A Message From Our President,

 As I write this final newsletter of 2025, I'm reflecting on all of the changes we've witnessed in Canadian immigration this past year —and there have been quite a few!

The past few months have brought significant developments that affect virtually every application category. We are following these policy and program changes closely, not just as Immigration Consultants, but as individuals who genuinely care about your success and your family’s future. Whether you're a doctor hoping to make Canada home, a student planning your next steps after graduation, a skilled professional, or someone considering other options, Solutions is here to cut through the complexity and help you find your path forward.

As we head into 2026, we look forward to assisting you in reaching your immigration goals.

Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season and a happy, healthy year ahead!

Cari Gombinsky

Immigration Measures to improve Healthcare for Canadians

On December 8, 2025, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health announced a new dedicated Express Entry category exclusively for international doctors with at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years. The initiative directly addresses critical healthcare shortages affecting millions of Canadians.

In addition to this new Express Entry category, provinces and territories also received 5,000 special Provincial Nominee Program allocation spaces to nominate licensed doctors who have job offers. Physicians qualifying for the program will benefit from expedited 14-day work permit processing.

With approximately 17% of Canadian adults and 11% of children lacking a regular healthcare provider, these initiatives will not only address a pressing national priority, they will also offer doctors clear pathways to build their careers and lives in Canada.

New Citizenship Rules Enacted

In response to legal constitutional challenges, Canada has updated its citizenship rules, through Bill C-3, "An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act". This Act was enacted to fix long-standing gaps that affected people born or adopted outside the country. As a result, many individuals born before December 15, 2025, who were previously barred by the “first-generation limit,” will now be Canadian and eligible to apply for proof of citizenship.

Going forward, children born or adopted abroad after December 15, 2025, may still qualify for Canadian citizenship beyond the first generation if their Canadian parent has a real connection to Canada as evidenced by a minimum of three years of physical presence in the country before their birth or adoption. 

Please don't hesitate to contact our office for assistance with your citizenship application.

New Talent Strategy for H-1B Professionals and World-Class Researchers

Canada’s November 2025 budget highlights plans to make it easier for international researchers and skilled workers in the U.S. on H-1B visas to move to Canada.

The government's goal is to introduce a faster immigration pathway aimed at experienced professionals, especially those working in technology and other innovation fields. With changes in U.S. immigration programs creating uncertainty and additional expenses for foreign nationals, this is viewed as a great opportunity for Canada to attract international talent to "help advance our global competitiveness and contribute to the economy of the future". 

While detailed plans of the H-1B Initiative are expected to be released in early 2025, Canada announced last week that it would spend $1.7 billion over the next 12 years in an effort to recruit over 1,000 world class researchers and academics in critical areas.

“By attracting the top minds from around the world to work alongside exceptional Canadian researchers, the Government of Canada is building the kind of scientific and academic powerhouse that drives the strongest economy in the G7. Today’s investment is about securing Canada’s place at the forefront of discovery and innovation and leveraging our strength in science to support our future well-being and prosperity for generations to come.”
– The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry 

FIFA World Cup 2026 Comes to Canada

Attention Soccer Fans: The FIFA World Cup is coming to Canada in 2026, with matches in Toronto and Vancouver from June 11 to July 19! The "beautiful game" will draw visitors from around the world, and now is the time to think about your visitor visa or eTA if you are planning to attend. Please remember, however, that a match ticket does not guarantee entry to Canada.

We are here to help ensure that your application is complete and accurate. Taking the time to prepare your documents properly will make the process smoother and give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the excitement of the World Cup in Canada.