April 7, 2026 Edition
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Your Immigration Update
A new Statistics Canada report shows that 64.8% of newcomers find a job within six months, and over 40% start working within just three months. On the surface, that’s a big win, and a sign that access to jobs in Canada is improving. But there’s a gap between getting a job and getting the right job.
Many newcomers still face lower wages and job mismatch early on. Recent immigrants earn 23.7% less than Canadian-born workers, and about 1 in 4 say they are overqualified for their role.
Key takeaways:
Most newcomers find work quickly, faster than in previous years.
Wage gaps remain, especially for non-permanent residents.
Overqualification is common, especially in the first few years.
Credential recognition and local experience are still major barriers.
Outcomes improve over time, but the early years can be tough.
Getting your first job in Canada may be easier than before, but planning ahead is key. Starting credential recognition early, building connections, and being flexible with your first role can make a big difference. Read the full breakdown and learn how to improve your job prospects.
IRCC is watching international student rules more closely after a report found serious gaps in how fraud and non-compliance cases were handled. We may now see more compliance letters sent to students who are flagged, and more follow-up for those who do not reply.
For international students, this is a clear warning to follow the rules on your study permit, keep proof that you are studying and staying within your work limits, and do not ignore messages from IRCC. Read our full article to understand what these checks could mean for international students in Canada.
Immigration In The Media
Canada is seeing a surge in military applications, but staffing shortages remain a challenge. While the government has introduced a new immigration pathway to fast-track permanent residence for highly skilled foreign military recruits, experts say this alone won’t fix the issue.
The bigger problem lies in slow recruitment processes, limited training capacity, and high dropout rates during the application stage. Even with more interest, including from permanent residents and international candidates, only a small portion of applicants actually make it through to enlistment.
While immigration may help fill some specialized roles, deeper system changes will be needed to address Canada’s military staffing gaps long term.
If you need to ship bulky items to or from Canada, The Relocator is the place to start. With a network of over 500 reputable shipping companies, you can get up to six free quotes for your move.
Money Matters: Maternity and Parental Leave in Canada
Parental leave in Canada can help ease the financial pressure of having a child, but it’s important to plan ahead. While maternity and parental benefits offer partial income through Employment Insurance, they don’t fully replace your salary, so budgeting and understanding your options are key.
Maternity leave offers up to 15 weeks of support for the birth parent
Parental leave can be shared, with up to 40 weeks (standard) or 69 weeks (extended)
EI benefits replace about 55% (standard) or 33% (extended) of your income
You typically need 420–700 insured work hours to qualify
Payments may take a few weeks to start, so having savings helps
Knowing how much support you’ll receive and where there may be gaps can help you plan your finances with more confidence as you grow your family in Canada.
Career Moves: Only 22% of Workers Feel Their Job Is Safe
A new ADP Research report shows workers around the world are feeling unsure about the future of their jobs. The report points to growing anxiety around AI, changing job demands, and a lack of employer support.
For Canada, where many workers are facing a softer job market and rising uncertainty, the report is a reminder that job security is not just about having work now. It is also about having the skills and support to stay employable as the workplace changes.
Main takeaways:
Only 22% of workers said they feel confident their job is safe from elimination.
Workers who feel secure in their jobs are more engaged, more productive, and less likely to look for new work.
AI is changing how people feel about work, with regular AI users often reporting higher confidence and engagement.
Older workers were less likely to say they are getting the skills support they need, even though they remain highly engaged and less likely to quit.
Many workers are also putting in unpaid hours, showing that unclear expectations and workload pressures are still a problem.
For workers in Canada, the findings are a reminder that staying prepared matters. As the workplace continues to change, having clear information, access to training, and support to build new skills could make a big difference. Want to explore options to build new skills or switch careers? Learn more about government retraining programs in Canada.
Today's Tip: Getting PR Is Just the Beginning
Getting PR in Canada can feel like the biggest step, but for many newcomers, it is only the beginning. Moving2Canada content marketer Sugandha shares that while arriving in Canada was exciting, the real challenges came after, from finding a job and managing money to building a new life from scratch.
Planning ahead made a big difference for her. Researching the cost of living, saving enough money, and setting a budget helped reduce financial stress. She also found that opening a bank account early and starting to build credit were important steps that helped later on.
Finding a job was harder than expected and took months of applying, improving her resume, and learning how the Canadian job market works. Networking and volunteering also helped her build connections and gain experience. After six years in Canada, her biggest lesson is that getting PR is just the start, and preparing for life after arrival can make the transition much smoother.
