News. For Newcomers | May 14, 2026

Getting laid off in Canada can be stressful, especially if you’re on a work permit and planning to apply for permanent residence. While losing your job does not immediately affect your immigration status, it can affect your ability to keep working, gain Canadian work experience, or qualify for PR programs.

The impact depends on your work permit type. Workers on closed permits may need a new employer-specific work permit to start a new job,while open permit holders can usually search for other employment more easily.

Layoffs can also affect CRS scores and PR eligibility. We've outlined the steps temporary residents should take to protect their immigration plans after losing a job.

Current IRCC processing times show big differences between programs. Express Entry is taking about 6 to 7 months, while non-Express Entry PNP applications are taking much longer.

Current estimates include:

Processing times are estimates, so your application may move faster or slower depending on your file and where you apply from.

Canada’s immigration system is facing new questions after officials admitted the government does not have a clear way to track how many temporary residents leave the country when their permits expire. Immigration Minister Lena Diab told a House committee that Canada is now working toward creating a better tracking system.

The discussion comes after a recent auditor general report found that more than 150,000 international students were flagged for possible non-compliance between 2023 and 2024, but only a small number of cases were investigated.

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If you’re getting a new phone or internet plan in Canada, consider waiting until after June 12, 2026. New CRTC rules will ban activation, cancellation, and plan change fees for many cellphone and home internet customers. That could save you around $30 to $80 per line when signing up for a new plan.

Providers will also need to warn customers before promotional prices expire and when roaming charges reach $50, making it easier to avoid surprise charges and compare better deals.

Read our full guide to learn what the new rules mean for newcomers, families, and anyone looking to save money on phone and internet bills in Canada.

Canada is producing more university graduates than ever, but many young workers are finding it harder to secure stable jobs. Between 2022 and 2025, job openings for entry-level roles requiring a bachelor’s degree dropped by more than 50%, while youth unemployment reached 15% in 2025, the highest level in 15 years outside the pandemic.

Many employers are also asking for years of experience for “entry-level” jobs, making it harder for new graduates to get started. At the same time, fields such as the skilled trades and healthcare continue to see stronger demand.

For newcomers and international students, the data is a reminder to look closely at job demand, practical experience opportunities, and long-term career growth before choosing a study or career path in Canada.

Canada is a popular retirement option for Americans, but moving there is not as simple as packing up and crossing the border. Canada does not have a retirement visa, so most U.S. retirees stay as visitors, apply through family sponsorship, or use a super visa if they have children or grandchildren in Canada.

Retirees are also encouraged to carefully plan for healthcare coverage, taxes, and managing U.S. retirement savings while living in Canada. Visitors do not receive public health coverage, and U.S. citizens must still file U.S. tax returns even if they live in Canada.

If you're looking for private health insurance options for your time in Canada, we recommend getting a quote from Cigna Healthcare, for policies of 4 months or more, or BestQuote for short-term coverage.