News. For Newcomers | November 12, 2025

Express Entry draw #378 just took place! Today’s Express Entry draw comes as no surprise for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) applicants. The draw issued 1,000 invitations to apply, bringing the total number of CEC invitations in 2025 to 23,850. Both the number of invitations and the CRS score have remained steady over the last five draws.

We remain hopeful that this consistency will continue to create promising opportunities for applicants in the coming weeks.

It’s Not Just About Canadian Experience: Why Foreign Work Still Matters in Express Entry. 99% of successful Express Entry applicants in 2024 had at least one year of foreign work experience, according to the Express Entry 2024 Year-End Report, published last week. That’s a staggering figure, and while these are 2024 numbers, not necessarily a perfect reflection of 2025 trends, it raises an important question: For in-Canada applicants who came to Canada young, studied here, and are now working domestically with no foreign experience, should they be looking to build some? We explore this, as well as how you can get that experience, in our latest article.

Curious what former immigration minister Marc Miller thinks about Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new immigration levels plan? The Toronto Star takes a closer look at his reaction, from his thoughts on the cuts to how they could shape Canada’s future approach to immigration and growth.

ICYMI: Monday’s Express Entry draw was the third-largest PNP-targeted draw of 2025, a positive sign for Provincial Nominee Programs moving forward.

Canadian winters are serious business, but dressing for the cold doesn’t have to drain your savings. A brand-new parka can easily cost $400 or more, and that’s before boots, gloves, and snow pants enter the chat. The good news? Thrift stores and resale platforms like Value Village, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark are full of high-quality winter gear for a fraction of the price.

Before the snow hits, check local secondhand shops or community “Buy Nothing” groups for coats and accessories in great condition. Many Canadians upgrade their gear every year or so, meaning you can often find barely used pieces that still look new. A little digging can save you hundreds and keep you just as warm as the latest brand-name jacket.

If you’re planning a trip to Canada for 4+ months, we recommend getting a quote for private health insurance from our trusted partner, Cigna. And, if you insure with Cigna Healthcare before 30th November 2025, you’ll benefit from a 10% discount* for the lifetime of your policy.

Canada’s unemployment rate finally edged down to 6.9% in October 2025, easing from the 7.1% level that had held steady through August and September – the highest since 2016 outside of the pandemic years. Youth unemployment also improved, dropping to 14.1%, the first decline since February. It’s still high by historical standards, but after months of climbing, even a small step in the right direction feels significant.

Before travelling or moving to Canada, make sure you have the right travel insurance—because not all plans offer the same protection. Your coverage should match your situation: how long you’ll stay, what you’ll do, and whether your visa or work permit requires specific insurance. For example, those coming under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program must have insurance that lasts the full duration of their permit and includes medical repatriation. Relying only on provincial healthcare isn’t enough, as it often won’t cover visitors or temporary residents. The right plan can save you from unexpected medical costs, trip disruptions, or other emergencies while abroad.

Read full details and expert tips on: Choosing the Best Travel Insurance for Canada