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What Happened in May 2025: Big Changes in Canadian Immigration You Should Know About

  • Writer: Open Canada
    Open Canada
  • Jun 3
  • 2 min read

May wasn’t just another month—it marked a major turning point in how Canada approaches immigration. From the first-ever Express Entry draw for educators to a new Prime Minister and immigration minister, here’s everything that changed and why it matters for your future in Canada.



Four smiling people hold documents and a Canadian flag outside the Government of Canada building. One has a résumé, others have books.

New Express Entry Category: Education Professionals


On May 1, 2025, IRCC launched a historic draw: the first education-specific Express Entry selection.

  • 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were issued

  • CRS cut-off score: 479

  • Targeted roles:

    • Elementary and secondary school teachers

    • Early childhood educators

    • Teacher assistants


Why it matters:Canada is tackling its educator shortage head-on. But if you’re applying under this stream, you’ll need provincial teaching certification to qualify for most jobs.


📅 Full List of Express Entry Draws in May 2025

May saw a total of four Express Entry draws—all targeting specific categories:

  • May 1: Education professionals – 1,000 ITAs, CRS 479

  • May 2: Healthcare & Social Services – 500 ITAs, CRS 510

  • May 12: Provincial Nominee Program – 511 ITAs, CRS 706

  • May 13: Canadian Experience Class – 500 ITAs, CRS 547


Total ITAs issued in 2025 (as of May 29): 34,440Notably, there have been no general draws for Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) candidates this year.

This marks a strategic pivot to category-based draws, prioritizing labor market needs over broad eligibility.


Canada Has a New Prime Minister

After the April 28 federal election, the Liberal Party won a minority government with 168 seats.Mark Carney, former head of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, is now Prime Minister.


What to expect:

  • A data-driven, pragmatic approach to immigration

  • Focus on housing, infrastructure, and sustainability

  • Target to reduce temporary residents to below 5% of the population by 2027

This shift could impact international students, temporary foreign workers, and open work permit holders.


Meet Canada’s New Immigration Minister

Lena Metlege Diab, MP for Halifax West, is now Canada’s new Immigration Minister.

Background:

  • Former Nova Scotia Minister of Immigration

  • Known for streamlining regional applications

  • Advocates for regional diversity and simplified immigration processes

Her experience signals a continued focus on regionalization, Francophone immigration, and easier processing.


What This Means for You

Canada’s immigration system is clearly changing. If you’re applying now or planning to soon, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Match your job to Canada’s priorities: Educators and healthcare workers are in demand

  • Get your credentials recognized: Teaching, healthcare, and skilled trades require Canadian certification

  • Boost your language scores: A higher CRS score = better chances

  • Look outside the big cities: Provincial and regional programs are expanding


Stay Updated & Stay Ready


Whether you’re a student, skilled worker, or employer, staying informed is essential. Canada’s immigration landscape is changing fast—and being proactive is your best advantage.

Need help figuring out your path?


Speak to a licensed immigration consultant or Book a consultation.


What Happened in May 2025: Big Changes in Canadian Immigration You Should Know About

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