News. For Newcomers | July 2, 2026

In the first half of 2026, IRCC issued nearly 90,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through Express Entry, making it one of the busiest six-month periods in Express Entry history. The total ITAs for the first half of 2026 is more than double the number of invitations issued during the same period in both 2025 and 2024.

The increase in invitations was not spread evenly across all Express Entry draw types. Instead, most of the growth in ITAs came from the following:

With such a strong first half of the year, many Express Entry hopefuls are wondering how IRCC will approach the rest of 2026. Will the high number of ITAs continue? Or, will IRCC slow down the rate of invitations in the second half of the year? Read our full analysis for more details.

Internal IRCC documents suggest that immigration officials are reviewing how Express Entry's category-based draws are working and if there’s room for improvement. The documents raise questions about whether broad occupation categories effectively target labour shortages. The documents note that single occupations can dominate category-based invitation rounds, even when the draw targets an entire sector of occupations.

The documents also examine Francophone immigration, noting that a large share of French-speaking candidates invited to strengthen communities outside Quebec ultimately settle in Quebec instead. While the documents do not signal any immediate policy changes, they offer a rare look at the issues IRCC is monitoring as it considers the future of category-based draws.

According to a new report, about two-thirds of Canadians agree that multiculturalism has contributed positively to the country’s identity.

This is positive news for newcomers and policymakers alike, many of whom have been concerned about a rise in negative opinions over Canada’s high immigration levels in recent years. Despite those concerns, it appears that a strong majority of Canadians continue to recognize the positive benefits of a diversity of cultures in Canada.

The findings come from The Canadian Diversity Study 2026, which was published on June 30 by the the Environics Institute and Global Migration Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University.

If you need to ship bulky items to or from Canada, The Relocator is the place to start. With a network of over 500 reputable shipping companies, you can get up to six free quotes for your move.

Auto insurance is getting more expensive across Canada, and newcomers often pay some of the highest rates because they don’t yet have a Canadian driving history. In Ontario and Alberta, premiums have increased sharply in recent years, driven by higher repair costs, vehicle theft, and more expensive insurance claims.

The good news is that there are ways to save. Our guide explains why prices are rising, how insurance costs compare across Canada, and what you can do to lower your premiums. It also looks at alternatives like car sharing and long-term rentals, which can help you save money while you settle into life in Canada.

Canada is facing a serious nursing shortage, and many provinces are actively recruiting nurses trained outside Canada. But before you can work as a nurse, you need two things: a provincial nursing licence and valid immigration status.

For most internationally trained nurses, the licensing process includes a credential assessment, registration with a provincial nursing college, and a licensing exam. US-trained nurses may have an easier path, since the NCLEX-RN is accepted in most provinces and British Columbia and Ontario now offer faster licensing options.

There are also several immigration pathways for nurses, including CUSMA work permits for US citizens, employer-specific work permits, Express Entry’s healthcare category, and Provincial Nominee Programs.

Read the full guide to learn how internationally trained nurses can get licensed, find work, and move to Canada.

Much of Canada is experiencing extreme heat right now, so it's a good time to brush up on a few simple ways to stay safe. For many newcomers, Canada's summer heat can be just as surprising as its winters! So, here are a few tips on how to beat the heat during a summer heatwave.

First, drink water regularly (even before you feel thirsty!) and wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing if you're heading outside. If possible, schedule walks, workouts, or errands for the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.

If your home is getting too warm, keep blinds and curtains closed during the day to block out the sun, then open your windows overnight once the air cools down. Take cool showers, spend time in air-conditioned places like libraries or shopping malls if needed, and check in on older neighbours, friends, or family members who may be more vulnerable to the heat. Stay cool and enjoy the summer safely!