IRCC extends Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot to December 2025, introducing application cap
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an extension of the Federal Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) program through December 31, 2025, extending the initiative beyond its previous June deadline. The department has simultaneously implemented an intake cap of 950 complete applications for the EMPP Job Offer Stream. This strategic adjustment aims to manage application volumes while continuing to provide economic opportunities for skilled refugees and displaced individuals. IRCC officials confirmed this update as part of the department’s ongoing commitment to responsive immigration pathways.
Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program receives 31% boost in 2025 nomination allocation
On October 8, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) secured an additional 1,489 nominations from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), raising its 2025 total allocation to 6,239. This 31% increase comes as welcome news following January’s initial allocation of 4,750 nominations, which represented a 50% reduction compared to 2024 levels. Provincial officials point out that the enhanced allocation will significantly strengthen the province’s capacity to address critical labour shortages and advance key economic priorities through targeted immigration initiatives.
Bill C-3 gets stricter language and residency requirements
A parliamentary committee has approved significant amendments to Bill C-3, introducing new requirements for citizenship by descent that mirror naturalization processes. Under these changes, Canadians born abroad who seek to pass citizenship to their children must demonstrate 1,095 days of physical presence in Canada within five years preceding their child’s birth. Additionally, descendants aged 18-55 must demonstrate proficiency in English or French and knowledge of their citizenship responsibilities, while all adults will undergo security screening. These provisions, supported by Bloc Québécois MP Alexis Brunelle-Duceppe, must be implemented by November 20 to comply with constitutional requirements.
New streamlined legislation to increase border security and keep Canadians safe – Government of Canada
The new Bill C-12 was introduced to enable Parliament to to protect Canadians while permitting additional time to evaluate additional measures announced earlier, in June 2025. This Bill is aiming at transnational organized crime, illegal fentanyl, and illicit financing of terrorist regimes, the goal is to enhance the elements that would facilitate law enforcement access to basic subscriber information to reach online criminals, introduce the Supporting Authorized Access to Information Act and work with Canada Post to completely abolish mail delivered fentanyl and other drugs. The Bill also introduces additional restrictions on third-party deposits, large cash transfers, and private information sharing provisions in order to target and eliminate organized crime and prevent money laundering.
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