Understanding Employer and Candidate Intakes

We’ve received many questions recently about the difference between employer intakes and candidate intakes, so we’d like to provide some clarity.

Employer Intakes

Before candidates can apply, employers must first apply to become designated. Only designated employers are eligible to submit candidates during candidate intakes.

Our first employer intake reached capacity at the beginning of July 2025. The next employer intake is expected to begin around November 2025, with full details to be announced closer to the date.

Candidate Intakes

Once an employer is designated, they may submit candidates during official intake periods.

• Our first candidate intake took place on August 1.

• Our second candidate intake followed on August 8.

  
  

Altogether, we are still limited to issuing 60 recommendations for 2025. Our team is working through applications as quickly as possible, with the official deadline to issue all recommendations being December 31, 2025.

The next candidate intake is planned for early 2026.

How Applications Are Assessed

For details on how applications are reviewed and decisions are made, please see our section on How applications are processed.