News. For Newcomers | June 18, 2026

Ontario’s immigration program is currently in limbo after the province closed all existing OINP streams on May 30 and has yet to announce replacements. While a redesign is coming, there is still no timeline for when the new streams will launch.

If you already submitted an OINP application before May 30, your file will still be processed under the old rules

If you’re waiting on the OINP, here are a few things you can do now:

Ontario is expected to replace its nine old streams with four new pathways focused on job offers, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent. Until more details are released, candidates should keep their profiles up to date and be ready to act quickly when the new streams open.

IRCC has clarified the documents needed for citizenship-by-descent applications. Applicants must now provide records issued by the original authority, such as birth certificates, citizenship certificates, or official archive records, to prove each link in their family line.

The update comes after reports that some people were asked to return their citizenship certificates while IRCC reviews their files. Genealogy websites like Ancestry.ca can help with research, but IRCC says they cannot be used as the only proof of a citizenship claim.

If you have already applied, it may be a good idea to review your documents now and gather official records or proof that you tried to obtain them. Applicants may also face longer processing times as IRCC takes a closer look at supporting documents.

IRCC’s April 2026 inventory shows more than 2.1 million applications still waiting for a decision, with the biggest delays building in PNP, study permit, and work permit files.

A new Statistics Canada report found that many economic immigrants become homeowners within five years of getting permanent residence, with newcomers in more affordable provinces often reaching homeownership even faster.

Alberta has launched a new online Eligibility Explorer to help prospective newcomers identify which immigration pathways they may qualify for under the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

The free tool asks a few simple questions about your education, work experience, and current situation. It then provides a list of AAIP streams that may be a good match and directs eligible candidates toward creating an Expression of Interest profile.

While the tool does not guarantee eligibility or an invitation, it can help applicants understand their options before starting the immigration process and avoid spending time on streams that don’t fit their profile.

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The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is coming on June 19, 2026. This is one day earlier than usual because the 20th falls on a weekend.

The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for families raising children under 18. The amount you receive depends on your family income, the number of children you have, and their ages. For the July 2025 to June 2026 benefit year, families can receive up to $666.41 per month for each child under 6, and up to $562.33 per month for each child aged 6 to 17.

Newcomers may be able to apply for the CCB once they have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). You do not need to wait until you file your first tax return. Some provincial and territorial child benefits may also be included in the same payment, depending on where you live.

Job scams are a growing problem in Canada, and newcomers can be especially at risk. Scammers know that many people are looking for Canadian work experience and may feel pressure to find a job quickly.

Canadians reported losing more than $49 million to job and employment scams in 2024, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Some scams use the names of real Canadian companies to look more trustworthy.

Be careful if a job offer asks you to pay a fee, share banking details, deposit a cheque, or move money. These are major warning signs. A real employer should not ask you to pay to get hired.

If you are job hunting, take time to research the company, confirm the job posting is legitimate, and be cautious of offers that promise easy money for little work.

Planning a summer adventure? The new Canada Strong Pass makes it easier and more affordable to explore the country from June 19 to September 7, 2026.

The pass offers free admission and discounted access to participating national parks, museums, historic sites, and even some train travel experiences. Whether you’re exploring a new city, visiting a famous landmark, or planning a family road trip, there are plenty of ways to save.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to experience more of Canada this summer, the Canada Strong Pass could help you make the most of the season.