News. For Newcomers | March 26, 2026

A new study shows that time in Canada makes a big difference when it comes to net worth. Newcomers who arrived in the last 10 years are still catching up, with less wealth than Canadian-born families. But after 10+ years, the trend flips.

Immigrant families actually become 23% wealthier on average. A big reason is housing. It takes time to buy a home, but once immigrants do, their home equity grows, boosting their wealth.

Building wealth in Canada takes time, but many immigrants don’t just catch up, they get ahead.

A new government report found that over 150,000 international students in Canada were flagged for potential non-compliance with study permit rules.

It's crucial to know the rules of your study permit. Things like where you can study, how many hours you can work, and when you need to stop working really matter. Even small mistakes, like working too many hours or taking an unapproved break, can cause serious problems.

If you don’t follow the rules, you could lose your status, be asked to leave Canada, or even face a ban on future applications. It’s always better to understand the conditions early and stay on track.

A permanent residence applicant says IRCC refused her application using a job description that had nothing to do with her real work. The refusal letter said generative AI was used to support processing, though IRCC says a human officer made the final decision.

The case is raising concerns about how AI is being used in immigration decisions, especially when applications are complex, and mistakes can seriously affect people’s lives. Critics say the biggest problem is that these tools can produce false information, and it is not always clear how officers are checking the results.

IRCC says AI is being used to help with tasks like research, summarizing, and analysis as part of a broader push to speed up processing and manage backlogs. But this case shows why many are worried. If the technology gets key facts wrong, even one error can lead to an unfair refusal.

The applicant’s lawyer asked IRCC to reconsider the decision, and the file has now been reopened.

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Start building your credit as early as you can. Using a credit card for small purchases and paying the full balance on time each month can help you build a strong credit history.

In Canada, good credit can make it easier to rent a home, get a loan, qualify for lower interest rates, and even sign up for some phone plans.

Learn how to avoid common financial mistakes and build a stronger financial future in Canada.

Thinking about changing careers? There may be more help available than you realize. In Canada, some government programs can help cover training costs, point you to free courses, or even provide income support while you retrain.

This guide breaks down federal and provincial programs, plus newcomer services, that can help you move into a more stable or in-demand job. If your current industry feels uncertain, retraining could be a practical way to build a stronger path forward.

Grocery prices in Canada have risen more than 27% over the past five years, and they’re expected to climb another 4–6% in 2026. For a family of four, that can mean spending nearly $1,500 a month on food, while even a single adult may spend around $400 a month. With costs this high, having a plan is essential.

Start by setting a realistic grocery budget based on your income (a common guideline is 10–15% of your take-home pay). Track your spending for a few weeks to see where your money is going, then adjust as needed.

Simple habits like making a list before you shop, comparing prices, choosing store brands, and avoiding impulse buys can make a big difference. Over time, even saving $50 a month can add up to hundreds of dollars a year.