News. For Newcomers | August 19, 2026

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British Columbia has received 1,000 additional PNP nomination spots, bringing its 2026 allocation to 6,254. BC plans to use its full allocation by year-end, which could mean more opportunities for PNP candidates in the coming months.

BC isn’t alone. Alberta recently gained 200 additional spots, while the Northwest Territories received another 103. More provinces could also see increases before the end of 2026.

Missing a birth certificate for your citizenship-by-descent application? You may still have options.

IRCC may accept alternative documents, such as baptismal certificates, hospital birth records or census records, to help prove Canadian citizenship and your family connection. You should also explain what’s missing and provide evidence of your attempts to find it.

With the average processing time for citizenship certificates now exceeding 25 months, getting your documents right the first time is especially important.

Canada welcomed 27,005 new permanent residents in June, bringing the total for the first half of 2026 to 155,800. That means IRCC has reached about 41% of its 380,000 permanent resident target for the year. However, if admissions continue at the same pace, Canada could fall short of its annual target.

Economic immigration remains the biggest pathway, with 89,200 admissions so far, while another 26,300 people already in Canada received permanent residence through two one-time initiatives.

The numbers suggest IRCC will need to pick up the pace in the second half of 2026 to reach its planned immigration levels.

IRCC invited 5,000 French-speaking candidates in its latest Express Entry draw, with the CRS cut-off of 382.

A Saskatchewan restaurant operator has pleaded guilty to charging a foreign worker $12,000 to keep his job while his permanent residence status depended on his employment.

The employer was ordered to repay the worker the full $12,000 and pay another $7,000 in fines. The case marks Saskatchewan’s first conviction under its foreign worker protection legislation.

The province has since strengthened its rules, with penalties for violations now reaching up to $1.25 million.

For newcomers, this case is an important reminder that an employer cannot charge you money to give you a job or to let you keep one, even if your immigration or permanent residence pathway depends on that employment. If an employer threatens your immigration status or asks you to pay to keep working, know your rights and consider reporting it.

With a new school year around the corner, it’s a good time to think beyond this September and start planning for future education costs.

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) can help you save for your child’s university, college, trade school or apprenticeship. Your savings can grow tax-free, and eligible families can also receive government grants to help build the fund.

Even small, regular contributions can add up over time. Learn more about RESPs and other ways to save for your child’s education in Canada.

If you’re uncertain when or how to open an RESP, or how much you should or could be contributing, Scotiabank offers a no-obligation meeting with an advisor to members of our community in Canada.

Canada continues to stand out as a major destination for tech talent. CBRE’s latest ranking places six Canadian cities among North America’s top 15 tech markets – Toronto (#3), Vancouver (#9), Waterloo Region (#10), Montreal (#11), Ottawa (#14), and Calgary (#15).

Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are also becoming major AI hubs, accounting for 60% of Canada’s AI jobs. For newcomers looking for work in tech, where you choose to settle could make a big difference in the opportunities available.

There could also be more opportunities ahead for AI workers hoping to immigrate permanently. IRCC is considering a new AI and tech-focused Express Entry category for 2027, which could include occupations such as data scientists, software engineers and programmers.

Nearly one in three Canadians has a side hustle, and for most, it’s about making ends meet. A new survey found 85% started earning extra money for financial reasons, including covering bills, paying down debt, or dealing with job insecurity.

For newcomers, there are a few extra things to know. Side hustle income is taxable, and if you’re on a work or study permit, you need to make sure your permit conditions allow you to take on the extra work.