December 2025 turned out to be a historic month for Canadian immigration. From record-breaking Express Entry draws to major policy shifts, this month brought both opportunities and challenges for applicants and consultants alike. Here’s a detailed look at what happened and why it matters.
Historic Express Entry Draws
December saw 19,522 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) issued through Express Entry, making it one of the most active Decembers ever. Candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and other streams benefited from back-to-back draws, while IRCC’s focus on clearing its inventory provided hope for many skilled workers waiting in the pool.
In particular:
- The CEC draws lowered the CRS cutoff to 515, giving long-awaited opportunities to candidates who had been waiting for months.
- A French-language draw invited 6,000 candidates with a remarkably low CRS score of 399, reflecting Canada’s commitment to boosting francophone immigration outside Quebec.
Year-End Numbers Outshine Previous Years
With nearly 20,000 ITAs issued, December 2025 outperformed December 2024 and most previous year-end draw cycles. The combination of volume and variety — targeting CEC, healthcare, and other categories — created a historic moment for prospective immigrants.
Major Program Updates
December also brought significant policy changes:
- The Startup Visa program effectively closed to new applications after December 31, 2025. IRCC cited widespread misuse and announced plans to relaunch a redesigned pilot in 2026, ensuring integrity and eligibility standards are strengthened.
- The Home Care Worker Pilot has been paused till 30th March 2030, affecting thousands of caregivers and families relying on the program. Rising fraud concerns and system capacity issues were cited as reasons for the pause. Applicants in these pathways will need to explore alternative immigration options.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Activity
While federal programs underwent changes, Provincial Nominee Programs remained active:
- Manitoba, PEI, New Brunswick, and British Columbia continued issuing targeted invitations based on provincial labour needs.
- Ontario reached its 2025 nomination cap, rolling remaining candidates into 2026.
- British Columbia received 960 extra nominations, but overall allocation remains limited, reflecting ongoing adjustments in provincial quotas.
Looking Ahead: FIFA 2026 and Visas
Canada will co-host FIFA 2026 matches, but tickets alone do not guarantee entry. Visitors, fans, and family members must secure the proper visa or eTA and meet all eligibility requirements. Early planning is essential to avoid last-minute issues.
Final Thoughts
December 2025 was more than just another month in Canadian immigration. It was historic, with:
- Record-breaking Express Entry draws.
- New opportunities for French-speaking candidates.
- Policy shifts affecting startup and caregiver pathways.
Staying informed and flexible is key to navigating Canada’s evolving immigration landscape.
Need Guidance on Immigration? Contact Yoke Immigration Services Ltd.
Yoke Immigration Services Ltd. provides trusted immigration consultation for Canada, including Express Entry, PNP, and various other programs.
- Phone: 905-904-3224
- Email: info@yokeimm.com
- Website: www.yokeimm.com
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Immigration policies may change without notice. For personalized advice, consult official IRCC sources or licensed consultants such as Yoke Immigration Services Ltd.
