News. For Newcomers | January 7, 2026

IRCC just invited 8,000 Canadian Experience Class candidates to apply for permanent residence in the first CEC Express Entry round for 2026. This huge round is the second largest round ever in CEC — meaning its the largest outside of that one mammoth draw inviting everyone in the pool in 2021.

The CRS cut-off (511!) gave us a glimpse into how competitive the pool is at the moment too. The last time we saw a CEC round with a lower cut-off was September 2024. In 2024, rounds inviting 4,000 or 5,000 people attracted cut-offs of 509-510. So, the fact that a round of 8,000 invitations has a cut-off of 511 shows just how competitive the pool is today compared to past years.

Congratulations to everyone who received an invitation in this round!

If you’d like to learn more, read our detailed analysis of this draw.

At the end of 2024, we made some Express Entry predictions for 2025. Now that the year is over, we looked back to see what we got right and what surprised us.

Here’s the quick recap:

The big takeaway? 2025 didn’t follow a clear pattern. Even when the goals stayed the same, draws changed often and without much warning. Going into 2026, it’s not just CRS scores that matter – it’s consistency too.

If you’re planning to study in Quebec in 2026, you’ll need to show a lot more money up front. Starting January 1, 2026, Quebec increased its proof of funds requirement – the amount you must show to cover living costs (not tuition).

For a single adult student, the minimum jumps from $15,508 in 2025 to $24,617 in 2026, an increase of $9,109. The increase is even bigger for families. For example, two adults and two children now need $49,234, up more than $21,000 from last year.

Quebec says the higher amount is meant to reflect real living costs and help students avoid financial stress after arriving. If you’re studying there, it’s a good idea to start planning early, explore scholarships, and compare costs with other provinces.

Canada is bringing in a few new rules in 2026 that could affect immigration, taxes, and everyday costs. Here are the big ones:

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Greater Vancouver had its lowest home sales in more than 20 years in 2025. Only 23,800 homes sold, which is down 10% from 2024 and far below the usual average.

At the same time, more than 65,000 homes were listed, so buyers had more choice and sellers had a harder time. Prices also dropped across detached homes, condos, and townhouses.

Looking ahead, experts say 2026 could be better for buyers. With lower prices, lower borrowing costs, and lots of homes for sale, buyers are starting the year with more favourable conditions.

Those ready to shop may finally have a bit more breathing room and a better chance to find the right place. So, if you’re hoping to get on the property ladder in Canada, check out our guide to buying your first home.

A new 2026 university ranking looked at which Canadian schools are best at helping students get ready for work after graduation. It focused on things like strong programs, student support, and real connections to employers.

The University of Toronto came in at #1, followed by McGill and UBC. Ontario schools showed up a lot, with 9 of the top 20 universities based in the province. The ranking looked at teaching quality, funding, student supports, industry reputation, and job networks.

If you’re choosing a school in Canada (or thinking about switching), this is a good reminder to look past the school’s name. Things like co-op programs, internships, and employer connections can make a big difference when it’s time to find a job.

If you’re applying as an international student, it’s a good idea to check which schools have the best study permit approval rates before you decide where to apply.