February 18, 2026 Edition
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Hi there,
We’re sending today’s newsletter a little early because we’ve got some big news to share!
And don’t worry – if there’s an Express Entry draw later today, we’ll still send a separate email with all the details as soon as it happens.
Your Immigration Updates
IRCC just announced the Express Entry categories for 2026. The goal is to keep immigration at “sustainable levels” while still bringing in the workers Canada needs.
One key focus this year is on physicians with Canadian work experience (announced in 2025). IRCC says the first invitations for this group should happen in the next few days.
IRCC is also adding new categories for:
Researchers and senior managers with Canadian work experience.
Transport workers, like pilots and aircraft mechanics.
Highly skilled military recruits in key roles, such as doctors, nurses, and pilots.
They’re also sticking with many of the same categories from 2025. Expect more draws for French speakers, along with continued focus on health care and social services, education and trades, and a renewed focus on STEM. However, the eligibility criteria have changed for all these categories. If you were eligible before, make sure you still qualify under the updated requirements.
Express Entry in 2026 is clearly focused on people who are already working in Canada – or who can fill key skill gaps fast. If you’re in one of these fields, this could be your year to make a move.
IRCC has released new Express Entry admissions data for 2025, showing who actually became a permanent resident through Express Entry (not just who was invited).
Here are the main takeaways:
Most admissions came through: CEC and PNP.
Top job group: Natural and applied sciences (think tech + engineering).
Top destination: Ontario (more than half of all admissions).
Gender trend: More women admitted than in past years.
Top source country: India (about 44,000 admissions).
The breakdown is one of the best clues we have about what IRCC focused on in 2025 and what could matter most in Express Entry this year.
Immigration In The Media
After Canada put caps on international student permits, IRCC’s own data shows new study-permit arrivals fell sharply in 2025 compared with 2024. So now IRCC is running a social media push aimed at master’s and PhD students, saying: “We want the world’s top talent.”
The pitch is simple:
Faster processing for PhD applicants (IRCC says it can be as fast as 2 weeks if you’re eligible and apply online).
Family can apply to come with you (and may be processed faster if they apply with you).
As of Jan 1, 2026, some graduate students won’t need a provincial attestation letter (PAL/TAL).
Stay and work in Canada after your studies with a work permit.
Even though the crackdown wasn’t meant to target top universities, that is what’s happened. Now Ottawa is trying to reset the story with fewer students overall, but more “high-skill” research talent.
Money Matters: Don’t Let Credit Score Myths Cost You
A lot of newcomers get tripped up by credit score myths, and that can cost you real money.
Don’t carry a credit card balance “to build credit.” That myth can get expensive fast, because you’ll pay interest for no real benefit. What matters more is how much of your limit you use (your “credit utilization”).
A good rule is to try to stay under 30% of your limit. So if your limit is $1,000, aim to keep your balance under $300. Also, checking your score in your banking app is often a soft check, which doesn’t lower your score. It’s a simple way to spot problems early and track your progress.
Want the full list of myths (and what actually helps your score)? Read: 7 Credit Score Myths Newcomers To Canada Should Ignore.
Career Moves: How to Prepare Your References for a Canadian Job Check
Reference checks are a normal part of hiring in Canada, and they often happen right before an offer. An employer will usually call 1–3 past supervisors to confirm your job details and ask how you worked with others, things like teamwork, reliability, and whether they’d rehire you.
The good news is that you can prepare for this step and avoid surprises:
Ask for permission first (don’t list anyone without checking).
Give them a heads-up when the reference check is coming – include the company name and timeline.
Share key details: the job title, plus a link or screenshot of the posting.
Make it easy for them: send 3–5 bullet points on what to highlight (aligned with what you said in your interview).
If your references are outside Canada, that’s totally fine – just plan for time zones and remind them Canadian employers may ask more direct questions about communication and collaboration. And after it’s done, remember to send a quick thank-you.
Today's Tip: Don’t Wait Until Your “Grace Period” Is Almost Over
In many provinces, you can only drive on your foreign licence for a short time after you become a resident (often 60–90 days, depending on where you live). So if you’re already in Canada, check your province’s rules now and book your tests/appointments early; wait times can be brutal.
Don’t leave it too late. If your grace period ends while you’re still waiting for a test or appointment, you may have to stop driving until you get the right licence – and you don’t want to be caught driving without it.
Also, if your licence isn’t in English or French, get an official translation (or an International Driving Permit) before your road test or your licence-exchange appointment.
Find your province’s steps here → How To Get A Driver’s Licence in Canada.
