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In December 2025, IRCC introduced major changes to support Canada’s healthcare sector. The update launched a new Express Entry category specifically for physicians with Canadian work experience, giving them a more direct pathway to permanent residency. The government also reserved 5,000 federal admissions exclusively for physician nominations and introduced expedited work permit processing for nominated doctors. These reforms aim to address Canada’s ongoing shortages in primary and specialist care, improve pathways for foreign-trained doctors already working in Canada, and strengthen provincial healthcare systems affected by staffing gaps.

IRCC has launched a dedicated Express Entry stream called “Physicians with Canadian Work Experience.” This category is tailored for doctors who have already worked in Canada and meet required eligibility criteria. It addresses immigration challenges physicians previously faced—especially due to self-employment billing models—and creates a more straightforward route to permanent residency. The category prioritizes general practitioners, surgeons, and specialist physicians with verified experience in Canada’s healthcare system. Its purpose is to retain skilled medical professionals and ensure a stable, long-term healthcare workforce across provinces and territories.

Eligibility requires at least 12 months of full-time, continuous Canadian work experience—or the part-time equivalent—earned within the last three years. The experience must fall under eligible physician occupations, including general practitioners, surgeons, or clinical/laboratory medicine specialists. Applicants must also meet general Express Entry requirements such as language proficiency, education, and admissibility. This new category is designed to support physicians who have already contributed to Canada’s healthcare system and removes barriers they previously faced under traditional immigration streams, offering a faster, more predictable route to permanent residency.

IRCC will begin issuing Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the new physician-focused Express Entry category in early 2026. The rollout timeline allows IRCC to update systems and coordinate with provinces and territories that will participate in the expanded nomination process. Once active, the category will operate through targeted draws similar to other category-based selections. This marks a significant change to Canada’s immigration system, prioritizing foreign-trained doctors who have proven experience in the Canadian healthcare environment and helping address persistent shortages across medical specialties.

IRCC has reserved 5,000 federal permanent residence admission spaces exclusively for provinces and territories to nominate licensed physicians with job offers. These spaces are separate from existing provincial nominee quotas and offer additional capacity to recruit and retain doctors. This allocation ensures that physician immigration does not compete with broader economic immigration targets. By reserving seats specifically for doctors, the government aims to support healthcare systems under strain, especially in rural and underserved regions that rely heavily on international medical professionals.

The new Express Entry category targets specific physician roles critical to Canada’s healthcare system. Eligible occupations include general practitioners and family physicians, surgeons across multiple specialties, and specialists in clinical or laboratory medicine. These occupations align with designated NOC classifications. While this category is physician-focused, other healthcare occupations—such as nurses, dentists, and allied health professionals—remain part of existing healthcare category-based draws. The new category ensures doctors receive a dedicated pathway without competing against broader healthcare roles for invitations.

No. The new Express Entry category is limited to applicants with qualifying Canadian work experience. Physicians outside Canada who have not completed at least one year of eligible work in the country cannot apply through this stream. However, they may still qualify through other federal programs, Provincial Nominee Programs, or existing healthcare-based Express Entry draws. This category is specifically intended to support doctors already working within the Canadian system and facing immigration challenges due to unique employment structures in the medical field.

The announcement creates a separate physician-specific pathway that will operate alongside existing healthcare category-based draws. While the broader healthcare category includes many occupations such as nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, the new stream isolates physicians for priority selection. This structure ensures doctors receive dedicated invitations without competing with other healthcare professionals. The introduction of this category may also allow IRCC to distribute invitations more efficiently across various healthcare roles, strengthening Canada’s overall workforce strategy and improving immigration outcomes for medical professionals.

Provinces benefit significantly from the new measures, gaining access to 5,000 reserved federal admissions for physician nominations. This allows them to recruit more licensed doctors, fill gaps in hospitals and clinics, and support underserved rural communities. The dedicated Express Entry category ensures faster, more reliable pathways for physicians already working in Canada, improving retention. Additionally, expedited work permit processing reduces delays, enabling doctors to begin work quickly. These reforms directly support provincial healthcare systems struggling with rising demand and staffing shortages.

Yes. Under the new measures, nominated physicians will receive expedited work permit processing, with IRCC aiming for turnaround times as short as 14 days. This allows doctors to start or continue working while their permanent residence applications are processed. Faster permits help healthcare facilities respond to urgent staffing needs and reduce service delays for patients. The streamlined process also enhances Canada’s attractiveness to internationally trained physicians seeking stable, long-term employment and residency opportunities. This improvement aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Canada’s medical workforce.

Immigration New Zealand has announced that applications for the new seasonal visa categories will officially open on 8 December 2025. This update marks the start of a redesigned seasonal workforce system intended to support industries that rely on short-term labour during peak periods. The new framework aims to simplify processes for both employers and migrant workers by introducing clearer pathways and consolidated visa types. This update represents a shift toward a more structured and responsive seasonal labour program.

The 2025 update introduces changes across New Zealand’s seasonal visa system, most notably the launch of the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), which becomes the primary route for hiring temporary migrant workers during busy periods. Other seasonal visa categories have been reviewed and streamlined to ensure they align with the new labour-demand model. The changes are designed to reduce complexity, offer more predictability to employers, and give migrant workers a clearer understanding of the application process. Overall, these updates modernize New Zealand’s approach to managing seasonal workforce needs.

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is a newly introduced visa category created to help New Zealand employers hire migrant workers during peak labour demand periods. It consolidates earlier seasonal visa options into a single, more efficient pathway. The PSV allows approved employers to bring in temporary workers specifically for roles tied to seasonal industries such as horticulture, agriculture, and food production. The goal is to ensure that employers have access to a reliable labour pool while maintaining fair and regulated employment standards. The PSV simplifies hiring and supports industries experiencing labour shortages.

Eligibility for the Peak Seasonal Visa depends on both employer and worker criteria. Applicants must be offered seasonal employment by an approved New Zealand employer who meets all compliance and labour-market requirements. Workers must also satisfy immigration rules related to health, character, and genuine intent. The PSV is intended for temporary workers filling short-term, peak-season roles and is not a pathway to permanent residency. Industry-specific conditions, work duration limits, and employment standards will apply. Full eligibility criteria will be published by Immigration New Zealand as part of the new system rollout.

Applications for the new seasonal visa categories, including the Peak Seasonal Visa, open on 8 December 2025. This date marks the official start of the updated seasonal hiring cycle. Employers seeking to bring in migrant workers must already be approved and ready to submit requests once the system opens. Applicants are encouraged to prepare documentation in advance to avoid delays, as seasonal visa processing typically aligns closely with industry demand. Immigration New Zealand will provide updated guidance, forms, and requirements leading up to the opening date to help applicants successfully navigate the new process.

New Zealand has introduced these changes to better respond to labour shortages in seasonal industries and create a more efficient, predictable workforce program. The updated system aims to streamline the application process, reduce administrative burdens for employers, and ensure fair working conditions for migrant workers. By consolidating multiple visa types into clearer pathways like the Peak Seasonal Visa, the government intends to improve worker mobility and provide industries with timely access to labour during peak periods. The reforms also support greater oversight, compliance, and long-term planning for sectors heavily dependent on seasonal workforces.

Industries that experience seasonal fluctuations in labour needs will benefit most from the Peak Seasonal Visa. This includes sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, viticulture, food processing, and other fields that rely on short-term workforce reinforcements during peak production times. The PSV helps employers address temporary labour gaps quickly and efficiently, ensuring that crops are harvested, production targets are met, and industry operations continue smoothly. The visa’s streamlined structure offers industries more predictability and easier access to migrant workers, particularly during busy months when local labour is insufficient to meet demand.

Under the new system, employers must meet updated compliance requirements to hire workers through seasonal visas like the PSV. They must be approved employers, follow employment standards, and demonstrate genuine labour needs. The revised framework aims to give employers more certainty through clearer rules, reduced complexity, and faster access to workers during peak seasons. Employers will also benefit from improved processes for managing workforce schedules and planning for seasonal demands. These changes support fair recruitment practices while helping industries maintain productivity during high-demand periods.

Current seasonal visa holders may need to transition to the new system if their visa expires after the updated seasonal framework takes effect or if their employer’s workforce needs fall under the Peak Seasonal Visa structure. The new system does not automatically convert existing visas, so applicants may be required to meet new conditions when seeking further seasonal employment. Immigration New Zealand will provide specific guidance to individuals whose work arrangements overlap with the rollout, ensuring they understand their options and responsibilities under the revised visa rules.

Applicants can access full details about eligibility, application steps, employer obligations, and documentation requirements directly through the Immigration New Zealand website. The news and updates section will publish the latest guidance, including any changes leading up to the 8 December 2025 launch of the seasonal visa system. Employers and workers are encouraged to review official resources regularly to stay informed about deadlines, forms, and compliance expectations. This ensures applicants are prepared and able to submit accurate applications once the new seasonal visa categories open.

Canada has announced that certain immigration fees are increasing starting December 2025. These changes apply to selected permanent and temporary visa categories. The goal is to update fees based on current processing costs and improve overall service quality. If you’re planning to apply soon, it’s important to check the new fee structure so you submit the correct payment and avoid any delays.

The fee hike applies to a few key areas, including economic immigration programs, family sponsorship, PR cards, study permits, work permits, and some temporary visas. Not every program is affected, but several popular ones are. IRCC has updated only the categories where processing costs have increased, so applicants should review the new fee list before applying.

The new fees take effect immediately from the date of the announcement in December 2025. Any application submitted after this date must include the revised fee amount. If you already submitted your application with the correct payment before the update, you likely won’t need to pay extra unless IRCC specifically asks for it.

Canada reviews and updates immigration fees every few years to keep up with rising operational and processing costs. As the number of applications grows, the system needs more resources to maintain fast and efficient service. The 2025 fee increase helps Canada recover these costs and continue offering reliable processing to applicants worldwide.

Indian applicants planning to study, work, or apply for PR in Canada may notice slightly higher fees for select applications. While the overall cost may rise, this change does not affect eligibility rules, processing times, or program requirements. It simply helps you plan your budget better before applying for your preferred visa or immigration pathway.

Yes, some permanent residence programs are part of the fee update. This includes economic immigration streams, family sponsorship applications, and PR card processing. However, the increase varies by program. Applicants should check the official IRCC fee chart to know exactly how much their PR application will cost under the new structure.

Yes, certain temporary residence applications—such as study permits, work permits, and visas for dependents—are included in the updated fee list. While the increase is not drastic, applicants must ensure they pay the new amount when submitting their application to avoid delays or rejections due to incorrect fees.

Express Entry applicants will see changes in their PR application fees, as these fall under economic immigration programs. The fee update does not change your CRS score, eligibility, or processing standards—only the amount you need to pay when submitting your PR application through Express Entry.

The most reliable source for updated immigration fees is the official IRCC website. Canada updates its fee chart whenever changes are made, and each immigration category has a dedicated section. Before applying, applicants should double-check these amounts to ensure their payment is accurate and up to date.

No, the fee increase does not impact the number of immigrants Canada plans to welcome. It only updates processing costs—not immigration levels. Canada continues to encourage skilled workers, students, families, and temporary residents to apply. The revised fees simply help the system operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Canada has introduced a special open study permit that allows family members of international students and foreign workers to study in the country without needing a Letter of Acceptance at the time of application. This permit gives spouses, partners, and dependent children more flexibility by allowing them to choose a school later, after arriving in Canada. It is meant to make family reunification easier and support families who plan to live in Canada temporarily. The permit is issued without listing any specific institution, giving the holder the freedom to select a suitable study program when they are ready.

Eligible accompanying family members include the spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children of an international student or foreign worker. Children of a spouse or partner also qualify. To be considered “accompanying,” the individual must apply as part of the family unit and intend to live in Canada with the principal applicant. The principal applicant’s study or work permit must already be approved before the family member applies. This policy ensures that families can stay together in Canada and access education more easily while supporting the primary student or worker during their stay.

To qualify, the principal applicant’s work or study permit must already be approved in writing. The family member must apply for their open study permit before entering Canada, and the application must clearly indicate that they are an accompanying family member. Unlike regular study permits, they do not need a Letter of Acceptance or PAL/TAL during initial submission. However, they must still meet general requirements such as proving intent to study, showing sufficient funds, and demonstrating ties to their home country. Once approved, they gain the flexibility to pursue education at any Canadian institution of their choice.

No, eligible family members do not need to include a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution when applying for this special open study permit. This exemption makes the process simpler and faster, allowing spouses and dependent children to secure their study permit before deciding on a school or program. After arriving in Canada, they may choose any institution or program that fits their goals. This flexibility is especially helpful for families who want time to settle in, explore local options, or understand the education system before committing to a specific school.

No, the open study permit issued under this policy does not list a specific designated learning institution. Because it functions like an open permit, the holder is free to select any eligible school or program once in Canada. This setup allows family members to make informed decisions after arrival, visit campuses, or adjust plans based on location and family needs. It removes the requirement to commit to a school upfront and provides more freedom, especially for families who may still be exploring educational pathways. The flexibility supports easier settlement and smoother integration into Canadian academic environments.

The open study permit for family members is typically issued with the same expiry date as the principal applicant’s study or work permit. This means its validity is directly tied to the primary holder’s authorized stay in Canada. If the principal applicant extends their permit in the future, the family member can also apply for an extension to continue their studies. This synchronized validity helps families manage documentation and renewal timelines more easily, ensuring that everyone maintains legal status. It also supports long-term planning for studies, work, and settlement while the family remains in Canada together.

Yes, family members who receive this open study permit can begin their studies after arriving in Canada, even if they did not choose a school beforehand. Once in the country, they can research institutions, explore available programs, and then formally enroll. This offers significant flexibility, especially for newcomers who may want to understand local education options before committing. It also helps families align study schedules, locations, and daily routines. The ability to start studying without pre-arrival acceptance simplifies the transition and ensures that education plans can adapt to real-time circumstances and opportunities in Canada.

No, these open study permits do not count toward provincial study permit caps because they are exempt from requirements like the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). This means the number of these permits issued does not affect the allocation limits set for international students in each province. As a result, accompanying family members can still obtain study permits even when provincial caps for regular international students are tight. This exclusion ensures that families are not separated due to quota limitations and supports Canada’s goal of making education access easier for spouses and dependent children of workers and students.

If the family member later wants to extend their study permit, switch schools, or change study levels, they must follow the standard process required for all students in Canada. This includes obtaining a valid Letter of Acceptance and, when applicable, a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter. The exemption they benefit from during the initial application applies only when applying from outside Canada. Once inside the country, regular rules apply. They must also maintain good academic standing, comply with permit conditions, and ensure they renew before expiry to maintain legal status throughout their studies.

No, the policy does not automatically apply to all family members. To qualify, the family member must be considered “accompanying,” meaning they intend to join the principal applicant in Canada and apply before entering the country. The principal applicant’s study or work permit must already be approved. Family members already inside Canada do not qualify under this exemption and must follow standard study permit requirements. Additionally, eligibility does not guarantee approval; applicants must still satisfy financial, admissibility, and intent criteria. This policy is designed to support family reunification but within clear conditions and limitations.

Ontario is preparing to launch new permanent residence pathways aimed at addressing growing labour shortages and supporting economic growth across the province. These pathways are expected to focus on skilled workers, international graduates, and individuals already contributing to Ontario’s workforce in key sectors. The goal is to create faster, more targeted routes to PR for people who have the training, experience, and local ties that Ontario needs. While the full program details will be announced upon rollout, the initiative reflects Ontario’s intention to retain more talent and make the immigration process more responsive to real labour market needs.

The new pathways will primarily target candidates who are already living, working, or studying in Ontario. This includes skilled workers, graduates from Ontario institutions, and individuals with experience in sectors where the province is facing chronic shortages. Eligibility criteria will likely include factors such as education, work experience, occupation, language proficiency, and ties to the province. Ontario may also emphasize candidates who have proven ability to integrate into the workforce quickly. Overall, the pathways are designed to help people already contributing to Ontario transition more smoothly to permanent residence and secure long-term stability in the province.

The exact launch date has not yet been formally announced, but Ontario has indicated that these new pathways will roll out soon as part of the province’s immigration modernization efforts. The initiative is tied to broader plans to expand immigration capacity and speed up permanent residence options for in-demand talent. Applicants can expect additional announcements once the province finalizes program criteria, application procedures, and intake timelines. Individuals planning to apply should stay updated through official provincial communications, as the rollout is expected to begin in the near term to help employers fill urgent labour market gaps.

While the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program already supports skilled workers, graduates, and job-offer holders, the new pathways aim to be more flexible and targeted to real-time labour needs. They may offer expanded eligibility, faster processing, and more direct PR routes for individuals who are already in the province. Unlike traditional OINP streams that rely heavily on specific criteria or job offers, these pathways are expected to support a broader pool of candidates contributing to priority sectors. Overall, the changes are designed to simplify the system, reduce bottlenecks, and help Ontario compete more effectively for global and local talent.

Ontario is prioritizing occupations with severe shortages, meaning roles in healthcare, construction, technology, social services, transportation, agriculture, and manufacturing are likely to benefit. Workers in roles such as nurses, personal support workers, software developers, truck drivers, early childhood educators, tradespeople, and manufacturing technicians may find smoother pathways to permanent residence. The new programs are expected to align closely with provincial labour market forecasts, ensuring that employers in critical industries can retain needed staff. By focusing on these high-demand occupations, Ontario aims to strengthen essential services, support economic growth, and ensure long-term workforce stability across the province.

International students are expected to be major beneficiaries of the new PR pathways, particularly those who graduate from Ontario colleges and universities. The province wants to retain more skilled graduates who have Canadian education, local experience, and strong ties to the community. Students who work in in-demand sectors or gain relevant experience through co-ops, internships, or post-graduation jobs may find easier and faster PR options. The new pathways are designed to help reduce barriers for international graduates and ensure they can transition smoothly into Ontario’s workforce, ultimately supporting the province’s long-term economic and demographic priorities.

The new pathways are being introduced to directly tackle labour shortages that continue to affect Ontario’s economic output and essential services. By offering clearer and faster routes to PR, the province aims to attract and retain workers in critical fields such as healthcare, construction, engineering, childcare, and manufacturing. This will help employers fill vacancies more efficiently and create a more stable workforce. The pathways also encourage skilled individuals already in Ontario to remain long term, reducing turnover and improving continuity in key industries. Overall, the initiative strengthens Ontario’s ability to respond to ongoing and future labour market demands.

Ontario has not confirmed whether a job offer will be mandatory for the new pathways, but early indications suggest that the programs may be more flexible than existing job-offer–based streams. The pathways may prioritize candidates with relevant experience, education, or ties to Ontario—even if they do not currently hold a job offer. This approach would help skilled individuals already living or studying in the province transition to PR without employer sponsorship. However, holding a job in a high-demand sector will likely strengthen an applicant’s profile and improve their chances of being selected once the program launches.

Yes, one of the main objectives of the new pathways is to simplify and accelerate the transition from temporary status to permanent residence. Ontario wants to retain temporary foreign workers, international graduates, and other residents who have already integrated into local communities and workplaces. These individuals typically have Canadian experience and contribute immediately to the labour market, making them ideal candidates for long-term settlement. The new pathways are expected to reduce complexity, offer broader eligibility, and shorten processing times, ultimately helping more temporary residents secure permanent status and build stable futures in Ontario.

Although exact requirements will be released upon program launch, applicants can benefit from preparing key documents early. These may include education credentials, work experience letters, language test results, proof of residence in Ontario, identity documents, and any records showing ties to the province. Individuals should also organize pay stubs, tax documents, job contracts, and proof of professional certifications if applicable. Having these ready will help candidates act quickly once applications open. Preparing in advance ensures smoother submission, reduces delays, and improves the chances of being among the first applicants considered for Ontario’s new PR pathways.