News. For Newcomers | August 26, 2026

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Canada has opened a new intake for the Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot, with space for up to 2,970 study permit applications.

The pilot is for French-speaking students from 33 eligible countries who want to study outside Quebec. To qualify, you need to attend a participating school and have at least NCLC 5 French.

One of the biggest benefits is the pathway to permanent residence. Eligible students can apply directly for PR after graduation, without having to qualify through Express Entry or a PNP. Applications are open until August 25, 2027, or until all available spaces are filled.

International students at Ontario universities will pay more for health insurance this school year. From September 1, 2026, the annual UHIP premium will rise from $792 to $948. That’s an increase of $156, or nearly 20%.

UHIP covers many essential services, including doctor visits and hospital care. But it does not cover everything. Prescription drugs, routine dental care and vision care are among the common gaps.

If you’re studying in Ontario, add the higher UHIP fee to your budget and check exactly what your plan covers. You may also want to compare supplementary health insurance if you need extra coverage.

Newfoundland and Labrador issued 140 Invitations to Apply on August 26, 2026.

British Columbia issued 16 invitations in an Entrepreneur Immigration draw on August 25.

Prince Edward Island issued 181 invitations through its Labour and Express Entry streams on August 20.

Quebec’s next government could face some big decisions on immigration after the provincial election expected on October 5.

Experts say the province will need to balance concerns about housing and public services with a need for workers as more Quebecers retire. Recent immigration changes, including the closure and later temporary reopening of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), have also created uncertainty for newcomers and employers.

If you’re planning to immigrate to Quebec, the election could lead to further changes. Keep an eye on party immigration proposals and avoid relying on one pathway until there is more clarity.

Several government benefit payments are coming in September 2026. If you’re new to Canada, it’s worth checking whether you qualify and when your payment could arrive.

Key dates include:

One important tip for newcomers: file your tax return every year, even if you earned little or no income. The CRA uses your tax return to calculate many benefits and credits.

If you have children, you may be able to apply for the Canada Child Benefit before filing your first Canadian tax return, depending on your status in Canada.

Canada has changed how it calculates limits on low-wage temporary foreign workers for employers with several small locations.

The cap can now be calculated separately for each work location with fewer than 10 employees, rather than across the whole company. This could allow businesses with several small locations, such as restaurants, retail stores and franchises, to hire more low-wage workers.

Eligible locations may be able to hire one low-wage temporary foreign worker under the standard 10% cap, or two in sectors with a 20% cap. Other LMIA rules still apply, including recruitment, wage and location requirements.

Moving to Canada comes with a long to-do list. Our Essential Canada Travel & Arrival Checklist can help you stay organized before you leave and during your first week in Canada.

It covers everything from travel documents and pre-departure essentials to the key tasks you’ll need to take care of once you arrive.

Use the checklist to keep track of what you’ve done and what’s still left to do.