News. For Newcomers | June 16, 2026

Some people who recently received proof of Canadian citizenship by descent are now being asked to return their citizenship certificates while IRCC reviews their files.

The letters do not say their citizenship has been cancelled. Instead, IRCC says their status is “under review” and that some documents may not have come from the original source, such as an official registry, archive, court, church, or government office.

This is concerning because these applicants already had their files assessed and approved before receiving their certificates. Some may have used their certificate to make major life plans, such as applying for a passport, preparing to move, or updating employers and family members.

If you receive one of these letters, do not ignore it. IRCC may ask for stronger documents, so affected applicants should start gathering official records and proof they tried to get them. This story is still developing, and applicants should watch for updates.

Express Entry draws have slowed down in recent weeks, and CRS cut-off scores have been rising. While this can be frustrating for candidates waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), there are still steps you can take to improve your chances.

Some strategies to consider include:

The most important thing is not to panic over a few weeks of slower draws. Express Entry has gone through ups and downs before, and candidates who continue improving their profiles are often best positioned when invitation numbers increase again.

British Columbia has opened registrations for its new Temporary Rural/Remote Health Support Initiative, offering up to 250 BC PNP nominations for eligible healthcare workers in rural and remote communities. Applications are open until August 31, 2026, with the first invitations expected in the coming weeks.

Canada’s new border law is facing criticism from refugee advocates, who say it could put some LGBTQ+ asylum seekers at risk.

A key change in the law requires most refugee claims to be made within one year of a person’s first arrival in Canada. Critics argue this does not account for people whose circumstances change after they arrive, including LGBTQ+ individuals who may only face danger after coming out or being identified by people in their home country.

Supporters of the law say it is intended to reduce misuse of the refugee system, while critics argue it could leave vulnerable people without adequate protection. The issue is now expected to be decided in the courts.

Canadians are changing the way they shop as grocery prices continue to rise. According to a new survey, 77% of people living alone say their grocery bills keep increasing no matter what they do, while the average single-person household now spends about $102 per week on groceries compared to $80 per person in shared households.

To save money, nearly half of Canadians (48%) have cut back on premium cuts of meat, while 38% have switched to store-brand or no-name products in the past six months. At the same time, many shoppers are still making room in their budgets for small treats, with 50% saying they continue to buy snacks like chips or chocolate.

Looking for more ways to manage your expenses? Try our free Budget Calculator to get a clearer picture of your monthly spending and create a plan that works for your goals.

More Canadians are thinking about making a career move in 2026. A new survey found that 44% of professionals plan to look for a new job in the next six months, up from 33% earlier this year.

The top reasons workers are considering a change include:

• Better benefits and perks (38%)
• More opportunities for career growth (38%)
• Feeling underpaid for their skills (33%)
• Greater flexibility (33%)
• More remote work options (31%)

The survey also found that AI is changing the job search process. More than half of job seekers say AI-generated resumes and cover letters have increased competition, making it harder to stand out.

If you’re considering a career move, now may be a good time to update your resume, build new skills, and explore opportunities that align with your long-term goals.

If you’re moving to Nova Scotia, applying for MSI (Medical Services Insurance) should be high on your to-do list. MSI is the province’s public healthcare plan and gives eligible residents access to essential medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and emergency treatment.

Most permanent residents and eligible temporary workers can apply shortly after arriving, while international students typically need to wait 12 months before qualifying. It’s also important to know that MSI does not cover everything. Prescription drugs, routine dental care, and most eye care services are generally not included, which is why many newcomers choose to purchase private health insurance.

Understanding how MSI works can help you avoid unexpected medical costs and make settling into life in Nova Scotia a little easier.