News. For Newcomers | July 14, 2026

If your employer plans to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), an important rule change is coming on July 17. Most provinces will see higher wage thresholds, which could change whether a job is processed under the high-wage or low-wage stream.

This matters because low-wage LMIAs have stricter rules, shorter work permits, and may not be processed in some areas with higher unemployment. If you’re planning to work in Canada through an LMIA, the new wage thresholds could affect your job offer and work permit.

Good news for some employers and temporary foreign workers: 15 Canadian cities are now eligible for low-wage LMIA processing after Employment and Social Development Canada updated regional unemployment rates on July 10. That’s up from 11 cities last quarter, with places like Halifax, Winnipeg, and Regina becoming eligible again.

Employers generally cannot apply for a low-wage LMIA in cities where unemployment is 6% or higher. If your job offer depends on a low-wage LMIA, whether your city is eligible could determine if your application can move forward. The next update to the list is expected on October 9, 2026.

Newfoundland and Labrador invited 129 candidates on July 10, issuing 89 invitations through the NLPNP Skilled Worker stream and 40 through the Atlantic Immigration Program.

British Columbia invited at least 343 candidates on July 9 through targeted Skills Immigration draws for construction trades, healthcare, childcare, and veterinary care occupations.

As Alberta prepares for its October referendum, local ethnic media and immigrant community members say many people are confused by the proposed immigration questions and what they could mean in practice.

The referendum includes questions about giving Alberta more control over immigration, limiting access to some provincial services for temporary residents, and other immigration-related policies. Some community members told CBC they are worried about the impact on newcomers, while others say the questions are unclear and that many voters may not fully understand what they are being asked.

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Rentals.ca.

Not having a Canadian credit history can make it harder to rent an apartment, but it doesn’t have to stop you. Many landlords are willing to consider other proof that you’re a reliable tenant.

You can strengthen your application by showing proof of income or savings, providing references from previous landlords, or including a letter from your employer. Some newcomers also choose to offer an extra month’s rent upfront where permitted. Starting to build your Canadian credit early by opening a bank account and using a credit card responsibly can also make future rental applications easier.

Read our guide to learn about the five biggest challenges newcomers face when renting in Canada and how to overcome them.

Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in June, marking the second month in a row that fewer people were out of work. While job growth slowed compared to May, employers still added 18,000 new jobs, with accommodation and food services seeing the biggest gains.

For newcomers, the latest figures suggest the labour market is becoming more stable. Youth unemployment also dropped, while provinces including Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec saw strong employment growth. Wages continued to rise as well, with average hourly pay reaching $37.20, up 3.3% from a year ago.

Vancouver has been ranked the 9th most liveable city in the world in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2026 Global Liveability Index, making it the only North American city to reach the top 10. The ranking highlights Vancouver’s strong healthcare, education, infrastructure, safety, and access to nature.

However, the ranking doesn’t take affordability into account. Vancouver remains one of Canada’s most expensive cities, with a one-bedroom apartment downtown costing around $2,600 per month. If you’re planning your move to Canada, it’s worth balancing quality of life with housing costs, job opportunities, and your budget before deciding where to settle.

Before choosing where to settle, compare rental prices across Canada with Rentals.ca and see which city fits your lifestyle and budget.