These are the key developments and news on Canadian immigration , August 2025
1) IRCC’s 2025 Draw Calendar Leak, What It Signals for PR Job Seekers
Summary:
An ATIP document revealed IRCC’s remaining allocations for category-based draws in 2025: Education (3,000, with 2,000 remaining), Healthcare & Social Services (8,000, with 500 remaining), Trades (3,300, all remaining). Many late-2025 ITAs will support 2026 admissions, meaning fall draws may be unusually large.
QuestJobs POV:
This leak offers rare predictability. Candidates in Education, Healthcare, and Trades should prepare documentation now. Employers in these sectors should align hiring with draw timing. CEC and French draws remain relevant for in-Canada and francophone candidates. There are more than 28,000 PR eligible jobs as per QuestJobs data as of August 2025.
Link: IRCC’s Express Entry invitation schedule for category-based draws in 2025 revealed
2) Saskatchewan Snags Extra Nominations, Expect more ITA's From SK
Summary:
Saskatchewan’s 2025 SINP quota increased by 1,136, raising the total to 4,761 nominations. This follows a federal 50% cut to PNP allocations. 75% of nominations must go to in-Canada applicants, with the rest prioritized for healthcare, agriculture, and trades.
QuestJobs POV:
This creates fresh opportunity for PR-bound workers in Saskatchewan. Employers can address labour shortages in priority sectors, while candidates in healthcare and trades may see faster processing. Currently, QuestJobs lists more than 1,700 PR eligible jobs.
Link: Saskatchewan receives increased immigration quota
3) Yukon Quietly Opens 80 More Invitations, Small Territory, Big Opportunities
Summary:
Yukon increased its 2025 PNP allocation from 215 to 282 nominations, freeing up 80 additional invitations in August 2025. The change stems from carry-over applications and withdrawals, showing even small jurisdictions are expanding pathways to meet labour needs.
QuestJobs POV:
For job seekers open to relocation, Northern postings could mean faster PR. Employers in Yukon gain a hiring advantage for difficult-to-fill roles, especially in healthcare, trades, and hospitality.
Link: Yukon to grant additional territorial nominations for permanent residence
4) BC PNP’s Entrepreneur Stream, Quality Over Volume in 2025
Summary:
On August 19, BC invited 11 candidates (Base stream, min score 124) and up to 5 (Regional Pilot, min score 115). This was the 6th entrepreneur draw of 2025. With ~169 invitations this year, BC is on pace to match 2024 totals, focusing on fewer but higher-quality applicants.
QuestJobs POV:
Entrepreneurs with strong business plans, local impact strategies, and investment readiness are favoured. Founders should polish proposals, while advisors can offer mentorship and ROI modeling to raise applicant competitiveness.
Link: Entrepreneurs invited in British Columbia PNP draw
5) RCIP’s Designated Employers Revealed in Peace Liard, North Okanagan–Shuswap, and Pictou County
Summary:
Three RCIP regions—Peace Liard (BC), North Okanagan–Shuswap (BC), and Pictou County (NS)—published official lists of employers designated to hire foreign workers under this community-driven PR program.
QuestJobs POV:
Since these communitties are new and have just been designated, candidates must wait for the designated companies to publish jobs. Currently, there are over 1,500 RCIP eligible jobs as per QuestJobs data.
Link: Peace Liard, North Okanagan Shuswap and Pictou County reveal designated employers for RCIP
6) Express Entry Medical Exams Go Upfront—August 21 Shakeup
Summary:
IRCC reinstated the upfront medical exam requirement for Express Entry applicants effective August 21, 2025. Exemptions apply if a candidate completed an IME within 5 years, was deemed low-risk, or is already in Canada.
QuestJobs POV:
This policy shift means applicants must budget and schedule medicals earlier. Employers and advisors can ease the process by connecting candidates with panel physicians and preparing checklists and exemption guidance.
Link: IRCC changes medical exam policy for Express Entry applicants
7) Express Entry Faces a Squeeze: August Pool Trends Signal Rising Competition
Summary:
As of August 5, 2025, the Express Entry pool had 256,585 candidates. The 501–600 CRS range grew by 2,817 profiles, while the 470–500 band dropped by 2,548. In July, IRCC issued 7,558 ITAs, driven by large CEC and Healthcare draws.
QuestJobs POV:
Competition is intensifying in the mid-to-high CRS range. Applicants should invest in language test improvements and employer references. As CIC history can prove, French speakers are favoured with ITA's. Many immigrants have indeed taken the steps to learn French to increase their probability of being invited. Many jobs in Canada can actually be eligible for the Francophone Mobility Pathway. These information are also available on QuestJobs portal.
Link: August 2025 Express Entry pool report
8) TOEFL Essentials on the Horizon: Canada Broadens Language Test Options
Summary:
IRCC approved TOEFL Essentials as a future English proficiency test for PR pathways (Express Entry, AIP, PNP). Availability timelines remain pending.
QuestJobs POV:
This test offers flexibility—shorter duration and broader access. The tactic is to maximize your English language score and further increase your CRS via French language.
Link: New language test approved for Canadian immigration
9) RCIP Settlement Funds Requirements Increased by almost 32%
Summary:
IRCC raised settlement fund requirements for RCIP and FCIP by almost 32%+. Single applicant funds rose from $7,963 → $10,507, family of two to $13,080, family of three to $16,080.
QuestJobs POV:
Budget planning is critical together with collective family strategies. Applicants can pool immediate family's cash temporarily. Family can also liquidate underutilized assets not critical for daily living. Freelancing or remote work for extra income is a normal tactic that immigrants employ. Even short term personal loans can be considered. Banks in Canada provide collateral backed lines of credit.
Link: Canada increases funds needed for rural immigration pathways