News. For Newcomers | January 13, 2026

From January 9, 2026, Ottawa will resume processing low-wage LMIAs in eight regions, including Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Kingston. These areas were previously paused, but they’re back on the table because their unemployment rates dropped below 6%.

Why should you care? Because without a positive or neutral LMIA, many workers can’t apply for or renew a TFWP work permit. So if your job is in one of these regions, this change may reopen an option that was basically frozen last quarter.

The list is updated periodically, and the next update is expected on April 10, 2026, so things can change again pretty quickly. It’s important to keep this in mind as you build your immigration pathway plans for the years ahead.

Ontario just made it easier for internationally trained doctors to apply for provincial nomination. As of January 1, 2026, eligible self-employed physicians can apply to the OINP Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without needing a job offer or a letter from a health authority.

If you’re already working as a physician in Ontario and billing through OHIP, this removes a major barrier.

To qualify, you need to:

If you’re a physician building a long-term plan in Ontario, this update is worth a look. It could also support faster work permit processing after nomination while PR is underway.

At a recent anti-immigration rally in downtown Toronto, a counter-protest also took place to support immigrants and speak out against hate. City councillors and community groups showed up to remind people that racism and blaming immigrants are not okay. Toronto police said several people were arrested during the events.

Seeing stories like this can be upsetting, especially if you’re new to Canada. It’s important to know that many people, groups, and leaders across the country support immigrants and believe they belong here.

If you ever feel worried or unsafe, look for local community groups, newcomer centres, or trusted organizations. You don’t have to deal with it alone.

Yukon has confirmed 282 nominations for its 2026 Yukon Nominee Program, with two intake windows confirmed: Jan 19–30 and Jul 6–17.

This newsletter is sponsored by our trusted partner, Focus Frame French. With expert classes from native French teachers Focus Frame French can help you learn French and pass your French language test in just a few months (even if you don’t know any French yet).

Plus with an exclusive offer for the Moving2Canada community, you can enjoy $50 off every month with code M2C.

In 2025, Canada’s average used-car price rose, but that doesn’t mean every used car got more expensive. A big reason the average went up is that more people bought newer, bigger, and pricier vehicles (like SUVs, trucks, and EVs). That can push the “average” higher, even if many regular models are staying flat or even getting cheaper.

So if you’re shopping in early 2026, ignore the hype around year-end “discounts” and focus on like-for-like comparisons.

Here’s a simple way to tell if you’re getting a real deal:

Sometimes the best deals aren’t the ones with the biggest “price drop” tag. They’re the ones that are priced below the real market range for the same vehicle. When you’re ready, here’s our step-by-step guide to buying a car in Canada.

Canada’s job market is changing, but one thing is clear for 2026: employers are still hiring most for “people-first” jobs. Think roles that keep businesses running day to day, support customers, and fill essential gaps in health care and logistics.

A new roundup of Canada’s top jobs for 2026 highlights roles like sales reps, admin assistants, customer service, bookkeepers, office administrators, and forklift operators. On the health-care side, RPNs, LPNs, and RNs remain in high demand and offer some of the highest pay.

If you’re job hunting (or planning a move), here’s how to use this list:

These “in-demand” lists aren’t guarantees, but they’re a helpful shortcut when you’re deciding where to focus your time.

Language skills are one of the biggest factors in Canada’s immigration programs, especially Express Entry. If you’re applying in 2026, it’s smart to start preparing early with a study plan, practice tests, or tutoring if you need it.

High scores on IELTS, PTE Core, or CELPIP (English) and TEF or TCF (French) can raise your CRS score and improve your chances of getting an invitation. French could also be a smart move for Express Entry, as it was one of the biggest invitation categories last year. So, if you’re thinking about improving your skills, our partner Focus Frame French is a great place to start.

Better English or French can also help you get a job faster and settle into your new community more easily. The earlier you start, the easier it is to reach your target score in 2026.

Not sure which language test you need? Here’s a breakdown of the language tests accepted for Canadian immigration.