News. For Newcomers | May 19, 2026

Express Entry started 2026 at a record pace, with more than 72,000 ITAs issued by mid-May. But after IRCC skipped two expected draws last week, many candidates are wondering whether IRCC could slow invitations later this year.

Key factors behind the concern include:

If draws slow down, we could see fewer ITAs per round, less frequent rounds, higher CRS cut-offs, or more focus on category-based draws. IRCC has not confirmed a slowdown, but for candidates in the pool, now may be a good time to improve language scores, gain more work experience, or explore PNP and category-based options.

IRCC has updated its immigration processing times for May, and the biggest takeaway is that most timelines remain relatively stable compared to last month. While a few programs saw slight increases in processing times, there were no major changes overall.

Current estimates include:

Remember: posted processing times are estimates, not guarantees. Your application could move faster or slower depending on your situation.

More Americans are searching family records and old documents to see if they may qualify for Canadian citizenship through ancestry. Recent changes to Canada’s citizenship rules have sparked a huge increase in requests to archives across the country, with some people tracing their roots back hundreds of years.

The amendment to the Citizenship Act removed the first-generation limit on Canadian citizenship by descent. For many applicants, it’s not just about getting a passport but also about reconnecting with family history and creating future options in Canada.

If you have Canadian parents, grandparents, or older family roots, you may want to explore whether you could qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent. Just keep in mind that proof of citizenship processing times are now around 12 months.

For newcomers, Canada’s latest income data offers a helpful look at how finances can vary across the country. Median after-tax income stayed at $75,500 in 2024, while the national poverty rate remained at 11 per cent.

The data also showed major regional differences, with Alberta and Ontario reporting some of the highest provincial median incomes, while Atlantic Canada had some of the lowest.

For anyone planning a move, the numbers are a reminder to compare salaries, job opportunities, and affordability before deciding where to settle in Canada. Use our free budget calculator to help estimate monthly living costs based on where you plan to live.

Canada is planning to create a new AI and Labour Advisory Council to ensure workers have a voice as AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace. The council is expected to examine issues such as skills training, transparency, human oversight, and the use of AI on job sites.

As more employers adopt AI tools, learning AI skills could become increasingly important for newcomers and workers looking to stay competitive in Canada’s changing job market. Learn more about how AI is already changing Canadian jobs.

Major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, are reducing some flights and changing routes due to fuel shortages and ongoing profitability reviews. Some international routes have already been suspended, while select U.S. and regional flights may also be affected.

Before travelling, make sure to:

A quick check before heading to the airport could save you a lot of stress.