Weekly Digest | July 27, 2025

Key Highlights:

Recent Case Law

Humanitarian & Compassionate – Camero v. Canada, 2025 FC 1310: Filipino caregiver’s PR application under H&C grounds was refused. Court found the officer unreasonably assessed establishment and hardship by failing to consider the applicant’s longstanding residence, volunteer work, and complex medical needs managed by multiple specialists. The officer also mischaracterized evidence and failed to apply a compassionate lens. Judicial review granted. Read more

Study Permit – Work Permit – Dhaliwal v. Canada, 2025 FC 1286: Indian national’s work permit refused for lack of ties abroad and inconsistent temporary purpose of visit. Court found refusal reasonable; applicant had not submitted family ties evidence or IMM 5707. Chinook-based fairness argument also rejected, as the decision reflected the limited record. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Mandamus – PR Delay – Emadi v. Canada, 2025 FC 1316: Applicant sought mandamus to compel decision on permanent residence application under family class. Court found delay was due to applicant’s spouse being unavailable for scheduled interview. As interview was a required step, the applicant had not met the threshold for mandamus. Delay was not found to be unreasonable. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Work Permit – LMIA – Language – Li v. Canada, 2025 FC 1313: Chinese applicant applied for an LMIA-based work permit as an administrative officer in Calgary. Application was refused due to insufficient English proficiency; Officer found IELTS 5.5 inadequate for duties requiring written and verbal communication. Officer did not address applicant’s English-language degree or explain why 5.5 was insufficient. Court found the refusal unreasonable for lack of justification and failure to consider relevant evidence. Judicial review granted. Read more

Temporary Resident Visa – Rahman v. Canada, 2025 FC 1301: Bangladeshi applicant’s TRV was refused due to concerns under IRPR s. 179(b). Officer questioned unexplained cash deposits despite financial documentation, and found stated travel purpose inconsistent with a temporary stay. Court held the decision was reasonable and no procedural fairness breach occurred. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Public Consultations Open on 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan: IRCC is seeking input from the public and stakeholders on Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan, which will set targets for permanent and temporary resident admissions. The plan aims to reduce the non-permanent resident population below 5%, stabilize permanent resident levels under 1% annually, and reach 12% Francophone immigration outside Quebec by 2029. Submissions are open until August 17, 2025. Read more

Investment to Support Newcomer Integration and Labour Needs: IRCC announced over $3.2 billion in funding over three years for 520+ organizations (outside Quebec) to deliver tailored settlement services that support newcomer integration and address labour shortages. Services include licensing support, job-specific and general language training, and help for French-speaking newcomers. Read more

Biometric Collection in Sudan: IRCC, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has resumed biometric collection in Sudan to support applicants under family-based permanent residence and resettlement programs. Read more

Alberta Urges Coordination on PGP and Immigration Levels: Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration criticized Ottawa’s plan to invite 10,000 parent and grandparent sponsorship applications, citing pressure on health care, housing, education, and social services. He called for a cap of under 500,000 immigrants annually, more provincial input, and better alignment with local capacity. Read more

Quebec Prioritizes PRTQ Applications from Temporary Residents: Quebec will prioritize review of permanent selection applications under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) from temporary foreign workers and international students living in the province. Most decisions or notices are expected by December 31, 2025, with final outcomes in early 2026. Read more

Quebec Issues First Invitations Under PSTQ: Quebec issued its first invitations under the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ), targeting Stream 1 (highly qualified, specialized skills) and Stream 4 (exceptional talent). Invitations focused on residents of Quebec with French skills, local work or study experience, and occupations in shortage. Read more

July 28, 2025: IRCC to issue up to 10,000 invitations under the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) 2025, selecting from the 2020 interest to sponsor pool. Read more

July 31, 2025: Temporary public policy ends for Israeli nationals and Palestinian passport holders in Canada, allowing fee-exempt applications for status extensions, study permits, or open work permits. Read more

July 31, 2025: Temporary public policy ends for eligible family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Israel or the Palestinian Territories on or after October 7, 2023, allowing fee-exempt applications for status extensions, study permits, or open work permits in Canada. Read more

July 31, 2025: Temporary special measures end for eligible Lebanese nationals in Canada and family members of Canadians or permanent residents who left Lebanon, allowing fee-exempt applications for open work permits, study permits, or status extensions. Read more