February 4, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare
Your Immigration Updates
Alberta’s update to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) shows just how much interest there is. As of January 13, the province had 45,659 worker Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in its pool, for just 6,403 nominations available for 2026.
There are also extra nomination spots for practice-ready doctors and French-speaking candidates. If you qualify, your nomination won’t use up Alberta’s 6,403 spots.
With only 111 nominations issued so far this year, Alberta still has the majority of its quota left. But the pools are already crowded, and timelines can be long. You may have a better chance of being nominated through targeted pathways like health care, French-language streams, or priority-sector draws.
Canada’s immigration minister wants a better way to track temporary residents who leave Canada when their permits expire. Right now, the border agency can see who is leaving and how they travel, but it can’t tell if someone is leaving because their work, study, or visitor permit ended.
IRCC says this matters because Canada is trying to lower the number of temporary residents in the next few years. Without clear exit data, it’s hard to know if targets are being met.
If an “exit tracker” is introduced, it would give the government clearer data on temporary resident movement and help with immigration planning.
Immigration In The Media
Canadian university presidents are travelling to India this week to build stronger ties. This trip is not just about recruiting students. Instead, it is about rebuilding trust and creating new partnerships, especially in research and innovation.
More than 20 university leaders are part of the delegation. They will meet with Indian universities and government officials over five days. They are also looking at new study models, such as “split degrees,” in which students complete the first part of a program in India and finish in Canada.
The visit comes as Canada and India try to improve their relationship after recent tensions. It also comes ahead of other meetings this year, including talks on artificial intelligence and a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Mark Carney in March.
Did Someone Say Draw
New Brunswick held two draws on February 2, 2026, inviting 166 candidates through the Express Entry Stream (Employment in New Brunswick) and 160 through the Strategic Initiative focused on Francophone priorities.
Cigna healthcare offers flexible international health plans for newcomers. If you’re looking for a health insurance policy for cover in Canada lasting 4 months or more, we recommend getting a quote from Cigna Healthcare.
Money Matters: How Much Income Tax Will You Pay in Canada?
Income tax in Canada isn’t the same everywhere – it depends on which province or territory you live in. That’s because you pay federal tax, and provincial/territorial tax, which can vary a lot.
In this guide, we explain Canada’s current tax brackets in plain language and show simple examples of how taxes differ between provinces.
As well as covering what to know if you live in one province but work in another (including remote work). It’s a helpful read for newcomers getting ready for tax season.
Career Moves: Remote Work in Canada in 2026
Remote work still exists in Canada, but it’s less common in 2026. Many employers prefer hybrid or in-office, so fully remote jobs are harder to get. This article explains what employers expect and how to find remote work.
If you want a remote job, here’s what to do:
Expect more competition: Remote roles can get hundreds of applications.
Show you can be trusted: Highlight results, meeting deadlines, and working well without being supervised.
Prove your communication + tech skills: Be comfortable with tools like Zoom/Teams, Slack, and shared calendars.
Think about time zones: Many employers want you working similar hours to the rest of the team.
Ask about flexibility the smart way: Bring it up in interviews by asking how the team balances remote and in-office work.
Today's Tip: Use Livability Rankings to Help Pick Where to Live
The Globe and Mail has released its 2026 list of Canada’s most livable cities. The big takeaway? The #1 city overall isn’t always the easiest place to start for newcomers.
North Vancouver tops the list for lifestyle and mild weather, but housing costs are high. If you want a bigger city with strong job options, Ottawa is another of the top major-city picks. Pitt Meadows and West Vancouver also rank well for people who want a smaller, quieter community near Vancouver. Regina stands out for affordability and a strong sense of community, as long as you’re ready for colder winters.
Even with rankings like these, the best city for you is the one that matches your budget, career goals, and day-to-day lifestyle.
