August 6, 2026 Edition
Your Immigration Update
Express Entry, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), and BC PNP all use points systems to rank candidates, but each one rewards different things. Knowing the differences can help you figure out where your profile has the best chance.
Express Entry gives the most weight to age, education, and language ability, since these matter no matter where in Canada you settle
BC PNP splits its points between human capital factors and job offer wage, and requires a qualifying job offer to apply
OINP's new Workforce Priority stream puts more than half its points toward employment and labour market factors, including Ontario work experience and earnings history
Express Entry currently does not award points for a job offer, but both provincial systems do, along with points for foreign work experience, current employment, and even earnings history in Canada.
IRCC is considering a new Express Entry category built specifically for AI and technology workers in 2027. The idea appears in the department's consultation document, which links it to Canada's National AI Strategy and points to occupations covered under the Global Talent Stream, like data scientists, software engineers, and programmers.
Back in 2025, IRCC removed most of those same occupations from the existing STEM category. If this new category goes ahead, it would restore priority access for tech workers, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
IRCC has updated its processing instructions for the Manitoba Workforce Transition Bridge, a temporary public policy that lets certain Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) candidates apply for an open work permit while they wait for a nomination.
To qualify, you need a Manitoba open work permit support letter dated on or before December 31, 2025, current employment in Manitoba, and proof you were placed in the MPNP Expression of Interest pool by that same date. The policy expires December 31, 2027, and the open work permit itself is valid for up to two years.
Did Someone Say Draw
IRCC issued 5,000 ITAs in a French-language category draw on August 6, with the CRS cut-off dropping to 391, the lowest for this category all year.
Read our full analysis to see what this means for Francophone candidates and what we expect from French draws later this year.
Immigration In The Media
The federal government has partially rolled back cuts it made earlier this year to health coverage for refugees and asylum-seekers. Since May, most people on the Interim Federal Health Program had to cover 30 percent of costs for services that used to be fully paid for. As of late July, certain items, including feeding supplies, breathing equipment, and hospital rehab, moved back to full coverage.
Ottawa says the change is routine and will barely make a dent on the roughly $200 million a year it expected to save. Health advocates think ongoing public pressure, including media coverage of families struggling to pay, may have played a role. They also note the fix is partial. Many other services people rely on still carry the 30 percent charge.
Money Matters: Give Every Dollar a Job Before Payday
A new survey found that 61% of Canadians have at least half of their next paycheque already committed to bills and everyday expenses before they even get paid. With the cost of living remaining high, many households are cutting back to stay on track.
Here are a few ways to take control of your budget:
Make a plan for each paycheque before it arrives.
Track your spending so you know where your money is going.
Avoid using credit cards for everyday expenses whenever possible.
Set aside even a small amount for savings if you can.
A simple budget won’t lower your bills, but it can help you feel more in control of your money.
Career Moves: Be Ready for a Background Check
Many employers in Canada carry out a background check before confirming a job offer. This usually happens after you’ve completed your interviews and accepted a conditional offer, so it’s often a sign that you’re close to being hired.
Here are a few ways to prepare:
Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile match.
Be honest about your work history, education, and qualifications.
Check what employers can see on your public social media.
Read any consent forms carefully before signing.
Most background checks are straightforward. Being honest and keeping your information up to date can help the process go smoothly.
Today's Tip: Feeling Lonely After Moving to Canada? You’re Not Alone
Moving to Canada often means leaving behind family, friends, and familiar routines. While finding a job and a place to live is a priority for many newcomers, building a new social circle can take much longer. Research shows immigrants are more likely to experience loneliness than Canadian-born Canadians, especially during their first few years in the country.
Read about the causes of loneliness after moving to Canada, its impact on well-being, and the resources available to help. From settlement agencies and community groups to mental health services and simple ways to meet new people, there are many ways to feel more connected.
