Latest PNP and CEC Draws News| OINP launches new portal for the employers| Step by step guide for OINP Employer Portal| Quebec Halts Spousal and Adult-Child sponsorships

Express Entry Highlights – PNP Draw –  July 7, 2025

On July 7, 2025, Canada conducted Express Entry Round 354, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)‐specific draw. The round issued 356 invitations to apply (ITAs) to candidates holding a provincial nomination, each of whom automatically received 600 additional CRS points to their ranking.

This targeted round focused solely on PNP-eligible individuals, reinforcing Canada’s strategy to allocate seats by category rather than a general pool. The lowest CRS score among invited candidates set the competitive benchmark for future participants. In cases of tied scores, candidates’ invitation eligibility was determined by the earliest profile submission date and time.

For those seeking PNP pathways, this round demonstrates a clear avenue: secure provincial nomination first, then await the dedicated Express Entry draw. As Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada continues alternating between general and program-specific rounds, staying updated on upcoming PNP invitations remains key for applicants.

Express Entry Summary – CEC Draw   – July 8, 2025 

On July 8, 2025, Canada held Express Entry Round 355 under the Canadian Experience Class. The round issued 3,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs), and the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score among those invited was 518 points. In cases where multiple candidates had the same CRS score at the cutoff, the tie-breaker considered the earliest profile submission time.

This robust draw reflects Canada's ongoing effort to efficiently process a high volume of skilled-worker immigration through its primary economic-stream pathway. With a CRS threshold of 518, candidates aiming for similar invites should consider improving language scores, gaining Canadian experience, or securing provincial nominations.

 As IRCC continues alternating general and program-specific draws, stay alert to upcoming rounds for a chance at an ITA.

OINP NEW Employer Portal  –  STEP BY STEP GUIDE

Are you an employer looking to support an employee through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)? The new OINP employer portal, launched in July 2025, is a crucial tool, and we've created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate it with ease!

Our latest video provides a step-by-step walkthrough, covering everything from creating your account and setting up your employer profile to submitting job offers. Learn how to input your business details, signing officer information, revenue, and NICS code, ensuring you meet all compliance requirements. We also explain the post-submission process and what to expect next.

Don't let the new system intimidate you. This video clarifies the entire digital process, mirroring the information previously requested in a user-friendly format. Watch now to streamline your OINP applications and confidently support your employees!

Watch the full video here!

Quebec Halts Spousal & Adult-Child Sponsorships Until June 2026

The province of Quebec has reached its two-year cap on family sponsorship undertakings and is no longer accepting applications for spouses, common-law or conjugal partners, and dependent children aged 18 or older – effective July 9, 2025. Any submissions received now will be returned with fees refunded, and applicants must wait until June 25, 2026, before reapplying.

This moratorium does not affect sponsorships for children under 18 or adult children with disabilities, nor the remaining 2,600 spots reserved for parents, grandparents, and other relatives. Quebec’s unique process requires residents to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) in addition to federal approval—this cap applies specifically to the province’s intake system.

For those hoping to sponsor affected family members, alternative strategies—such as applying for work or study permits, seeking permanent residency through Express Entry, relocating to another province, or waiting until Quebec reopens its intake—may provide temporary relief until the CSQ process resumes.

Navigating the New OINP Employer Portal: FAQs & Solutions!

The launch of the new OINP employer portal has left many applicants and employers worried about missing out on draws and navigating the complicated process. If you're wondering what information to provide, how to proceed, or what the most common issues are, this video is for you!

We clarify that the new portal is simply a digitized version of the old OINP employer form, and the information required hasn't changed. Employers now play a role before applicants can even register their Expression of Interest. We address frequently asked questions, common confusions, and confirm that employer eligibility requirements remain the same.

Watch now to understand the new OINP changes and ease your anxiety about the process!