December 16, 2025 Edition
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Your Immigration Update
Latest CEC draw delivers the lowest CRS cut-off of 2025 at 515, with 5,000 ITAs issued. For CEC candidates who’ve been waiting in the Express Entry pool, this draw is likely a relief. What a way to end the year!
Congratulations to everyone who received an ITA. And for those still in the pool, this draw is a good reminder to keep your Express Entry profile up to date and accurate, so you’re ready if scores drop again.
Find out more in our detailed analysis of this draw and what we think CEC hopefuls should look out for in 2026.
Just before the year wraps up, British Columbia got a welcome boost to its Provincial Nominee Program, adding 960 extra nominations for 2025. That brings BC’s total for the year to 6,214, after starting the year with just 4,000.
This doesn’t mean BCPNP is bringing back regular draws. Instead, the extra spots will help move applicants already in the system forward, including some waitlisted international graduates. The focus is on healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and high economic impact candidates.
Looking ahead, there’s more good news on the horizon. Canada plans to increase Provincial Nominee Program targets in 2026. While B.C.’s exact number isn’t known yet, this could mean more opportunities next year.
Alberta has now used up its full AAIP nomination allocation for 2025, which means no new nominations will be issued until the program resets in early 2026. This year, Alberta started with 4,875 spots, received an additional 1,728 partway through 2025, and has now filled the full total of 6,603 (plus a small federal overage).
If you’re already in the system, it’s not all bad news. AAIP says applications in progress will keep moving, and there are still 1,479 files being processed. Meanwhile, the EOI pool remains large at 45,622 candidates.
The more encouraging part is what comes next. Alberta is expected to receive a larger allocation in 2026, so the program will reopen next year with more room to invite candidates again.
Immigration In The Media
Canada is known for its universal healthcare, but the system isn’t as simple as “public or private.” The trust is that most essential care is publicly funded (with no out-of-pocket costs). But there are gaps in access and long wait times. These flaws are driving debate about private options alongside the public system.
For newcomers, this matters more than you might expect. Public coverage doesn’t always start right away, and finding a family doctor can take time.
Understanding how Canada’s healthcare system actually works and where private insurance can help can make settling in much easier. This guide breaks down Canada’s public and private healthcare system, including what’s covered, what isn’t, and what newcomers should plan for from day one.
Did Someone Say Draw
Prince Edward Island invited 166 candidates on December 15, marking its final scheduled PNP draw of the year.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada for 4+ months, we recommend getting a quote for private health insurance from our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare. And, if you insure with Cigna Healthcare before 31st December 2025, you’ll benefit from a 10% discount* for the lifetime of your policy.
Money Matters: Inflation Stays Put as Food Prices Climb
Canada’s inflation rate held steady at 2.2% in November, which is a bit of welcome stability after a bumpy few years. The catch? Grocery prices are still climbing, with food costs up 4.7% compared to last year. That’s something many households are feeling at the checkout.
The upside is that other everyday pressures, like rent growth and travel costs, are starting to ease. That makes this a good moment to focus on the things you can control, like grocery habits and weekly planning. Small changes from meal planning to shopping smarter can really add up.
If you’re looking for practical ideas, check out our guide on saving money on groceries in Canada. This guide shares simple, realistic ways to keep food costs in check while inflation stays relatively calm elsewhere.
Career Moves: Why Every Job Matters on Your PR Application
Think a job doesn’t matter because it won’t earn you CRS points? It still matters more than you might think. When applying for Permanent Residence, IRCC expects a complete and accurate picture of your work history, even roles that don’t boost your score. Leaving out past employment, whether intentional or accidental, can raise red flags and slow things down.
Here’s what you should know:
Including every job matters. IRCC will check your work history, and small gaps can turn into bigger questions that delay your application.
Being very clear and transparent from the start can keep your application on track and save a lot of stress later.
Today's Tip: Organize Essential Documents Before Year-End
Office closures and slower processing at the end of the year can delay important applications for newcomers already in Canada.
What to do now
Finish applications for your SIN, health card, and driver’s licence as early as possible
Save digital and paper copies of your immigration documents, permits, and confirmations
Store everything in one secure, organized folder
Why this matters
Faster access to government services in January
Less stress during holiday closures
Fewer issues when you file your 2025 taxes.
