September 16, 2025 Edition
Hi there,
We’ve got a lot of exciting updates to share today, including:
Even with rising refusal rates among French-speaking applicants, it’s still the perfect time to learn French.
Fresh insights on how many more Express Entry category draws we can expect this year.
Which province is making it easier for you to work there and boosting the minimum wage at the same time.
We’ll wrap up by answering a top question from our community.
Let’s get into it!
Your Immigration Update
Approval rates for French-speaking immigration applicants are falling in 2025, but the data tells a more hopeful story.
Despite the decline, learning French can still give you a competitive edge for Express Entry and other immigration pathways, with many candidates from non-French-speaking countries yet to take advantage of the bonus points available.
We break down the numbers, the reasons behind the decline, and why it’s not too late to make French part of your immigration strategy. Read our full report here.
Fresh data gives us a glimpse into how many more category-based Express Entry draws may happen this year.
We’ve used this information to update our popular When Is the Next Express Entry Draw? page, so you can stay ahead and plan your immigration journey with confidence.
Immigration in The Media
Immigration lawyers are raising red flags about how IRCC uses technology in processing applications. They worry computer-assisted tools may be leading officers to skim over files and make complex immigration decisions in minutes, sometimes resulting in refusals that don’t add up. CBC has covered this story here.
Money Matters
Minimum Wage Increases Coming October 1, 2025: Many provinces are increasing their provincial minimum wages on October 1st, 2025. Here’s what’s changing:
Ontario: from $17.20 to $17.60
Manitoba: from $15.80 to $16.00
Nova Scotia: from $15.70 to $16.50
Prince Edward Island: from $16.00 to $16.50
Saskatchewan: from $15.00 to $15.35
You can find a complete list of provincial minimum wages here.
Career Moves
Starting January 1, 2026, Ontario will expand its “As of Right” rules so certified workers from other provinces can start jobs in Ontario without extensive credential recognition processing delays.
More than 50 regulatory authorities and nearly 300 non-healthcare occupations will be included, from engineers and electricians to architects and translators. Workers with valid certification elsewhere in Canada will be able to begin working in Ontario within 10 business days while their full registration is finalized.
Learn more about this update here.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I use vacation time as work experience for my Express Entry immigration application?
Yes, within reason. Work experience may include a reasonable vacation period, such as up to 2 weeks of paid leave within a 52-week period. As long as the rest of your employment meets IRCC’s requirements (paid, full-time, continuous, and in a qualifying occupation), short vacation breaks should not affect your eligibility.
We go into this in more detail here:
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this helpful.
Talk to you tomorrow,
Rebecca and Stephanie
