News. For Newcomers | April 22, 2026

More people are discovering they’re Canadian citizens through family, but what does that actually mean for their partner? While this opens the door for you, your spouse doesn’t automatically get citizenship or permanent residence.

Here’s what you need to know if you qualify for citizenship by descent:

This is a two-step journey. First, you confirm your citizenship. Then, your spouse begins their own path to Canada, starting with PR and eventually citizenship.

If you’re planning a future in Canada together, understanding this process early can save time and stress. Read our guide to learn exactly how to sponsor your spouse and plan your move to Canada.

Canada saw a sharp drop in new international students in February 2026, with just 2,135 student arrivals. Worker arrivals also fell to 10,375, showing that Canada is actively reducing the number of temporary residents. Worker arrivals also fell significantly compared to last year, showing that Canada is actively reducing the number of temporary residents.

At the same time, around 60% of new permanent residents early this year were already living in Canada on temporary permits. This suggests fewer opportunities to enter Canada from abroad, but stronger chances to stay if you’re already here.

Read more to understand what these changes mean for your study or work plans in Canada.

In this opinion piece, the writer says Canada’s proposed changes to Express Entry are only partly right. Simplifying the system and placing greater weight on strong economic factors, such as high-paying jobs and skilled work experience, makes sense. The piece argues that these changes could help Canada choose immigrants who are more likely to succeed.

But it also strongly criticizes the government for continuing to favour special categories of applicants instead of simply inviting the highest-scoring candidates overall. The writer’s view is that category-based draws weaken the system, make it more political, and move Canada away from fairly selecting the best talent.

These reforms could be a step in the right direction, but only if Ottawa stops overriding the points system for narrow groups and focuses on the strongest candidates overall.

Ontario PNP draw invited 674 through the Masters Graduate stream and 244 via the PhD Graduate stream.

Transportation can take a bigger bite out of your budget than many newcomers expect. Statistics Canada reports that Canadians spend about 15% of their household budgets on transportation. That’s more than they spend on food. And in 2026, owning a car costs about $1,373 per month on average, including payments, insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance.

That is why it is so important to plan ahead. Whether you expect to rely on public transit or buy a car, understanding these costs can make a big difference to your monthly budget in Canada.

Try our free Budget Calculator to estimate your real cost of living, including transportation costs.

Canada is urging young people to consider skilled trades, saying old attitudes are holding them back. Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said trades were once “deeply stigmatized” with many students pushed toward university instead. But she says that thinking is outdated and trades can offer just as much success.

Jobs like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work are in high demand, and the government says these careers will be important for building more homes and infrastructure. It is also supporting youth with thousands of jobs, training, and work placement opportunities this year.

Even so, many students still feel pressure to choose university instead of the trades. Experts say that the mindset is slowly changing, especially as more people see that trades can lead to steady, well-paying jobs. With youth unemployment still high, skilled trades are becoming an important path for young people who want practical skills and good career opportunities.

Curious about working in the trades? Learn what jobs are in demand, how to get started, and what to expect in Canada.

If you’re new to Quebec, getting a RAMQ health card is an important first step to accessing free public healthcare. RAMQ covers most doctor visits, hospital care, and essential medical services. But there’s a catch, many newcomers must wait up to three months before coverage begins.

During this waiting period, it’s a good idea to have private health insurance to avoid paying high medical costs out of pocket. You’ll also need separate coverage for things like dental care, vision, and some medications, since RAMQ doesn’t fully cover them.

To qualify, you must live in Quebec, have valid immigration status, and apply soon after arriving. Once approved, your health card gives you access to the province’s healthcare system, helping you stay healthy as you settle into your new life.