Weekly Digest | October 12, 2025

Key Highlights:

Recent Case Law

Start-Up Visa – Abdou v. Canada, 2025 FC 1660: Applicant, founder and CEO of a physiotherapy mobile app, applied for PR under the SUV Class supported by Manitoba Technology Accelerator. Two PFLs were issued and answered (January 2 and April 18, 2024). The officer relied on alleged plan similarities and limited Canadian involvement to infer status-seeking intent. The Court found that inference unjustified and the reasoning not transparent or intelligible under Vavilov. Judicial review allowed. Read more

Spousal Open Work Permit – Baring v. Canada, 2025 FC 1668: Indian applicant sought SOWP to join spouse on PGWP. Refused for insufficient funds and weak temporary intent. Officer noted unexplained $16K deposits in spouse’s March 2024 account, no recurring income or joint funds, and limited proof of applicant’s own finances. Parents’ affidavit relied on their assets and omitted spouse support. Court found reasons clear from GCMS record, no duty to clarify, and no unfairness. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Citizenship Mandamus – Habibi v. Canada, 2025 FC 1675: Iranian PR applied for citizenship in Aug 2022; no decision for 3 years due to “pending security checks.” GCMS showed inactivity and repeated 6-month bring-forwards. Security cleared at hearing; delay caused expired criminality check. Applicant’s career stalled, forced to work in U.S., separated from family. Applying Conille, Court found 36-month delay unjustified; outsourcing to CSIS no excuse. Mandamus granted. Read more

Self-Employed Persons Class – Javad Zadeh v. Canada, 2025 FC 1658: Iranian visual artist in Türkiye applied for PR under the Self-Employed Persons Class with a plan to teach art, sell paintings, and run workshops. Officer found the plan vague, lacking Canada-specific or financial details, and unsupported by evidence of English ability. No showing of significant cultural contribution. Court held concerns justified and reasoning clear under Vavilov. Judicial review dismissed. Read more

Open Work Permits – TR to PR Pathway – October 6, 2025: IRCC extended the public policy to December 31, 2026, allowing open work permits for eligible applicants under the TR to PR pathway and expanding eligibility to include family members abroad to support faster family reunification. Read more Public Policy: Read more

Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) – October 8, 2025: The Federal EMPP has been extended to December 31, 2025, with a new intake cap of 950 complete applications under the Job Offer Stream eligible for processing. Read more

Application Abroad for a Travel Document – October 9, 2025: IRCC updated instructions to reflect the applicable fees for travel document applications submitted abroad to return to Canada. Read more

Temporary Foreign Worker Program – October 6, 2025: ESDC reported a 50% drop in overall TFWP applications (70% in the low-wage stream) following new restrictions. In 2024–2025, 10% of inspected employers were non-compliant, penalties more than doubled to $4.9 M, and 36 employers were banned—including a record $1 million fine and 10-year ban in the fish and seafood sector. Strengthened inspection and enforcement measures aim to reduce program misuse and protect workers. Read more

Bill C-12 – Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act – October 8, 2025: Public Safety Canada introduced Bill C-12 to enhance border security and immigration integrity, combat organized crime, illegal fentanyl, and money laundering, and strengthen asylum system management. Key measures include expanded CBSA and RCMP authorities, new ineligibility rules for asylum claims, enhanced information sharing, and tougher anti-money laundering controls. Read more

Manitoba PNP 2025 Allocation Update – October 8, 2025: IRCC increased Manitoba’s 2025 nomination allocation by 1,489, bringing the total to 6,239 nominations. The boost strengthens the province’s ability to address labour market needs and advance strategic immigration priorities. Read more

Nova Scotia Skilled Trades Update – October 7, 2025: Nova Scotia eliminated the five-year certification renewal for most compulsory trades and reduced trade exam fees from $644.15 to $350 across 70+ occupations. These measures cut red tape, lower costs, and streamline certification for trades professionals, including newcomers. Read more

October 27, 2025: Application window closes for the special permanent residence pathway for families of PS752 victims. Read more

October 27, 2025: Temporary public policies for Sudanese nationals and family members fleeing conflict expire, ending fee waivers and special measures. Read more

November 3, 2025: Deadline for submissions to Global Affairs Canada’s consultations on the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Read more

November 19, 2025: Temporary special measures for Haitian nationals and family members in Canada expire. Read more

November 30, 2025: Suspension of intake under Québec’s PEQ (graduate and worker streams) ends. Read more

November 30, 2025: Special IRCC wildfire relief measures expire, ending fee waivers and restoration flexibility for affected residents and foreign emergency workers. Read more