August 5, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Scotiabank
Your Immigration Update
IRCC has started public consultation on economic priorities and Express Entry categories for 2027. The consultation proposal identifies three broad priorities:
Addressing long-term labour shortages, possibly with a narrower list of occupations than before
Attracting and retaining top talent, including researchers, AI professionals, and U.S. H-1B visa holders
Supporting Francophone immigration outside Quebec through the French-language proficiency category
The consultation will run until September 1, and IRCC will likely announce the final categories in February 2027.
2025 data shows category-based selection through Express Entry didn't work the same way for every group. Some categories favoured candidates already in Canada, others favoured applicants abroad, and a few produced barely any invitations at all.
French-language proficiency candidates received the most invitations, and 78 percent went to candidates outside Canada
Trades strongly favoured candidates already in Canada, but had the highest average CRS cut-off among categories
STEM saw a 50-50 split between in-Canada and overseas candidates, but under 6,000 invitations were issued
Category eligibility didn't always mean a dedicated draw. In some cases, like STEM and agriculture, candidates were mostly invited through other Express Entry rounds instead.
Canada may create a new Express Entry category just for U.S. H-1B visa holders. The proposal appears in IRCC's public consultation on Express Entry categories for 2027, which asks whether candidates who hold an H-1B visa, and work mainly in STEM occupations, should get their own dedicated pathway.
A category like this could let Canada compete for global talent by offering eligible H-1B workers a simple route to permanent status, the equivalent of a U.S. green card.
Nothing is confirmed yet. If it goes ahead, holding an H-1B visa wouldn't be enough on its own. You'd still need to qualify for an Express Entry program and build a competitive profile.
In Other News
Hundreds of international graduates from Portage College protested in Edmonton last week after receiving PGWP refusals for a diploma program they believed made them eligible. IRCC says its eligibility rules haven't changed, but its website was updated in June to clarify that non-credit programs don’t qualify for PGWPs.
Did Someone Say Draw
IRCC has issued 3,000 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a new Canadian Experience Class (CEC) draw, with a CRS cut-off of 516.
Read our full analysis to see what this means for CEC candidates, and what we expect from Express Entry draws later this year.
Immigration In The Media
An IRCC evaluation has found that Canada's Self-Employed Persons Program is no longer fit for purpose within the country's economic immigration system. The program, which offers permanent residence to exceptional artists and athletes, had an average refusal rate of 69 percent between 2014 and 2024, and applicants who submitted after July 2022 could wait more than 10 years for a decision. IRCC says vague eligibility rules and the lack of a clear target population are largely to blame.
Despite the criticism, the evaluation found the program still fills a real gap, since self-employment doesn't count toward eligibility under other economic programs like the Canadian Experience Class. IRCC is now redesigning the program, with new policy options expected by the end of 2026. The program currently remains paused to new applications.
Money Matters: Plan Your Finances Before You Arrive
Starting your studies in Canada is about more than getting a study permit, it’s also important to have a financial plan. Tuition, rent, groceries, and other everyday expenses can add up quickly, so knowing what to expect before you arrive can make settling in much easier.
A few key things to plan for include:
Tuition and housing, which are usually your biggest expenses.
A monthly budget for food, transportation, and other living costs.
Building a Canadian credit history by using a credit card responsibly.
Saving important financial documents, which may help with future immigration applications.
Planning ahead can help you avoid financial stress and make the most of your time as an international student in Canada.
Career Moves: What to Do If You’re Overqualified
If you’re applying for jobs in Canada but not getting interviews, your experience could be part of the reason. Some employers worry that highly experienced candidates won’t stay in the role for long, even if they’re a great fit.
Here are a few ways to improve your chances:
Tailor your resume to match each job.
Explain why you’re interested in the role, even if it’s a step down.
Be ready to answer questions about your experience in interviews.
Being overqualified doesn’t mean you won’t get hired. Showing employers that you’re committed to the role can help you stand out.
Today's Tip: Start Planning for Homeownership Early
Buying a home in Canada may feel like a long-term goal, but many newcomers become homeowners within a few years of getting permanent residence. A Statistics Canada report found that economic immigrants often reach homeownership rates similar to Canadian-born individuals within five years.
Building savings, establishing a Canadian credit history, and considering more affordable places to live can all make homeownership more achievable. Planning ahead and managing your finances early can help put you in a stronger position when you’re ready to buy.
