News. For Newcomers | June 3, 2026

A new IRCC survey found that 47% of Canadians think immigration levels are too high, but the full picture is more nuanced. Many Canadians still believe that immigration plays an important role in Canada’s future, especially regarding economic growth, labour shortages, cultural diversity, and refugee protection.

Key takeaways:

The survey shows that many Canadians are not necessarily against immigration. Instead, they are concerned about whether Canada has enough housing, services, and infrastructure to support population growth.

Canadian universities are slipping in some global rankings, but that does not mean they are no longer strong study options. In the 2026 CWUR Global 2000 list, 37 of 38 Canadian universities dropped compared to last year. The University of Toronto was the only Canadian school to hold its position.

The drop in Canadian rankings appears to be mostly small, but the ranking list shows how global competition is changing. Chinese schools are gaining ground, while Canada is also dealing with lower international student numbers and a changing immigration policy environment.

For international students, rankings matter, but it is important to look at what they measure. The CWUR Global 2000 list, for instance, gives a universities research capabilities 40% weightage. Before choosing a school, look at the program, location, work opportunities, immigration options, and what the factors the ranking measures.

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada’s lower immigration levels are partly contributing to economic weakness, noting that population growth has turned negative over the last two quarters. His comments highlight the important role immigration plays in supporting Canada’s workforce and long-term economic growth.

A new report says Canada’s foreign credential recognition system is failing many skilled newcomers, leaving doctors, nurses, engineers, and other professionals unable to work in their fields. The report proposes a federal Fair Licensing Act to create more consistent licensing standards across the country and help internationally trained workers enter the workforce faster.

British Columbia issued 342 Skills Immigration invitations on June 2 across targeted Care and Build categories, including childcare, healthcare, veterinary care, and construction trades.

Accepted refugees in Quebec are facing much longer waits for permanent residence than those in the rest of Canada. New applicants in Quebec are now being told the process could take 117 months, or almost 10 years, compared to about 15 months outside Quebec.

More than 39,000 accepted refugees in Quebec are currently waiting for a decision. IRCC says the delay is linked to Quebec’s immigration levels, because the federal government cannot process more applications than the number of spaces Quebec has allocated. Quebec, however, says processing times are a federal responsibility.

Advocates say the long wait leaves people in an “in-between” status. Many have already been accepted as refugees, but without permanent residence, they may struggle to reunite with family, plan their future, or access some services. They argue that accepted refugees should be prioritized because many are already living in Quebec and have already been found to need protection.

Retirement can bring more freedom, but it can also bring unexpected healthcare costs. While provincial health plans continue to cover doctor visits and hospital care, many services retirees rely on – including prescription drugs, dental care, vision care, hearing aids, and physiotherapy, may not be fully covered.

Before you retire, here are a few key things to know:

Our guide explains what happens to your health benefits after retirement, what public healthcare covers, and how to choose the right insurance for your needs. Our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare, offers flexible international health insurance plans that can help provide additional coverage and peace of mind as your healthcare needs evolve.

Canada’s latest earnings data shows average weekly pay rose 3.5% year-over-year in March 2026, reaching $1,333 before deductions. But pay varies a lot depending on your industry and location. Workers in mining, oil and gas earned an average of $2,509 per week, followed by utilities ($2,330), information and cultural industries ($2,026), and professional services ($1,943). Alberta, Ontario, and British Columbia were among the highest-paying provinces, while the territories topped the list overall.

For newcomers planning their careers in Canada, this data is a useful reminder that where you work and what field you choose can make a big difference to your income. If you’re thinking about moving into a higher-paying or more stable industry, government retraining programs may help with school costs, training, or income support while you build new skills.

Moving to Newfoundland and Labrador? Understanding healthcare should be on your settlement checklist. The province’s Medical Care Plan (MCP) provides public healthcare coverage for eligible residents, including many newcomers on work permits, study permits, and permanent residents.

Our guide explains who is eligible, how to apply, what documents you’ll need, and when private health insurance may be worth considering to fill coverage gaps. Our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare, offers flexible international health insurance plans to help protect you and your family from unexpected medical costs while you settle into life in Canada.