August 2025 Canada immigration updates: Extended measures for Palestinians, Quebec invites 273 Arrima candidates, AIP proof of funds revised, and B.C. Access Grant supports 88,000+ students. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.
Canada Immigration Updates August 2025: Palestinian Measures, Quebec Arrima Draw, AIP Funds Update, and B.C. Access Grant Milestone
Palestinian Measures Extended,Quebec Arrima Draw Introduction
August 2025 highlights Canada’s commitment to humanitarian support, regional immigration, and education accessibility amid economic and labor challenges.
Canada extended temporary measures for Palestinians, Quebec invited 273 candidates via Arrima Stream 2, IRCC updated Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) proof of funds, and British Columbia celebrated 5 years of the B.C. Access Grant, aiding over 88,000 students.
These align with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, targeting 395,000 permanent residents and 673,650 temporary residents in 2025. Additional updates include caregiver pathway changes and IRCC’s transparency measures.
Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance. This article explores these developments and their implications.
Canada Extends Temporary Measures for Palestinians
On August 1, 2025, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced the extension of special immigration measures for Palestinians in Canada unable to return to Gaza due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Key details:
- Measures: Introduced in December 2023, these provide fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits (TRPs), and status extensions for Palestinians in Canada and family members of Canadian citizens/permanent residents who left Gaza after October 7, 2023. The program is extended until July 31, 2026.
- Statistics: Over 1,750 individuals have been approved to enter Canada after security screening, with 860+ arrived by July 8, 2025. As of June 30, 2025, 2,555 Palestinian passport holders were in Canada on temporary permits, with 970 applications received.
- Impact: Offers safety and opportunities, with interim health coverage and settlement services. Canada advocates for those trapped in Gaza, though exit permissions remain challenging. X posts from @Betar_USA highlight the lifeline for Gazans.
For humanitarian immigration support, contact Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Quebec Arrima Stream 2 Draw
On July 31, 2025, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation et Integration (MIFI) conducted its 76th Arrima draw, inviting 273 candidates under Stream 2 of the Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) Selection Program. Key points:
- Requirements: Candidates needed a minimum score of 661, a valid job offer outside Montreal, and 24 months of work experience (including 12+ months in Quebec in their main occupation) within the last 5 years.
- Context: Since July 2019, Arrima has facilitated 43,031 invitations across 76 draws. In 2025, MIFI issued 511 invitations, supporting Quebec’s 2024–2025 target of 32,350 economic immigrants. The Programme de sélection des travailleurs qualifiés (PSTQ) prioritizes French proficiency and in-province experience.
- Impact: Strengthens Quebec’s workforce in tech and healthcare. X posts from @icc_immigration note competitive scoring trends.
For Quebec immigration guidance, visit Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.
IRCC Updates AIP Proof of Funds
On July 29, 2025, IRCC revised settlement fund requirements for the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). Key changes:
- New Thresholds: A single applicant needs $3,815, a family of four requires $7,090, aligned with 2025 LICO thresholds. Funds must be personal, liquid savings (not borrowed or tied to real estate), proven via bank letters showing balances and history.
- Exemptions: Applicants with valid Canadian work permits are exempt. Joint or individual accounts with a spouse are acceptable with proof of access.
- Context: AIP targets Atlantic Canada’s labor needs (healthcare, trades). In 2025, 475 AIP spaces were allocated to Newfoundland alone. Applicants must declare funds over $10,000 at the border.
- Impact: Higher thresholds may challenge some applicants, but exemptions ease access for in-Canada workers. X posts from @canadavisa_com emphasize preparation.
For AIP support, contact Go Canada Services’ Work Permit Services.
B.C. Access Grant Celebrates 5 Years
British Columbia marked the fifth anniversary of the B.C. Access Grant in July 2025, supporting over 88,000 students with $178 million since 2020. Key features:
- Details: Offers up to $4,000 annually for full-time and $1,000 for part-time students at B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions, covering tuition and living costs. Eligibility is automatic via StudentAidBC for low- and middle-income learners.
- Impact: Reduces financial barriers, supporting sectors like tech and healthcare. B.C.’s 2025–2027 plan allocates 9% of permanent resident admissions to community-driven programs, aligning with workforce needs.
- Context: Complements study permit caps (437,000 planned for 2025) and addresses 6% vacancy rates in key industries. X posts from @BCgov highlight student success stories.
For study permit or education funding advice, explore Go Canada Services’ Study Permit Services.
Other Key Updates
- Caregiver Pathways: Home Child Care and Home Support Worker pilots eased to 6 months of experience (July 30, 2025).
- IRCC Transparency: Officer decision notes for visa refusals began July 29, 2025, for TRVs, study, and work permits.
- Alberta AAIP Draws: 61 invitations issued in July 2025 (22 tech, 39 construction), totaling 2,073 for the year.
- Payroll Employment: May 2025 saw a 0.1% job increase (+15,300), with healthcare and construction gains, but vacancies fell to 478,200.
- Newfoundland NLPNP/AIP: 150 ITAs issued July 29, 2025 (100 NLPNP, 50 AIP).
Immigration and Settlement Strategies
- Palestinian Applicants: Apply for fee-exempt permits before July 31, 2026, ensuring valid documentation and biometrics if required.
- Quebec Arrima Candidates: Secure job offers outside Montreal and boost French proficiency (CLB 7+) to meet PSTQ criteria.
- AIP Applicants: Prepare bank statements showing $3,815–$7,090+ and declare funds at the border. In-Canada workers should confirm work permit validity.
- B.C. Students: Apply for StudentAidBC to access the B.C. Access Grant and explore study permits for 2025’s reduced cap.
For tailored strategies, start with Go Canada Services’ Free Assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Canada’s extended measures for Palestinians?
Extended until July 31, 2026, these offer fee-exempt study/work permits and TRPs for Palestinians in Canada and family members who left Gaza after October 7, 2023. - Who was invited in Quebec’s Arrima Stream 2 draw?
On July 31, 2025, 273 candidates with a 661+ score, a job offer outside Montreal, and 24 months of experience (12+ in Quebec) were invited. - What are the new AIP proof of funds requirements?
As of July 29, 2025, a single applicant needs $3,815, and a family of four needs $7,090, with exemptions for valid work permit holders. - What is the B.C. Access Grant?
Since 2020, it has provided $178M to 88,000+ students, offering up to $4,000 annually for full-time learners via StudentAidBC.
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 Family Sponsorship. 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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