500,000 undocumented residents and 17,000 admitted with criminal convictions highlight vetting and backlog issues, prompting reform calls.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
Go Canada Services excels in navigating Canada’s immigration pathways, offering solutions for Permanent Residency, Work Permits, Study Permits, and Visitor Visas. Their regulated consultants ensure compliance with IRCC and provincial requirements. Start with a Free Assessment or contact them at Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.
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