July 23, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Scotiabank
Your Immigration Update
IRCC has held its first-ever Express Entry draw for skilled military recruits. The draw invited just 4 candidates to apply for permanent residence with a minimum CRS score of 368. It is also the smallest Express Entry draw ever held, highlighting just how targeted this new category is.
Our analysis explains who qualifies for the new skilled military recruits category, why so few invitations were issued, and what this first draw could mean for future Express Entry invitations.
Canada’s temporary resident population fell by nearly 118,000 people in the second quarter of 2026, marking the sixth straight quarterly decline. Temporary residents now make up about 6.17% of Canada’s population, down from 6.45% in the previous quarter.
The drop is being driven mainly by fewer international students and work permit holders, along with more temporary residents becoming permanent residents. Canada is moving closer to its goal of reducing temporary residents to below 5% of the population by the end of 2027, but further declines will still be needed.
Immigration In The Media
A Canadian immigration consultant has permanently lost his licence after multiple clients said they were given misleading job offers. They paid thousands of dollars in fees, and were left without the work opportunities they were promised. According to Canada’s immigration regulator, some clients received job offers for positions they had never applied or interviewed for.
The case is a reminder that no immigration professional can guarantee a job or a visa. If you’re offered employment as part of an immigration service, make sure the hiring process is legitimate, ask questions about the employer, and keep copies of all agreements and payments.
Money Matters: Nearly Half of Canadians Face Barriers to Improving Their Credit
A new national survey found that while most Canadians understand what affects their credit score, nearly half still face barriers to improving it. Younger adults and lower-income households were the most likely to say building credit feels difficult.
Key findings include:
47% of Canadians face at least one barrier to improving their credit
18% do not know where to start
22% know what to do but have not taken action
62% feel the credit system favours people who are already financially stable
Poor credit has caused some people to delay renting a home, buying a car, or starting a business
For newcomers, building a Canadian credit history can take time. Learn how credit scores work and the practical steps you can take to improve yours.
Career Moves: Where Canada’s Job Market Improved in June
Canada’s job market showed mixed results across the country in June 2026. Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec all added jobs, while Ontario and British Columbia saw little change. In Alberta, employment increased, but so did the unemployment rate as more people entered the job market looking for work.
Our breakdown compares unemployment rates across every province, to help you identify where job markets are improving and where employment opportunities may be strongest.
Today's Tip: Feeling Overwhelmed by Immigration Changes? Focus on What You Can Control
Feeling overwhelmed by immigration changes? You’re not alone. In our recent survey of 661 immigrants, the biggest concerns were long processing times, finding a job, and high CRS score cut-offs.
While you can’t control policy changes, you can strengthen your application. Improving your CRS score, gaining new qualifications, building Canadian work experience, or strengthening your language skills can all increase your chances of success. Check out our guide to improving your CRS score and focus on the steps that are within your control.
