June 25, 2026 Edition
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Your Immigration Update
Ontario is expected to need more than 1 million university graduates over the next decade, especially in healthcare, STEM, business, and education. While the province is expanding post-secondary spaces, Canada also needs a smarter approach to international students to help fill these growing labour shortages.
To help meet these growing labour shortages, Canada could prioritise study permits for international students enrolling in high-demand fields with strong job prospects.
A points-based study permit system could also help better align international student admissions with Canada’s long-term workforce needs.
Canada is welcoming fewer foreign postdoctoral researchers than it did just a few years ago, according to a new Statistics Canada report. The study also found that fewer researchers are becoming permanent residents, even though those who stay in Canada tend to earn some of the highest incomes among former temporary workers.
Key takeaways:
Foreign postdoctoral arrivals fell to their lowest level since the early 2000s.
Only about 1 in 4 eventually become permanent residents, and that number is declining.
Researchers who stay and get PR earn more than other former temporary workers.
Around 70% of those who become permanent residents are still living in Canada 10 years later.
Read the full article to learn why Canada is attracting fewer researchers and what it could mean for the country’s future workforce.
Did Someone Say Draw
On June 25, IRCC issued 4,000 invitations to apply to candidates in the Healthcare and Social Services category. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required was 475.
Immigration In The Media
Ontario has turned down a federal proposal that would have allowed some rural employers to hire more low-wage temporary foreign workers. The province says its priority is helping Ontarians, especially young people, find jobs, with youth unemployment now above 15%.
The federal government introduced the change to help rural communities facing ongoing labour shortages. Ontario says it will continue supporting temporary foreign workers in agriculture but wants to focus on training local workers and expanding permanent immigration pathways instead.
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Money Matters: What Newcomers Should Know About Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later plans are becoming more common in Canada, especially for online shopping. They let you buy something now and pay for it in smaller payments over time.
For newcomers, this can seem helpful when you are setting up your new life in Canada and managing a tight budget. But BNPL plans are still a form of credit, and missed payments can lead to late fees, extra charges, or even credit score problems.
Before using Buy Now, Pay Later, make sure you:
Read the payment terms carefully.
Know when each payment is due.
Only use it for purchases you can afford.
Track all payments so you do not overspend.
Used carefully, BNPL can help with short-term cash flow. But it should not replace a clear budget or emergency savings plan.
Career Moves: 10 Tips to Negotiate a Better Job Offer
Landing a job offer is exciting, but the conversation doesn’t have to end there. Negotiating your offer is common in Canada, and a respectful conversation could help you secure a higher salary, extra vacation days, or other valuable perks.
Some of our top tips include:
Don’t accept the offer immediately – take time to review it.
Ask for the offer in writing before negotiating.
Research salaries and be prepared to ask for more.
If salary is fixed, consider negotiating vacation, flexibility, or professional development opportunities.
Stay professional and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself.
A job offer is more than just a salary number. Knowing how to negotiate can help you start your new role with confidence and get the compensation package you deserve.
Today's Tip: Compare Quality of Life, Not Just Rent
If you’re deciding where to settle in Canada, don’t just compare rent prices. Look at the full picture, including safety, job options, transportation, cost of living, and quality of life.
Ottawa recently ranked as the top city in North America for quality of life, ahead of every Canadian and U.S. city on Numbeo’s latest index. It also offers a strong job market, lower average rent than Toronto, and a bilingual environment that may appeal to newcomers.
Choosing the right city can shape your budget, career, and day-to-day life, so take time to compare your options before making the move.
