News. For Newcomers | February 5, 2026

New Brunswick changed how it selects immigration applicants from February 3, 2026. Instead of first-come, first-served, eligible applicants are now placed in a pool, and the province will select candidates based on which jobs are most needed (applications can expire after 365 days if not selected).

The changes affect the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), NB Skilled Worker, and NB Express Entry.

Key updates:

If you’re planning to apply, double-check whether your occupation is affected and adjust your plan early.

A new StatsCan survey is trying to answer a simple question: what is it actually like to work in Canada? It asks workers about real-life stuff like hours, stress, safety, training, job security, and work-life balance.

Moving to Canada is a big reset – new city, new rules, new workplace culture. The last thing you want is to accept a job, land here (or switch jobs after you’ve already settled), and realize the hours, time off, or benefits aren’t what you expected.

The basics like paid sick days, vacation, and health benefits can vary a lot by employer and job, even within the same industry. Having the right info helps you spot red flags early and go into interviews with smarter questions, before you say yes.

Thunder Bay’s Rural Community Immigration Pilot is helping smaller communities fill real job gaps. So far, more than 800 people have been supported through the program, including workers and their families.

The pilot is employer-led, which means local businesses recommend workers they can’t find locally. These workers can come to Thunder Bay, work in needed jobs, and apply for permanent residence. The program focuses on areas like health care, trades, transportation, sales, and community services. These are jobs that are hard to fill, but they help keep local businesses running and growing.

Local leaders say programs like this still matter, even as Canada limits immigration overall. They say rural and northern communities still need workers to support their economy and keep local services strong.

On February 4, the British Columbia PNP issued 429 High Economic Impact invitations. 206 to candidates with a $70/hour ($145,000/year) job offer in TEER 0–3, and 223 to candidates with a minimum score of 138.

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:

Not all well-paid jobs in Canada require a university degree. Some diploma and trades roles earn as much or more than jobs that need years of school. Before spending money on more education, check which jobs already pay well at your education level.

Smart move: Use Canada’s Job Bank to compare median wages by education level. You might find that a short diploma, certification, or apprenticeship can boost your income faster (and cheaper) than going back for a full degree.

Getting a job offer is a big deal, so take a moment to celebrate. Then remember you don’t have to say yes right away. In Canada, it’s normal to ask for 24–48 hours to review the offer, get it in writing, and ask a few questions so you understand the full package (salary, bonus, benefits, vacation, start date, probation, and more).

This guide shares 10 simple tips to help you negotiate without feeling awkward or “pushy.” It shows you how to ask for a higher salary in a calm way, figure out your “yes” number ahead of time, and focus on your top 1–3 requests. And if the salary truly can’t move, it gives you other options to ask for – like extra vacation, a hybrid schedule, a signing bonus, or even an earlier salary review at six months.

The goal is to advocate for yourself politely and start your new job feeling confident about what you agreed to.

Whether you’re already in Canada or planning to study here, don’t choose a program based on the school name alone. Think about how the program fits your career goals, immigration plans, and budget.

With more competition for study permits and limits on post-graduation work permits, programs linked to in-demand jobs and offered by public institutions may give you better long-term options. A little planning now can make a big difference later.