Canada’s immigration system has undergone several important changes in 2025, and anyone considering a move should understand how these updates may impact their eligibility.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of extra points for job offers under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) used in Express Entry. As of March 25, 2025, job offers no longer boost an applicant’s CRS score. This means candidates must now rely more heavily on education, work experience, and language proficiency. Despite this, Canada continues to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to workers in high-priority sectors—even if their CRS scores are lower. For 2025, the targeted categories include healthcare and social services, skilled trades (such as welders and plumbers), education, and French-speaking professionals.
Another major change affects spouses of international students. In previous years, most spouses were eligible for open work permits. That’s no longer the case. Now, only spouses of students enrolled in Master’s, PhD, or certain professional programs (like medicine or law) are eligible for a spousal work permit. This limits options for families hoping to work and study in Canada simultaneously.
Language skills—especially in French—have become even more important. Bilingual applicants can now receive up to 50 additional CRS points for French language proficiency, even if they plan to live outside Quebec. This shift reflects Canada’s broader commitment to supporting Francophone communities and encouraging bilingual immigration across the country. Improving your language scores—particularly in French—can significantly increase your chances of receiving an ITA, even after you’ve submitted your Express Entry profile.
These changes reflect Canada’s strategy to better align immigration with labour market needs. With labour shortages in healthcare, education, and the skilled trades, immigration policy is being used as a tool to fill critical gaps. While the rules may continue to evolve, the message is clear: the path to permanent residency increasingly favours those with strong qualifications, language skills, and experience in priority sectors. Staying informed—and acting early—can make all the difference.
For more information on immigration, check out Canada’s website, and here for the full breakdown of Express Entry requirements.
