Monthly Newsletter - April 2025
Happy April!
Spring has officially arrived, bringing with it a renewed sense of energy and possibility. At R&R Law LLP, we’re embracing the season of growth with gratitude for recent milestones and excitement for what lies ahead. In this month’s newsletter, we’re highlighting some of the latest developments in Canadian immigration, along with a few firm updates we’re proud to share.
Proposed Extension to Citizenship by Descent Ruling
The Government of Canada has announced plans to request a 12-month extension to the Ontario Superior Court’s suspension of the “first-generation limit” rule in the Citizenship Act. This rule currently prevents children born abroad beyond the first generation from automatically receiving Canadian citizenship.
To address the delay in passing former Bill C-71 (An Act to amend the Citizenship Act), interim measures are being introduced. Discretionary grants of citizenship under section 5(4) will now be available for certain individuals affected by the limit, including:
Children born or adopted abroad before December 19, 2023.
Children born or adopted after that date, if their Canadian parent has spent at least 1,095 days physically in Canada.
Certain individuals born before April 1, 1949.
Former citizens who lost their status under the previous section 8 of the Act.
These changes aim to ensure fairness and uphold the value of Canadian citizenship while Parliament considers legislative amendments.
Government Invests $9.3 Million in Francophone Immigration
In celebration of International Francophonie Day, IRCC announced $9.3 million in funding for 12 new projects supporting Francophone minority communities. These projects, funded through the Francophone Immigration Support Program, focus on:
Recruitment and support of French-speaking newcomers.
Promotion of Francophone communities.
Reducing barriers to immigration for French-speaking applicants.
The investments align with the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which has set ambitious targets for French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec: 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027. In 2024, the government surpassed its target by admitting 7.21% French-speaking residents.
Express Entry Update: Job Offer Points Removed
As of March 25, 2025, the Express Entry system no longer awards bonus Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for job offers. Previously, applicants could gain up to 200 CRS points for senior management positions and 50 points for other roles. This change may lower CRS scores for many current candidates, making it essential to focus on other high-impact factors such as language proficiency, education, and work experience.
Francophone Express Entry Draw – March 21, 2025
IRCC conducted a Francophone-targeted Express Entry draw, issuing 7,500 Invitations to Apply to candidates with strong French language skills. The minimum CRS score required was 379. This category supports Canada’s commitment to economic growth through increased Francophone immigration outside of Quebec.
MPNP Draw #242 – Skilled Worker Overseas
On April 3, 2025, the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 4 Letters of Advice to Apply under its Skilled Worker Overseas stream. The lowest-ranking score was 721. All candidates invited were directly selected through a strategic recruitment initiative. Applicants are reminded to ensure language test numbers and invitation details are accurate and up to date to remain eligible for future draws.
Celebrating New Canadians
Congratulations to the 60 new Canadian citizens who took their oath at a special ceremony in Ottawa this month. This also marked the Honourable Rachel Bendayan’s first ceremony as the new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. We welcome her continued leadership in shaping Canada’s immigration landscape.
R&R Law LLP at Monthly CXO RendezVous
We were honoured to attend this month’s #MonthlyCXORendezVous hosted by Green and Spiegel. Pierre Osterrath, CEO of Société Générale Canada, delivered a powerful talk on leadership, sustainability, and the future of finance. A big thank you to the FCCCO for organizing another insightful and engaging event!
Connect With Us
Have questions about how these updates may affect your immigration goals? Contact R&R Law LLP today for tailored legal support. We’re here to help you navigate each change with confidence.
See you next month with more immigration news and updates!
Regards,
Rema and Rebecca
