News. For Newcomers | November 20, 2025

Temporary Residents to Fall Below 5% of Canada’s Population by 2027. With the release of the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, IRCC quietly updated its temporary resident objectives. The federal goal is now to reduce temporary residents to below 5% of the national population by the end of 2027, extending the previous 2026 timeline and tightening the benchmark. We’ve taken a closer look at how current numbers compare to this target and how Canada is tracking toward it.

The latest OECD report shows global migration cooling slightly in 2024 while remaining historically high, a trend Canada is feeling firsthand. Newcomer employment is strong, but many still face barriers that push them into lower-paying work despite their qualifications. The report also highlights declining international student numbers, rising humanitarian arrivals, and growing reliance on migrant health workers. As Canada recalibrates its own immigration strategy — from reducing temporary residents to addressing labour shortages and housing pressures — the OECD’s findings offer a picture of how global shifts intersect with Canadian reforms, and what they mean for newcomers building their futures here.

A new Globe and Mail article traces how Canada’s international student boom has rapidly turned into a sector-wide crisis. At St. Lawrence College’s Cornwall campus, and colleges across the country, foreign enrolment surged for years, driving budget surpluses, program growth and campus expansion. But everything changed in early 2024, when the federal government cut international study permits by 35% to cool the housing market, followed by more than a dozen policy tightenings.

Two years later, rents have eased in many cities, but the trade-off has been severe. Ontario alone has lost 8,000–10,000 college jobs, more than 600 programs have been suspended, and campuses nationwide face closures, layoffs and multimillion-dollar shortfalls. The latest federal budget will nearly halve study permits again next year, deepening the financial blow.

Leaders warn that the sector has been “devastated,” and universities are struggling to attract top global talent as processing delays mount. Many fear the long-term damage to research, labour supply and Canada’s competitiveness.

Alberta Invites Health Care Candidates on November 14, 2025.

Also, we’re expecting a Prince Edward Island draw later today or early tomorrow, so stay tuned for that incoming update.

While it started in the US, there’s a lot of hype around Black Friday in Canada. There’s no doubt that there are some pretty good savings to be made, but any time you’re ‘saving money’, the reality is that you’re spending some too.  

To help you manage the trade off between saving using Black Friday deals and spending your hard earned cash, we’ve pulled together some of our team’s favourite tips for shopping wisely on Black Friday in Canada. 

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by our partner, Turo, the car-sharing app that lets you skip the rental counter and rent vehicles directly from local owners. From road trips to exploring your new city and shopping trips, you can rent just about any car, anywhere.

One of the quickest ways to feel confident in your new Canadian workplace is to understand the daily habits that shape how people work together. Canadians value calm communication, teamwork, and fairness, and these expectations show up in meetings, emails, and even small moments like taking turns in conversations. Recognizing how equality influences team dynamics, paying attention to polite, clear communication, and learning the common workplace don’ts can help you avoid misunderstandings and settle in with ease. Small adjustments make a big difference.

Want to feel more prepared before your first day or improve how you collaborate with your team? Read the full guide to get all the essentials.

Canada has more lakes than every other country combined! And every season gives newcomers a new way to enjoy them.

In summer, lakes are perfect for swimming, kayaking, hiking, and picnics.

When winter arrives, many freeze into sparkling playgrounds where you can try ice fishing, snowshoeing, skating on natural ice, or simply enjoy the quiet snowy views. Just remember to check local safety guidelines before stepping onto frozen lakes.

There are endless lake getaways and nature breaks across Canada’s provinces and territories. It’s an easy, budget-friendly way to connect with Canada’s outdoors.