News. For Newcomers | May 13, 2026

Canada’s new “In-Canada Workers Initiative” is being criticized as a missed opportunity for temporary residents hoping for a real pathway to permanent residence. While the program was initially seen by many as a possible new TR to PR pathway, it will only speed up processing for 33,000 people who have already applied for PR through existing programs like the PNP, AIP, and caregiver pilots.

The initiative helps workers who were already on track for permanent residence, while doing little for the many temporary residents who still have no clear path to permanent residence in Canada. Those spots could have been used to expand access to permanent residence for foreign workers who currently have none.

For many temporary residents, the announcement feels less like a new opportunity and more like a reminder that Canada still needs clearer PR pathways for workers already building their lives here.

IRCC is asking the public to help shape Canada’s next Immigration Levels Plan, which will set immigration targets for 2027 to 2029. The online consultation is open from May 12 to June 14, 2026, and anyone can participate, including newcomers, temporary residents, employers, students, and people living outside Canada.

This year’s survey asks for feedback on recent cuts to temporary and permanent resident targets, the challenges newcomers face when settling in Canada, and the priorities that should guide the immigration system in the future.

The consultation comes as Canada continues to try to reduce the number of temporary residents while still addressing labour shortages and long-term economic needs. Responses from the survey will help inform the next immigration plan expected later this year.

Canada’s new asylum law is raising concerns among refugee advocates and immigration lawyers, especially for 2SLGBTQ+ claimants. The law blocks many people from making refugee claims if more than one year has passed since they first arrived in Canada.

Critics say the rule could unfairly affect international students, temporary workers, survivors of domestic violence, and others who may only realize later that returning home is unsafe. Lawyers also argue that many 2SLGBTQ+ newcomers need time to process trauma, understand their identity, or feel safe enough to come forward.

Thousands of claimants have already received letters warning that their cases may no longer qualify for a full refugee hearing.

Leaving a job in Canada can affect more than your paycheque. In most cases, workplace health, dental, life insurance, disability coverage, and health spending accounts end when your employment does.

Provincial health plans may cover basic medical care, but many everyday costs, like prescriptions, dental, vision, and physiotherapy, can fall on you.

Before your coverage ends, check your benefits deadline, submit any claims, and read our full guide to compare options like joining a partner’s plan, private insurance, or converting your group plan.

If you're reviewing private health insurance options after leaving a job, we recommend getting a quote from Cigna Healthcare, for policies of 4 months or more, or BestQuote for short-term coverage.

Canada is investing heavily in skilled trades as the country faces major labour shortages in construction, housing, transportation, and energy projects. For newcomers looking for stable, well-paying careers, the trades could offer strong long-term opportunities across Canada.

Through a new initiative called Team Canada Strong, the federal government plans to recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2030-31. Unlike many university programs, apprenticeships are often paid, allowing workers to earn income while building skills on the job.

New government supports, including training grants, interest-free loans, and completion bonuses, are also expected to make trades training more affordable for future apprentices.

Newcomers to British Columbia may not get public health coverage right away. BC’s Medical Services Plan is free for eligible residents, but most newcomers must wait about three months before coverage starts. During that time, you might need to pay out of pocket for doctor visits, emergencies, and hospital care—unless you have private insurance.

Even after MSP begins, it does not cover everything, including most prescriptions, dental care, vision care, physiotherapy, and ambulance services. For holistic coverage, consider Cigna Healthcare if you’re in Canada for four months or longer.