November 4, 2026 Edition
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare
Your Immigration Update
Canada’s 2027–2029 Immigration Levels Plan is expected tomorrow, November 5, and our team has been sharing predictions about what the government might announce.
While we’re not all in agreement, here are some of our key predictions:
Permanent residence targets: Could stay around current levels or increase slightly to approximately 400,000.
Economic immigration: Increases in PR admissions could focus on economic immigration, especially Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Temporary residents: Most of our team expects targets to remain at 220,000 new workers and 150,000 new students for 2027.
Family immigration: Targets could remain at the 2026 level of 84,000, rather than decrease to the previously planned 81,000 in 2027.
These are predictions, not confirmed changes, and we’ll know more when the government releases its plan tomorrow.
Has your Canadian immigration application been refused? You may still have options to challenge the decision.
Not every refusal can be appealed, but depending on your circumstances, you may be able to request reconsideration, submit a new application, file an appeal, or seek judicial review.
You may also have an opportunity to address IRCC’s concerns if a Procedural Fairness Letter is issued before a final decision is made.
Deadlines can be short, so understanding your options and acting quickly is important.
Canada has introduced new asylum regulations aimed at reducing processing delays and speeding up refugee claim decisions. The changes took effect on November 3, 2026.
Under the new rules:
Online applications: Asylum seekers must follow a single online application process, whether claiming from inside Canada or at a port of entry.
New deadlines: Eligible claimants have 60 days to submit a complete application, with a possible 30-day extension.
Work permits: Eligible asylum seekers can receive work permits after submitting a complete claim.
Eligibility exceptions: New exemptions apply to certain unaccompanied minors and people who register their intention to claim asylum within one year of entering Canada.
The regulations also introduce new timelines for government reviews and additional protections for vulnerable claimants.
High-Wage Occupation CRS 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.
Express Entry’s Job Offer Points Live
Rebecca explains Express Entry’s new high-wage points, early self-reported CRS score increases, and what they could mean for future draws.
Did Someone Say Draw
On November 4, 2026, Newfoundland and Labrador issued 25 Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
Immigration In The Media
When a 15-month-old boy in Ontario was bitten by a rattlesnake, an immigrant doctor’s experience treating venomous snakebites in India helped save his life.
The story got us thinking about something that often gets overlooked in conversations about immigration. The value newcomers bring goes far beyond economic contributions.
From professional knowledge and life experiences to different perspectives, cultures, and traditions, immigrants contribute to Canadian society in ways that aren’t always easy to measure.
Inspired by this story, our latest piece highlights the intangible benefits of immigration and why newcomers bring much more to Canada than numbers can capture.
Cigna Healthcare offers comprehensive international health insurance plans designed for people living, working, or spending extended periods outside their home country.
Purchase a Cigna Global Health Options Silver, Gold or Platinum plan between 1–30 November 2026 and save 10%* for the lifetime of the policy.
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Money Matters: Sugandha’s Money Tips for Newcomers
It's Financial Literacy Month! This year's campaign asks people to TalkMoney, so here we are—talking about money. Steph asks Sugandha to share some of her tips, tricks, and learnings from her move to Canada. We hope it helps!
Today's Tip: Know Your Options for Accessing Care in Canada
Nearly half of Canadians say they avoid visiting a doctor or hospital because they don’t expect to receive timely care, according to a new Leger poll.
The survey also found that 27% of respondents had paid for private healthcare to avoid long waits or unsatisfactory public services. That figure rose to 34% among people born outside Canada.
But accessing healthcare in Canada isn’t limited to visiting a family doctor. From pharmacy consultations and virtual appointments to private healthcare options, there may be other ways to get the care you need.
Private health insurance, such as plans offered by Cigna Healthcare, can also help fill gaps in provincial coverage, including services like dental care, prescription medications, and virtual consultations.
