News. For Newcomers | June 17, 2026

Some temporary residents are submitting “dummy applications” when their work permit is about to expire. These are applications they know will likely be refused. The goal is often to stay and work in Canada longer under maintained status while IRCC reviews the file.

But this is risky. IRCC may now be catching weak applications more quickly. In some cases, applicants could lose their status sooner than expected or face increased scrutiny on future applications.

If your permit is expiring, look at legitimate options instead. This could include an LMIA-supported work permit, a Provincial Nominee Program, improving your Express Entry score, or speaking with a regulated immigration consultant.

Canada’s temporary resident population continues to decline, according to new data from Statistics Canada. As of April 1, 2026, non-permanent residents made up 6.46% of Canada’s population, down from 6.85% at the end of 2025.

The decline is largely being driven by fewer temporary residents. This includes international students and work permit holders. Canada has now seen five straight quarters of decreases in its non-permanent resident population. This comes after numbers peaked in late 2024.

The trend is important because the federal government has set a goal of reducing the share of temporary residents to less than 5% of Canada’s population by the end of 2027.

Canada welcomed 21,900 new temporary workers in April 2026, the highest monthly total since June 2025. International student arrivals also increased compared to March, though they remain well below last year’s levels.

Despite the recent increase, Canada has seen far fewer new students and workers arrive than in previous years. This reflects the federal government’s efforts to reduce the number of temporary residents in Canada.

At the same time, more temporary residents are becoming permanent residents. Between January and April 2026, former temporary residents made up 58% of all new permanent residents admitted to Canada.

The key takeaway is that Canada is welcoming fewer temporary residents while placing greater focus on helping people already in the country transition to permanent residence.

An immigration lawyer is challenging the minister’s comments about citizenship-by-descent applications.

Immigration Minister Lena Diab said genealogical records, including records from ancestry websites, are not enough to prove a citizenship-by-descent claim. But lawyer Cedric Marin says IRCC’s own document checklist does not clearly say those records cannot be used.

This comes after some people who have already received citizenship certificates were recently asked to return them while IRCC reviews their files.

IRCC says affected applicants will have a chance to provide more documents before a final decision is made. For now, applicants should try to support their claims with official records and clearly show each link in their family line.

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Applying for jobs in Canada can feel hard right now. There are fewer openings and more people applying, so a generic resume may not be enough.

Instead of sending the same application to every employer, take time to tailor it. Start by choosing jobs that match your experience. Then research the company and read the job posting carefully. Look for the skills and responsibilities they mention most.

Your resume should show why you fit that specific role. Update your summary, highlight relevant experience, and include real results when you can. Your cover letter should also feel personal and clearly explain why you want the job.

A tailored application takes more time, but it can help you stand out and improve your chances of getting an interview.

New rules for cellphone and internet plans are now in effect in Canada, giving customers more control over their bills.

As of June 12, 2026, providers can no longer charge activation fees, cancellation fees, or plan change fees for many cellphone and home internet plans. This could save newcomers money when setting up their first Canadian phone or internet service, especially since activation fees often ranged from $30 to $80 per line.

Providers must also give customers more notice before a promotional rate ends, helping people avoid surprise bill increases. They must also notify you when roaming charges reach $50.

If you are shopping for a new plan or thinking about switching providers, now is a good time to compare your options and check whether your current provider is offering a better deal.