News. For Newcomers | August 13, 2026

French has become one of the biggest advantages in Express Entry. If your CRS score isn’t competitive right now, learning French could open more options, but it’s a big commitment.

Here’s why candidates are considering it:

But, depending on your current proficiency, reaching NCLC 7 can take a year or longer. If French is part of your immigration plan, check your progress and options regularly rather than relying on one pathway alone.

IRCC has updated its guidance for Reciprocal Employment (C20) work permits, which allow some foreign workers to work in Canada without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

The biggest clarification is how reciprocity can work. It does not have to be between Canada and the applicant’s home country. Multinational companies and academic institutions may also qualify if they offer comparable employment opportunities for Canadians elsewhere in their international operations.

IRCC also rolled back its July update which had stated that foreign nationals applying for a C20 work permit through a multinational organization must already be working with the company abroad.

Alberta held five AAIP draws between August 4 and 12, inviting 367 candidates across health care, agriculture, tech and the Rural Renewal Stream, with minimum scores ranging from 51 to 66.

Twenty-five immigrants have been recognized for the impact they’ve made across Canada at the 18th annual Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards.

This year’s winners include entrepreneurs, athletes, broadcasters, artists and community leaders from across the country.

The awards highlight the many ways immigrants are helping shape Canada’s businesses, culture and communities, and the different paths newcomers can take to build a life here.

Rentals.ca breaks down the rental process for newcomers so you can search smarter and sign with confidence.

Finding a home can be stressful, especially when you’re new to Canada and may be searching from abroad. Before sending money for a rental, take a few minutes to make sure the listing and landlord are legitimate.

When searching for a home use trusted rental platforms like Rentals.ca. Watch for red flags like rent that seems unusually cheap, pressure to pay quickly, or a landlord who won’t let you view the property. Be especially careful about sharing sensitive information such as your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or banking details.

Before paying a deposit, research the address, check what similar rentals cost in the area, and make sure you receive a written lease.

Looking for more ways to protect yourself? Read more on how to spot, avoid and report rental scams before they cost you money or put your personal information at risk.

International education and work experience don’t always transfer directly into the Canadian job market. Reports found immigrants are 1.8 times more likely than Canadian-born workers to work in jobs below their education level.

If you’re looking for work in Canada, check whether your profession requires Canadian licensing, certification, exams or additional training. This is especially important in regulated fields like healthcare and skilled trades.

Understanding the requirements, costs and timelines can help you plan your next career steps and find the right path back into your field.

If you’re new to Canada or thinking about moving cities, rent can vary a lot depending on where you settle.

In July, the average asking rent in Canada was $2,037, down 4% from last year. But the gap between cities is huge. A one-bedroom averaged about $2,383 in Vancouver, compared with $1,325 in Edmonton.

If your job or immigration plans give you flexibility, comparing housing costs before you move could make a big difference to your monthly budget. Browse current listings on Rentals.ca to see what’s available in your budget.