August 20, 2026 Edition
Immigration News Roundup
This week’s Canadian immigration roundup covers a record-breaking week for Express Entry, whether CEC draws are slowing down, and the latest updates on PR admissions and PNP allocations.
Your Immigration Update
Choosing an immigration pathway isn’t just about finding a program you qualify for. A pathway also needs to make sense for your goals, timeline and circumstances.
Before recommending a strategy, Moving2Canada’s immigration consultant Rebecca Major considers five key questions:
How important is Canada to you? Some pathways require a major investment of time and effort.
What are you eligible for? Your age, education, language skills, work experience, occupation and immigration status can all affect your options.
How much time do you have? A permit expiring soon may require a very different plan than having another two years in Canada.
What can you realistically change? Improving your language score, learning French or getting employer support could create more options.
How much cost and uncertainty can you manage? Immigration can involve fees, long waits and pathways with no guarantee of an invitation.
The goal is to find the pathway that makes the most sense for you, not simply every program you could qualify for.
Canada welcomed about 120,500 new students and workers in the first half of 2026 – 67% fewer than during the same period in 2024. International student arrivals fell the most, dropping 82%, while worker arrivals were down 60%.
At the same time, more temporary residents already in Canada are transitioning to permanent residence, accounting for 57% of new PR admissions so far this year.
Did Someone Say Draw
Prince Edward Island issued 181 invitations through its Labour and Express Entry streams, bringing the total number of invitations issued in 2026 to 1,034.
Immigration In The Media
A Toronto man who came to Canada as a refugee nearly 30 years ago is facing deportation after losing his permanent resident status.
Roman Slepcsik returned to the Czech Republic several times to care for family members. Immigration officials later ruled that these trips meant he had re-availed himself of his home country’s protection, causing him to lose his protected-person status and, automatically, his permanent residence.
His case is now heading toward a Federal Court of Appeal challenge that could have major implications for other former refugees who travel back to their home countries after becoming permanent residents.
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Money Matters: Grocery Prices Are Still Rising
There’s a little good news at the grocery store. Grocery inflation slowed from 3.9% in June to 3.1% in July, although food prices are still rising slightly faster than Canada’s overall inflation rate.
Not everything is moving in the same direction. Chicken prices rose just 0.3%, while fresh fruit jumped 6.1% compared with last year.
When prices are changing at different rates, reviewing your grocery budget and adjusting what you buy can help keep monthly spending under control.
Career Moves: Make LinkedIn Work for Your Canadian Job Search
LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for newcomers looking for work in Canada, especially when you’re still building a professional network.
A few ways to make LinkedIn work harder for your job search:
Complete your profile: Add a professional photo, clear headline, work experience and relevant skills.
Build real connections: Personalize connection requests and focus on relationships rather than immediately asking for a job.
Stay visible: Share industry news, comment on posts and keep your experience and skills updated.
Use job-search tools: Set up job alerts, follow employers and turn on “Open to Work.”
Tailor your applications: Adjust your resume and cover letter for each Canadian job you apply for.
Tip: An active LinkedIn profile can help recruiters find you, but networking and targeted applications are just as important.
Today's Tip: Get Comfortable With Online Banking
Online and mobile banking can make managing money in Canada much easier, but the tools may work differently from what you’re used to.
Learning how to pay bills, check your accounts and send Interac e-Transfers online can make everyday banking simpler and help you keep a closer eye on your money.
If you’re still getting used to banking in Canada, our trusted partner Scotiabank offers resources for newcomers to help understand banking basics and set financial goals.
