World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Latest data from IRCC (as of August 31) shows that there are 2.2 million immigration applications in the system which includes 958,850 in backlog and exceeding service standards. Under this backlog 52% of these are permanent resident and 42% are temporary residence applications. Further details on other programs wait times have shown that new applications could take up to 10 years to be processed. For example, an individual who is granted asylum in Canada today, will have to wait an estimated 99 months or 8.25 years to become a permanent resident. Currently there are 53,700 people awaiting a decision on asylum claims in the country.
IRCC’s updated processing time tool is intended to enhance transparency, offering applicants “realistic information so clients can make life plans and decisions based on an accurate timeline.” While many welcome this move, critics argue that such transparency should have been provided much earlier—especially for temporary residents already in Canada who remain in limbo. Some critics also caution that the tool may signal potential mass cancellations of applications in the future. For asylum seekers in particular, there is concern that permanent residency spots could be reduced, despite the fact that these individuals have fled unsafe conditions and often have nowhere else to turn.
Canada has long held a reputation as a welcoming and compassionate nation. To preserve this trust, it is essential that the country does not leave vulnerable individuals waiting indefinitely or abandon those who have placed their hopes and futures in its hands.
A new report from RBC highlights the urgent need for Canada’s post-secondary education system to adapt in response to growing economic challenges. Drawing on insights from industry and academic leaders, the report explores how Canada can cultivate the talent required to reposition its economy amid global trade disruptions. Jackie Pichette, Director of Skills Policy at RBC Thought Leadership, emphasizes that a fundamental transformation within the sector is essential. With declining enrolments and financial pressures stemming from caps on international study permits, the current moment presents a critical opportunity for higher education institutions to modernize.
One area of strong consensus is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI becomes increasingly embedded in society, Pichette stresses that it must be woven into curricula across all disciplines. She points to examples from other jurisdictions where faculty have shifted their roles to foster student innovation and entrepreneurship. Pichette also advocates for a move toward competency-based education, where students progress based on demonstrated mastery of skills and knowledge rather than traditional “seat time.” This model allows learners to advance at their own pace and acknowledges the diverse backgrounds and experiences they bring to their studies.
Canada is failing to reward top-talent immigrants, hurting GDP: Study (The Hub)
A new Fraser Institute study reveals that while Canada successfully attracts highly educated immigrants, the U.S. offers significantly better economic outcomes for skilled newcomers. High-skilled immigrants in the U.S.—many in STEM fields—earn 1.2% more than native-born Americans and have an 8% higher employment rate. In contrast, their Canadian counterparts earn 16% less than native-born Canadians and face a 9.5% higher unemployment rate.
This disparity makes the U.S. a more attractive destination for top talent. Contributing factors include lower tax rates on high incomes, greater access to stock options and on-the-job learning, and the presence of major tech firms—many of which are U.S.-based and responsible for around 40% of global tech output. The report also highlights that the top 10% of U.S. earners account for three-quarters of the GDP per adult gap and two-thirds of the productivity gap between the U.S. and Canada.
Canada’s immigration system effectively brings in top talent by prioritizing education credentials. However, to fully capitalize on this, policy reforms—such as adjusting corporate tax structures to support startup growth—may be needed. Additionally, recent increases in U.S. H-1B visas present an opportunity for Canada to attract more top-tier talent.
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