Canada Immigration Updates September 2025: Population Growth Stalls, Temporary Resident Dynamics, Immigrant Nurses Success, Hong Kong Application Scrutiny

September 2025 Canada updates: Population growth hits historic low, temporary resident status transitions analyzed, 63% of immigrant nurses achieve careers, Hong Kong applications face ghostwriting scrutiny. Go Canada Services offers expert immigration support.

Canada September 2025 Immigration Updates: Population Growth Stalls, Temporary Resident Dynamics, Immigrant Nurses Success, and Hong Kong Application Scrutiny

Population Growth Stalls, Temporary Resident Dynamics Introduction

September 2025 highlights significant immigration and demographic trends in Canada, aligning with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan (395,000 permanent residents, 673,650 temporary residents).

Statistics Canada reported historic low population growth, a study analyzed residency status dynamics among temporary residents, 63% of immigrant nurses achieved careers, and Hong Kong applications face scrutiny over ghostwriting.

This article refines the provided digest, integrating prior updates (e.g., Express Entry skilled trades draw, Manitoba MPNP, immigrant healthcare access, EI growth, education draw, Toronto rally, Alberta immigration control, 2026 World Cup visas, NBPNP draws, IFHP funding surge, job market contraction, refugee claims backlog, 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 28, 2025.

Go Canada Services, a trusted immigration firm since 2004, offers expert guidance, leveraging web and X sources.

Canada’s Population Growth Stalls at Historic Low in 2025

Canada’s population growth slowed dramatically. Key details:

• Details: In Q2 2025, population growth was just 0.1%—the lowest non-pandemic second-quarter rate since 1946. This slowdown follows years of record expansion (1 million annually, 2022–early 2025), attributed to stricter immigration policies reducing new non-permanent residents. Canada’s average age is 41.8, with nearly 20% over 65, raising concerns about economic potential without targeted measures.
• Context: The stall aligns with a 235,070 drop in temporary residents (January–July 2025) and 14.9% international arrivals decline in August 2025. X posts from @StatCan_eng note implications for labor force, with 505,900 job vacancies in Q2 2025. Prior updates highlight 106,000 job losses and 21% immigration-driven housing price growth.
• Impact: Newcomers should target high-demand sectors (e.g., healthcare, NOC 33102) to contribute to economic growth. Policymakers may adjust PNPs to address aging demographics.

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

Dynamics of Residency Status Among Temporary Residents

Temporary resident trends reshape immigration patterns. Key findings:

• Details: In 2024, new study permits dropped 24% but stocks fell only 4%; work permits declined 4% but stocks surged 19%. 64–79% of permit holders retained status after one year, dropping to under 40% by year three. Study permit holders most often maintained status, while IMP holders transitioned to PR more frequently.
• Context: Canada’s 2.36M temporary residents include 546,562 study permit holders and 1.5M work permit holders, with 100,000 PR transitions in H1 2025. X posts from @IRCCEng note the impact of study permit caps (50% drop to 143,485 applications in H1 2025). Prior updates highlight 94,378 IEC ITAs in 2025.
• Impact: Temporary residents should plan PR transitions via CEC or PNP, ensuring valid permits. Students can leverage PGWP for status retention.

For temporary resident support, visit Go Canada Services’ Work Permit Services.

Majority of Immigrant Nurses Achieve Careers in Canada

IRCC study shows positive outcomes for nurses. Key insights:

• Details: 63% of immigrants intending to work as nurses (2010–2020 arrivals) secured nursing positions by 2021. However, 25% were in lower-skilled health or non-health roles or unemployed. Pre-admission Canadian work experience significantly improved outcomes. 65% of immigrant nurses in 2021 did not originally plan to enter the profession.
• Context: The study aligns with PEI’s recruitment of 20 US healthcare professionals and Newfoundland’s $89,000 physiotherapist program. X posts from @IRCCEng note 7.5% healthcare vacancy drop in Q2 2025. Prior updates highlight 57,500 TFWs in healthcare (2022), with 60% PR transition.
• Impact: Immigrant nurses should seek credential recognition (e.g., NNAS) and pre-admission work experience to boost success. Employers can leverage PNPs for staffing.

For healthcare immigration support, contact Go Canada Services’ Contact Page.

Hong Kong Applications Face Ghostwriting Scrutiny

Fraud concerns hit Hong Kong skilled worker program. Key points:

• Details: Allegations of ghostwriting and plagiarism in Hong Kong visa applications have prompted IRCC to increase plagiarism detection tools and verification. Fraudulent practices jeopardize genuine candidates and program integrity.
• Context: Hong Kong’s 25 IEC ITAs in 2025 reflect broader scrutiny. X posts from @IRCCEng note $509,100 in OINP penalties for similar violations since 2018. Prior updates highlight 73–85% SUV refusals and 65.4% study permit refusals.
• Impact: Applicants should use regulated consultants and submit original documents. Those suspected of fraud should seek legal advice to appeal refusals.

For visa support, explore Go Canada Services’ Permanent Residency Services.

Prior Updates (Context from Previous Digests)

• Express Entry Skilled Trades Draw (September 18): 1,250 ITAs, CRS 505, targeting NOC 72100.
• Manitoba MPNP (September 18): 911 skilled worker invitations, totaling 5,796 in 2025.
• Immigrant Healthcare Access: English-speaking immigrants in Quebec access English hospital care at 64% vs. 52% for non-immigrants.
• EI Growth: Core-aged women (25–54) saw 12.0% monthly increase (16,000) in July 2025.
• Express Entry Education Draw (September 17): 2,500 ITAs, CRS 462, targeting NOC 41200.
• Toronto Anti-Immigration Rally: 10 arrests at Christie Pits Park; condemned as a “hate demonstration.”
• Alberta Immigration Control: Danielle Smith seeks provincial authority, prioritizing economic migrants.
• 2026 World Cup Visas: TRV/eTA required, with early applications urged.
• NBPNP Draws: 1,052 ITAs, totaling 3,067 in 2025.
• IFHP Funding Surge: $456M in 2024, up 1,186% since 2016.
• Job Market Contraction: Q2 2025 vacancies at 505,900, down 3.6%.
• Refugee Claims Backlog: New claims dropped to 8,785 in August, backlog at 294,423.
• Express Entry PNP Draw (September 15): 228 ITAs, CRS 746.
• AAIP Nominations: 6,403 spots, including 1,528 additional nominations.
• Pragmatic Leadership Poll: 62% worry about affordability.
• Alberta Digital ID: Citizenship markers on licenses starting fall 2026.
• Quebec Study Permits (September 12): Clarified CAQ/PAL requirements.
• Economic Precarity: 62% worry about basics, 81% of 18–29-year-olds affected.
• Newfoundland NLPNP/AIP: 353 invitations, 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.
• IRCC Processing Times (September 10): FSW (5 months), PNP (14 months), study permits (8 weeks).
• IEC Invitations: 5,532 ITAs, 94,378 in 2025.
• IRCC DNA Testing: Updated guidelines with virtual witnessing.
• BC PNP Skills Immigration: 10,876 registrants, 94 invitations in 2025.
• Immigrant Retention: 28% retention boost, 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).
• 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

• PEI PNP Applicants: Secure job offers in healthcare or agriculture (NOC 33102, 84120) and CLB 7+. Graduates from UPEI or Holland College should apply early. Explore AIP if not invited.
• Asylum Seekers in Quebec: Document Canadian family ties to strengthen claims under the Safe Third Country Agreement. Engage settlement programs like Manitoba Start.
• Immigrants Facing Public Concerns: Use community programs (e.g., WelcomeBC) to counter anti-immigration sentiment, especially post-Toronto rally.
• Bilingual Immigrants: Prioritize majority language skills (French in Quebec, English elsewhere) for better employment and earnings. Enroll in language training programs.
• Skilled Trades Professionals: Secure job offers in NOC 72100 and CLB 7+. Explore PNPs if below 505 CRS.
• Manitoba Applicants: Secure job offers in healthcare or manufacturing (NOC 33102, 94100) with CLB 7+ and valid Express Entry profiles.
• Healthcare Immigrants: In Quebec, seek English-language hospitals; Ontario and New Brunswick offer consistent access.
• Women Job Seekers: Target arts (NOC 53100) or Saskatchewan. Use settlement programs for re-entry.
• Education Professionals: Boost CRS scores with NOC 41200 job offers and CLB 8+. Explore PNPs if below 462 CRS.
• Newcomers in Toronto: Engage community programs to counter anti-immigration sentiment post-rally.
• Alberta Applicants: Target AAIP Priority Sectors (NOC 31100, 72100) and youth employment programs.
• World Cup Visitors: Apply for TRV/eTA 6–12 months in advance for 2026.
• NBPNP Applicants: Secure job offers in healthcare or tourism (NOC 33102, 64300) and CLB 7+.
• Asylum Seekers: Submit complete claims early, using regulated consultants, and secure private health insurance to complement IFHP.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the cut-off score for the Express Entry skilled trades draw?
  IRCC issued 1,250 ITAs for skilled trades with a CRS cut-off of 505 on September 18, 2025.
• How many candidates did Manitoba invite in the MPNP draw?
  Manitoba invited 911 skilled workers on September 18, 2025, including 341 with Express Entry profiles, totaling 5,796 in 2025.
• How does immigrant status affect healthcare access in Canada?
  In Quebec, English-speaking immigrants access English hospital care at 64% vs. 52% for non-immigrants; Ontario and New Brunswick show no significant impact.
• Which group saw the largest EI growth in July 2025?
  Core-aged women (25–54) saw a 12.0% monthly EI increase (16,000) and a 22.9% year-over-year rise.
• 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.
• How many ITAs did PEI issue in the September 2025 PNP draw?
  PEI issued 129 ITAs on September 19, 2025, targeting skilled workers in priority sectors, totaling 920 skilled worker invitations in 2025.
• What caused the surge in asylum claims at Quebec’s border?
  A 263% increase in claims (over 5,500 since July 2025) at Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle is driven by US immigration enforcement, with Haitians and US citizens leading.
• How do Canadians view immigration in September 2025?
  An Abacus Data poll shows 28% rank immigration a top-five issue, with 37% of Conservative voters vs. 20% of Liberals prioritizing it.
• How does bilingualism impact immigrant economic success?
  French-speaking immigrants outside Quebec nearly match non-immigrant earnings after a decade; English speakers in Quebec face lower employment and income gaps.

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