News. For Newcomers | November 26, 2025

Express Entry Draw #381: Today’s CEC draw stayed right on trend with 1,000 ITAs, but the CRS finally dipped by two points, a small drop that’s sparking real hope. Read more for our deep dive on what this means for candidates.

IRCC’s latest 2025 inventory snapshot shows just how busy the system still is. As of Sept 30, 2025, there were about 2.2 million applications in process, with 55% within service standards and 45% in backlog. Temporary residence remains the most volatile (TRVs and study permits swinging month to month), while permanent residence is steadier but still below target. Express Entry backlogs are near IRCC’s 20% goal, but PNP-EE is running higher. Citizenship is the bright spot, with roughly 79% processed on time. Bottom line: delays vary a lot by program and season, but you’re far from alone in the wait.

IRCC just released the 2026 provincial and territorial numbers under the international student cap. They look simple, but they’ll really shape what next year feels like, how competitive offers get, how schools plan intake, and how students time their applications.

Canada Post and postal workers have reached a tentative deal, so the strike is on hold while workers review and vote on the final contract. This pause is welcome news for anyone worried about immigration timelines — mail service is restarting and Canada Post is working through the backlog built up since the nationwide walkout began September 25, 2025.

For immigration applicants, that means delayed items like passports, PR cards, work or study permits, and other IRCC letters should start moving again, though some delays may linger as volumes normalize. Until the agreement is ratified, the union still has the right to resume job action, but reaching a deal in principle is a strong step toward stable delivery.

ICYMI: Tuesday’s Express Entry Draw #380 invited 777 PNP candidates, with a CRS cut-off of 699.

When you’re relocating within Canada — whether it’s for a job, cheaper rent, or a fresh start – the biggest surprise usually isn’t the price of movers. It’s all the unexpected costs that sneak in between homes. If your move-out and move-in dates don’t line up, you may need temporary storage, a hotel or Airbnb, or extra days off work. And if you’re breaking a lease or ending a mortgage early, penalties can hit hard. Even replacing low-value furniture instead of hauling it across provinces can add up fast.

Before you move, map out the “in-between costs” just as carefully as the movers and the U-Haul. Check if you need a small emergency cushion to cover timing gaps, and research the cost of living in your new city — groceries, heating, transit, childcare — so you’re not shocked once you arrive. For newcomers, especially, planning for these gaps can save you from starting life in a new city with unexpected debt. If you’re building that buffer, Moving2Canada’s guide on How To Build an Emergency Fund as a Newcomer is a helpful place to start.

This newsletter is brought to you by our partner, The Relocator

With the U.S. introducing new tariffs on heavy-duty trucks and buses, Canadian manufacturers are already feeling the strain. Companies like Paccar in Quebec have announced layoffs, while others are rethinking production as costs climb. When exports get more expensive, it often slows demand and puts extra pressure on skilled workers in manufacturing and logistics.

If your work touches this sector, stay alert and flexible. Keep your resume updated, follow trade and industry news, and consider training in growing fields like supply chain management or electric vehicle production. Trade policies can change fast, and staying adaptable keeps your career moving forward even when the market starts to hit potholes.

If you’re planning a quick Canada getaway over the U.S. Thanksgiving long weekend, the CBSA just put out a helpful reminder about what to expect at the border. They’re anticipating their usual holiday surge and are encouraging travellers to prep ahead so crossings stay smooth.

The notice covers a few easy-to-miss essentials, like having the right travel documents ready, declaring all food and gifts, and double-checking what you can’t bring across (especially anything with poultry, cannabis, or weapons). They also point to simple strategies for cutting down on wait times, including checking live border delays and choosing quieter crossing windows.