January 8, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare
Your Immigration Updates
Canada is heading into a major “status cliff” in early 2026. Between January and March, 314,538 work permits are set to expire – the largest quarterly total on record.
That doesn’t mean everyone will lose status, but it does mean more people will be applying to renew, switch status, or pursue PR at the same time. When applications spike, backlogs grow, and delays or refusals become more likely, even for people doing things right.
If your permit expires in 2026, here are a few smart steps you can take now:
Check your expiry date early (don’t wait until the last month!)
Apply in good time, especially if you need documents like an LMIA or provincial support
If you apply before your permit expires, you may be able to stay under maintained status while IRCC processes your file
Avoid “dummy” applications just to buy time – they can backfire later
This year may feel tougher for a lot of temporary residents, but being proactive can make a real difference. The earlier you plan, the more options you’ll have.
Will Canada meet its 2026 study permit target? It’s hard to say, and that uncertainty matters if you’re planning to apply.
IRCC has set a target of 155,000 new study permits for students arriving in 2026 (and 408,000 total, including extensions). But with stricter rules, caps, and lower approval rates in some cases, Canada could fall short – not because students don’t want to come, but because fewer applications may get approved.
2026 could be the year the door quietly closes for many temporary residents in Canada. Staying in Canada may suddenly feel much harder than it used to.
And while that can feel like personal failure, it’s important to understand what’s really happening. This isn’t about people not being good enough – it’s about a system that’s changing on purpose and narrowing pathways at scale.
If this might affect you, now is the time to take things seriously. Hope is still possible, but planning needs to be realistic. Staying informed, acting early, and exploring every legitimate option to extend your status or build a new pathway could make the difference.
Immigration In The Media
Temporary foreign workers often earn more and move into better jobs after they become permanent residents, a new study found. Once workers are no longer tied to one employer, many switch jobs more easily, and that extra mobility helped boost earnings by about 5.7% within three years of getting PR.
The biggest pay jumps came when workers were able to move into new industries, not just to a different employer in the same field. It’s a helpful reminder of why permanent residence can open up more career options and why job flexibility matters
Did Someone Say Draw
PEI has announced its 2026 draw schedule, with 12 ITA draws spread monthly throughout the year.
If you’re hoping for an invitation, submit your EOI as soon as you qualify – profiles stay in the system for 6 months and can be considered in future draws.
If you’re planning a trip to Canada for 4+ months, we recommend getting a quote for private health insurance from Cigna Healthcare.
Money Matters: Know Your Personal Inflation Number
You hear about inflation all the time in the news, but inflation doesn’t feel the same for everyone. Even if the “official” inflation rate goes down, your costs might still be going up, especially if you spend a lot on rent, groceries, or transit.
A simple tip: figure out your personal inflation rate. That just means looking at what you spend each month and seeing what has gone up the most for you. It can help you plan your budget and make smarter money choices.
Want to calculate yours? StatsCan has a free tool you can use.
Career Moves: How to Research a Canadian Employer Before Applying
Not all Canadian employers are the same. Some offer fair pay, good working conditions, and room to grow, and others don’t. That’s why it’s worth spending a few minutes researching a company before you apply.
Here are a few easy things to check:
Pay: Look up the job title on Glassdoor or Indeed to see what people are actually earning. If the pay looks low for your city or province, that’s a red flag.
Reviews: Scan employee reviews for patterns (like high turnover, burnout, or poor management). One bad review isn’t a big deal, but repeated complaints matter.
Legitimacy: Make sure the company is real. Check for a proper website, a LinkedIn page with real employees, and a clear business presence online.
Newcomer-friendly clues: On LinkedIn, see if the company hires people with international backgrounds – it can be a good sign they’re open to newcomers.
A little research can help you avoid bad surprises and focus your energy on jobs that are actually worth applying for.
Want the full step-by-step checklist? Read our guide: How to Research a Canadian Employer Before Applying.
Today's Tip: Canada’s Winter Festivals Are Calling
Looking for something fun to do this winter in Canada? A winter festival is a great place to start. They’re easy to join (even if you go solo), and they’re one of the best ways to experience “real Canadian winter” in a fun way.
Here are a few popular winter festivals happening in mid-to-late January and February:
Winterlude (Ottawa) – late January into February, with skating, ice sculptures, and lots of free events.
Festival du Voyageur (Winnipeg) – February, full of music, food, and winter activities.
Québec Winter Carnival (Québec City) – February, one of Canada’s biggest winter festivals.
Silver Skate Festival (Edmonton) – February, with skating, snow art, and winter trails.
Even if you don’t love the cold, it’s worth going once – grab a hot drink, bundle up, and soak up the atmosphere.
