IRCC ends medical exam leniency, Ontario penalizes immigration violators, New Brunswick clarifies PNP rules, and IRCC reports 2.2M applications in inventory.
Today’s Highlights
IRCC ends facilitation period for Express Entry without medical exams.
Ontario penalizes employers and representatives violating immigration laws.
New Brunswick clarifies nominee certificate withdrawal rules.
IRCC reports 2.2 million applications in inventory across all programs.
IRCC Ended Facilitation Period for Express Entry Applications Without Medical Exams
New Completeness Check Requirements
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially ended its facilitation period for Express Entry applications submitted without upfront medical exams.
As of October 21, 2025, applications missing Immigration Medical Examinations (IME) may now be rejected under updated completeness standards.
Ensuring Accuracy and Faster Processing
This change follows the August 21, 2025 policy mandating medical exams at the time of submission, reinforcing IRCC’s commitment to processing efficiency and compliance.
Applicants should consult Go Canada Services for guidance on meeting IRCC medical and documentation requirements.
OINP Updated the List of Penalized Individuals and Employers
Ontario Immigration Act Enforcement Update
On October 21, 2025, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) published an updated list of individuals, employers, and representatives penalized under the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015.
Penalties include administrative fines and banning orders for providing inaccurate or misleading information during the immigration process.
Safeguarding Integrity in Immigration
This public disclosure strengthens transparency and protects the public interest.
To ensure compliance and accuracy in applications, review your eligibility through a Free Assessment with Go Canada Services.
NBPNP Clarified Certificate Withdrawal and Application Timelines
Policy Reminder for Provincial Nominees
The New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) clarified that nominees cannot withdraw their nomination certificates to reapply under other provincial or federal programs.
Application Deadlines and Responsibilities
Nominees must submit Permanent Residence applications to IRCC before their certificate’s expiry date to maintain validity.
For support with New Brunswick Immigration or PNP procedures, contact Go Canada Services.
IRCC Reports 2.2 Million Immigration Applications in Inventory
Updated Backlog and Processing Statistics
According to the latest update, IRCC has 2,199,400 pending applications across all categories — permanent residence, temporary residence, and citizenship.
Breakdown of the Current Inventory
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56.4% of applications are within service standards.
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42% of temporary residence applications** (visit, study, work)** are in backlog.
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52% of permanent residency applications** exceed timelines.
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50% of citizenship cases** fall outside processing standards.
IRCC continues to target 80% compliance within service standards.
Applicants experiencing delays can explore expedited options through Go Canada Services.
Why Choose Go Canada Services?
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Founded in 2004, our firm combines professional expertise with ethical guidance to support clients in every stage of their Canadian journey.
We are proud to be one of Canada’s most respected independent immigration management firms, committed to transparency, professionalism, and personalized care.
👉 Learn more on our official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the new rule for Express Entry medical exams?
A1: As of October 21, 2025, applications without upfront medical exams can be rejected under IRCC’s new completeness requirements.
Q2: Why did OINP release a list of penalized employers and individuals?
A2: The list aims to enforce compliance under the Ontario Immigration Act and promote transparency in the nomination process.
Q3: Can NBPNP nominees withdraw their certificates?
A3: No, once issued, certificates cannot be withdrawn to reapply for different programs; nominees must apply before expiry.
Q4: How large is IRCC’s immigration backlog?
A4: IRCC reports 2.2 million pending applications across all immigration streams, with roughly half exceeding service standards.
Q5: How can Go Canada Services help applicants?
A5: Go Canada offers expert assistance for Permanent Residency, Study Permits, and Work Permits.
Call to Action
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