World Immigration News

Affected by US halt on immigration applications from 19 countries? Consider Canada’s Express Entry

Release Date: 2025-12-06
Media: CIC News
Summary: On December 2, 2025, the Trump administration imposed an indefinite halt on immigration application processing for nationals from 19 “high-risk” countries. As a result, applicants from places such as Haiti, Somalia, and Venezuela have seen their green card applications frozen with no clear timeline for resumption.

In contrast, Canada’s Express Entry system for skilled workers remains fully open to all nationalities, offering an alternative pathway for those whose prospects in the United States have suddenly narrowed. Express Entry requires applicants to meet the criteria of one of three skilled immigration programs and then enter a candidate pool, where they are ranked under the Comprehensive Ranking System based on age, education, language ability, and work experience. Invitations to Apply for permanent residence are issued to top-ranked candidates.

Canada has recently prioritized category-based draws targeting specific sectors such as healthcare, STEM, trades, agriculture, education, and French-language proficiency. These draws often require lower CRS scores than general rounds, and in 2025 most Invitations to Apply were issued through these categories. This shift reflects Canada’s clearer focus on filling labor shortages with targeted skilled workers.

Fictional examples in the text illustrate that strong language skills, solid academic backgrounds, and relevant professional experience can make candidates competitive even without Canadian work experience. For skilled individuals affected by the U.S. processing freeze, Canada remains a realistic and attractive immigration destination.
Tags: Canada

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