News. For Newcomers | June 11, 2026

Express Entry reforms are expected to begin rolling out this fall and could change how candidates are ranked in the pool. While many details are still being finalised, the proposed changes give a strong indication of which profiles may become more competitive.

Key proposed changes include:

For candidates already in the pool, these reforms could affect future CRS scores and invitation chances. For those preparing to apply, now may be the time to improve language scores, gain additional work experience, or begin licensing and credential recognition processes.

Canada’s immigration system relies heavily on NOC codes, but the NOC system was not originally built for immigration. It was designed mainly for labour market statistics, which means it can be slow to reflect fast-changing jobs, especially in fields like artificial intelligence.

This poses a challenge, as Canada’s new AI strategy promises faster work-permit pathways for highly skilled AI workers through the Global Talent Stream. But right now, only two NOC codes clearly mention AI-related roles. For workers with newer job titles, like AI trainer or prompt engineer, choosing the right NOC code can be difficult.

For immigration applicants, the key takeaway is that job duties matter more than job titles. If your role does not fit neatly into one NOC, your reference letters and supporting documents need to clearly show how your work matches the NOC you choose.

Quebec has confirmed that the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) will reopen on July 2, giving many international graduates and foreign workers a pathway to permanent residence once again. The province says people who were already eligible when the program closed in November 2025 will be accepted first, and all qualifying applications received during the first intake period will be processed.

While this has brought relief to many temporary residents, advocacy groups say it does not go far enough. Les Orphelins du PEQ called the reopening an “insult,” arguing that thousands of people who built their lives in Quebec may still be left behind because immigration spaces remain limited.

Some immigration lawyers also warn that French-speaking workers and graduates who contribute to Quebec’s economy may still miss out.

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.

Government benefits can help ease your monthly budget, covering costs like rent, childcare, groceries, and everyday bills. On June 5, more than 12 million Canadians received a one-time Groceries and Essentials Benefit top-up, worth 50% of their 2025–26 GST/HST credit. Ontario residents may also have received an Ontario Trillium Benefit payment on June 10, which helps offset costs such as sales tax, energy bills, and property taxes.

Other key payment dates this month include:

Most of these payments are tax-free and based on your previous year’s income, so filing your tax return matters, even if you earned little or no income. Our guide explains who qualifies, when payments arrive, and how much eligible residents could receive.

A new Canadian study looks at how parental leave can affect careers. Many fathers worry that taking leave could hurt their job prospects, but the study found that longer parental leave may actually help men.

In one study, men who took six to 15 months of parental leave were rated as stronger candidates for hiring and promotion. They were also seen as more effective leaders than men who took no leave.

The study also looked at women who took parental leave. Women were seen as caring and compassionate, just like men who took leave, but those traits did not lead to the same career benefits for women.

Researchers say this may happen because caregiving is still seen as unexpected for men. When men take longer leave, it can be viewed as a positive surprise. For women, caregiving is already expected, so they may not receive the same workplace boost.

The findings show that workplace bias can affect career outcomes, even when men and women make the same choice. If you’re planning to start or grow your family in Canada, our guide to maternity and parental leave explains who qualifies, how EI benefits work, and how parents can share leave.

Moving to Canada is exciting, but packing up your life and shipping your belongings across the world can also be one of the most stressful parts of the journey. Between comparing moving companies, understanding customs requirements, managing timelines, and staying within budget, there’s a lot to think about before your move.

One way to make the process easier is to compare quotes from multiple international movers before making a decision. The Relocator connects newcomers with certified moving companies around the world, helping you compare prices and services in one place. With more than 500 movers in its network, it can help you find a reliable option for your move to Canada and avoid unnecessary surprises along the way.

The less time you spend worrying about your shipment, the more time you can focus on settling into your new life in Canada.