News. For Newcomers | December 9, 2025

In light of yesterday’s new Express Entry category announcement, we’ve taken a closer look at what could be coming next: a merge between category draws and the Canadian Experience Class in 2026. If this hybrid approach expands next year, it would reshape who benefits from category selection.

In-Canada workers in targeted jobs could see more routes to an ITA, beyond the usual CEC rounds. And because some of those candidates would be invited through hybrid draws instead, competition in regular CEC-only draws could ease.

For applicants outside Canada, the picture is different. Categories that have historically issued many invitations abroad could tilt inward, leaving fewer direct Express Entry options from overseas unless you first build Canadian work experience. French draws may remain the standout outland pathway, but that depends on how far IRCC takes this shift. Read the full breakdown to see the data and what it could mean for you.

By the end of 2025, tens of thousands of former international students will see their post-graduation work permits expire, and most won’t have a realistic way to stay. In this piece, we follow Nicolas, a Canadian-educated, high-skilled graduate who did everything “right,” yet still had to leave when his PGWP ended.

His story mirrors a much bigger trend: over 31,000 PGWPs expire by December 31, and only a small share of graduates are able to extend status or transition to PR. We break down the numbers, the policy gaps, and what Canada risks losing if this wave slips away.

Prince Edward Island received a late-year boost to its PNP allocations. Ottawa granted P.E.I. an extra 575 spaces for 2025 through the PNP and Atlantic Immigration Program, raising the province’s total to 1,600. And with ongoing labour shortages across construction, health care, and other essential sectors, the timing couldn’t be more relevant.

The recent French-language Express Entry draws have triggered a wave of debate online. Many applicants say their frustration isn’t directed at francophone candidates, but at the perceived reality that these draws are replacing economic-class invitations they’ve been waiting months or years for.

More applicants now see French as the only realistic path to PR, with some even considering major life changes – from quitting jobs to enrolling in immersion programs, to reach NCLC 7+. While many admire the determination, others say it reflects how unpredictable the system has become.

ICYMI: A massive PNP Express Entry draw took place yesterday, issuing 1,123 ITAs.

Manitoba draw issued 184 Letters of Advice to Apply

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The 2025 tax year ends December 31, and Canada is lining up several 2026 updates that could affect your take-home pay. A proposed federal change would lower the lowest marginal tax rate to 14%, meaning most newcomers and residents could keep more of what they earn (up to $420 per person).

At the same time, CPP and EI maximums are rising, TFSA room stays at $7,000, and RRSP limits inch up for higher earners. We break down the new brackets, what’s changing, and how to plan now.

Canada’s job market delivered some welcome good news in November 2025, with unemployment dropping to 6.5% and 54,000 new jobs added. Youth employment jumped, and sectors like health care, food services, and natural resources helped drive momentum. Provinces such as Alberta, New Brunswick, and Manitoba led the gains, offering brighter prospects for job seekers.

But even with jobs being added, fewer workers feel secure in their roles compared to recent years, especially younger Canadians. For newcomers, this mix of growth and uncertainty highlights the value of staying flexible, exploring high-growth regions, and building skills that open doors across multiple industries.

If the early winter chill is already creeping in, a simple new hobby can make the days feel a little brighter. It doesn’t have to be skating or skiing (unless you want the full winter experience).

Even simple things like learning to make some Canadian dishes, joining a local book club, or trying indoor climbing can make the season feel lighter. Little things like that can break up the darker days, and they’re a great way to start getting involved in your local community.