February 10, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Wise
Your Immigration Updates
Canada’s Vulnerable Worker Open Work Permit has surged in use, increasing from just over 1,000 approvals in 2022 to nearly 10,000 in 2025. In response, IRCC introduced a major overhaul of its operational instructions on February 6, 2026, aimed at improving clarity and consistency as application volumes rise.
Key takeaways include:
Clear examples of situations that do and do not constitute abuse
Stronger procedural fairness and more detailed refusal reasoning
Greater flexibility when handling missing or incomplete evidence
As this pathway becomes increasingly relied upon, understanding these changes is critical for both applicants and decision-makers.
We’ve updated our coverage of CRS score ranges for profiles currently in the Express Entry pool. Our key takeaway from this latest update? Even though the total number of profiles in the pool increased by roughly 1,800, the number of candidates with a CRS score between 501 and 600 actually fell by about 1,430. At the same time, the number of candidates scoring between 451 and 500 increased by 2,097, signalling a shift in where competition is concentrating as new profiles enter the pool, and we see larger CEC draws.
Why does this matter? Because looking at overall pool growth alone can be misleading. Changes within specific CRS ranges can reveal where competition may be easing, and where opportunities could be opening up for certain candidates.
North Bay has released its 2026 intake dates and updated priority sectors for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). While the list of eligible occupations remains unchanged, a new priority sector, natural and applied sciences, has been added, covering roles in engineering, IT, and other technical fields. Intake periods will open for roughly one week each month through November. Learn more here.
Immigration In The Media
Restaurant Canada says many workers had to leave last year because they couldn’t renew their permits, and more may leave this year. Even if the numbers aren’t huge, these are key roles that can be hard to fill locally. Without them, some restaurants may cut hours or close, especially in smaller communities, and the tourism sector could feel it too.
There’s also a human cost. Many workers were told: work hard, follow the rules, and you could earn permanent residence or even citizenship one day. Now, some are being told they have to leave after building a life in Canada.
What’s clear is how much these workers matter to their teams and communities. For newcomers, it’s a reminder that your work makes a real impact, and that keeping up with updates can help you avoid surprises and prepare for what’s next.
Don’t miss Moving2Canada’s live webinar on building financial stability in Canada, brought to you in partnership with Scotiabank
Joined by Sajedeh Eskandari, Senior Financial Advisor at Scotiabank, we’ll break down what smart money planning looks like when you’re new to Canada – from surviving to thriving, practical next steps at every stage, and how Scotiabank can support your plan.
Join us Thursday, February 12 on your favourite platform:
Money Matters: Getting Ready for 2025 Tax Filing Season
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will most likely open the tax filing season for the 2025 tax year from February 23, 2026. That means it’s time to start getting ready to file taxes!
Most people in Canada need to file and pay by April 30, 2026. If you (or your spouse/partner) were self-employed, you can file as late as June 15, 2026, but any tax you owe is still due April 30.
Filing on time helps you avoid penalties, and you might actually be in line for a tax refund. Your money (sometimes even a four-figure sum) could be sitting with the government when it should be in your bank account
Not sure how to file, what forms you need, or whether you even have to file? Our step-by-step guide breaks down the Canadian tax return in plain language, especially for newcomers.
Career Moves: Track Your Job Applications
Job hunting gets messy fast. A simple tracking system helps you stay on top of deadlines, interviews, and follow-ups.
Try this:
Make a quick spreadsheet with: company, job title, date applied, link, and status (applied / interview / rejected / offer).
Set a reminder to follow up 7–14 days after you apply.
Write a follow-up email template, but always double-check the company name, role, and details before you hit send.
Pro tip: A polite follow-up shows you’re serious and organized, and that can help you stand out.
Get practical tips to help you find a job in Canada, from resumes to interviews and networking.
Today's Tip: Make International Money Transfers Easier with Wise
Whether you’re moving to Canada or you’re already here, Wise can help if you need to send or receive money internationally.
A simple way to avoid mistakes: set up Wise, verify your ID, and do a small test transfer first (like $20–$50). Once it goes through, you’ll know your bank details are correct—then you can transfer bigger amounts for things like rent, tuition, family support, or savings.
Our team member, Steph, plus her family, use Wise to manage international transfers between Canada and Australia. If she’s sending money back for family birthdays — or if she’s lucky enough to get some money from her family for special occasions, she finds that Wise makes these transfers really simple and inexpensive.
