News. For Newcomers | August 18, 2026

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Finding out you’re already a Canadian citizen by descent can create an unusual problem if you’re currently in Canada on a work or study permit. Canadian citizens don’t need, and generally can’t hold these permits, but you may still need a citizenship certificate to prove your status.

Right now, that can mean a long wait. IRCC estimates citizenship certificates are taking around 25 months to process.

While you wait, not having proof of citizenship could affect:

If you discover you’re already a citizen, your priority should generally be applying for a citizenship certificate rather than renewing your temporary permit. If the wait could cost you a job, school place or access to important services, you may be able to request urgent processing.

Today’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw issued 1,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with a CRS cut-off of 523. This pushes the total to 114,865 invitations issued in 2026, making it a record year for Express Entry.

Newfoundland and Labrador invited 122 applicants through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP).

Ontario has changed its social assistance rules based on immigration status. The new regulations are intended to make it clear who can receive support through Ontario Works and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Under the changes, people without legal immigration status and temporary residents, including work and study permit holders, are not eligible for these programs.

However, advocates say most people in these groups were already unable to access social assistance under the previous rules. They say the changes could mainly affect a smaller number of people who previously qualified through exceptions, including some people waiting for permanent residence.

The Ontario government says the changes are meant to ensure social assistance goes to people who are legally authorized to live in Canada and facing financial hardship.

Canada’s inflation rate rose to 3.0% in July, up from 2.8% in June, largely due to higher gas prices.

Gas prices increased 25.7% year over year, while airfare rose 12%. There was some better news at the grocery store, where food price growth slowed from 3.9% in June to 3.1% in July.

Wages are currently growing slightly faster than inflation, at 3.6% year over year, which may help take some of the pressure on household budgets.

The Bank of Canada will make its next interest rate decision on September 2, although most experts expect rates to remain unchanged.

For newcomers, rising prices are another reason to keep a close eye on your budget. Planning for Canada’s cost of living, keeping some room in your monthly budget, and building an emergency fund can help you manage unexpected increases.

There’s some positive news for job seekers in Canada. In July, the job finding rate reached 20.8%, meaning about one in five unemployed people found a job during the month.

That’s more than two percentage points higher than July last year, showing that it’s becoming easier for some people to find work.

However, there’s still room for improvement. Before the pandemic, the job finding rate averaged 26.6%, so Canada’s job market has not fully recovered.

Finding a family doctor can be difficult in Canada, with some people waiting months or even years for a primary care provider. If you’re new to Canada, it’s worth starting your search as soon as you’re eligible.

A few ways to improve your chances:

Finding a permanent provider can take time, but you don’t have to go without care in the meantime. Learn how to find a family doctor in your province and what healthcare options are available while you wait.