November 10, 2026 Edition
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High-Wage Occupation CRS Increase Tracker
Has your CRS score changed with the new high-wage occupation points? Curious to see how your new score compares to others?
Share your before-and-after scores to see how your results compare to those shared by others in the pool.
Your Immigration Update
Canada has announced changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) to address labour shortages in certain occupations and regions.
The changes focus on the Low-Wage Stream, with some already in effect and others proposed for March 2027.
Here’s what’s changing:
Longer employment periods: Employers can now request LMIAs for up to two years instead of one.
Early childhood educators: Now exempt from restrictions on hiring low-wage foreign workers in areas with unemployment rates of 6% or higher.
Higher hiring limits: Eligible employers in participating provinces could hire more foreign workers, increasing the cap from 10% to 15%.
More provincial control: Provinces could have greater say over which occupations and communities qualify.
These changes could create more opportunities for foreign workers, depending on their occupation, location, and provincial participation.
Canada is making the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) permanent starting January 1, 2027, creating a long-term pathway to permanent residence for eligible workers in smaller communities.
Here’s what you need to know:
14 communities will continue participating, with plans to expand to more locations.
5,500 PR admission spaces have been allocated for 2027 under Canada’s new Immigration Levels Plan.
Job offers are required from designated employers in participating communities.
Community recommendations are also required before applying for permanent residence.
The changes could create more opportunities for newcomers willing to live and work outside Canada’s major cities.
Got questions about Canadian immigration or life in Canada?
Join Rebecca and Steph on November 20 for our next Ask-us-anything live webinar on November 20! They’ll be answering your questions about immigration, settling in Canada, and whatever else is on your mind.
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Did Someone Say Draw
Prince Edward Island: On November 9, PEI issued 192 invitations through its Labour and Express Entry streams.
Newfoundland and Labrador: On November 9, the province issued 57 invitations.
50% Drop in Foreign Interest in Canadian Jobs
Foreign interest in Canadian jobs has fallen by more than half over the past three years, according to new research from Indeed Hiring Lab.
Immigration In The Media
Recent mayoral elections across the Greater Toronto Area highlight the growing influence of immigrants and their children in Canadian politics.
This Toronto Star opinion piece explores how different generations of immigrants view immigration and what this could mean for Canada’s future.
New Environics polling shows that 48% of Canadians believe immigration levels are too high, down from 58% in 2024. Interestingly, first-generation immigrants and their Canadian-born children hold similar views on immigration levels, but differ when it comes to whether newcomers are adopting Canadian values.
With immigrants and their children making up a growing share of Canada’s population, they are playing an increasingly important role in shaping communities and influencing conversations about immigration and belonging.
Money Matters: Can Budget 2026 Help Ease Canada’s Cost of Living?
Groceries, housing, and everyday expenses have become increasingly difficult to afford in Canada. In fact, grocery prices are now 33% higher than they were in 2020.
Canada’s 2026 federal budget includes new measures aimed at easing the financial pressure, including additional grocery benefits, increased support for low-income workers, and $44.7 billion in housing investments.
But will these measures make a real difference to your wallet?
Our latest article looks at Canada’s affordability challenges, and how much relief households could actually expect.
Career Moves: Canada’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 6.7% in October
Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.7% in October 2026, up from 6.5% in September, as the job market continues to slow.
Employment remained largely unchanged, but 33,000 more people were looking for work. Construction added 16,000 jobs, while retail and wholesale trade lost 29,000.
The picture also varies across provinces, with Alberta losing 24,000 jobs while BC gained 12,000.
Our latest breakdown of the labour market report covers unemployment rates, job gains and losses, and what these trends could mean for newcomers looking for work in Canada.
Today's Tip: Explore Opportunities in Smaller Communities
Canada’s new 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan signals a focus on attracting newcomers to smaller communities and regions facing labour shortages.
Recent announcements also point to changes that could create more opportunities outside Canada’s major cities. The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is set to become permanent on January 1, 2027, while changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) aim to make it easier for employers in certain occupations and regions to hire foreign workers.
For anyone exploring options to work or settle permanently in Canada, this could be a good reason to look beyond major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. But remember that a job offer in a rural community doesn’t automatically guarantee permanent residence. You’ll still need to meet the requirements of the immigration pathway you’re applying through.
