News. For Newcomers | October 16, 2025

A late night announcement came through last night, stating that there would be a press conference with Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab — her first one since taking up the position earlier this year. Then…. nothing? It’s the first time we’ve seen this happen.

We’ve scoured the internet to learn more about what happened at the press conference today — and we came up with a provincial nominee program update, plus clues as to what we might see in the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan. Read the full post for all the details.

Curious to know what it costs to study in Canada in 2025/2026, this is the guide for you. We dig into average tuition costs, plus living costs and the like, so you can get a realistic look into what it costs to study in Canada today. Get the guide.

Nova Scotia has eliminated the five-year certification renewal requirement in most compulsory trades, such as plumber, construction electrician and boilermaker. This move will save trades workers in the Atlantic province time, money and paperwork.

Plus, Nova Scotia has reduced fees for challenging their certification exams to $350. This will make it easier for experienced workers, including newcomers, to become certified. Read more here.

As the year wraps up, it’s a great time to review your RRSP strategy and ensure you’re maximizing your tax benefits. A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) helps anyone earning income in Canada save for retirement while lowering taxable income, ideal for newcomers building long-term financial security. The Globe and Mail recently shared smart year-end tips, from contributing early to grow your savings faster to using a spousal RRSP to balance income between partners.

Understanding RRSPs can make a real difference to your financial future. Learn more about RRSPs for newcomers here to make the most of your savings and build a strong foundation for life in Canada.

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Yesterday, we talked about PR applications being refused when salaries are paid in cash, and it really highlighted something bigger – you could be doing things in your work, often without realizing it, that might impact your ability to get long-term status in Canada. Sometimes these issues are even out of your control, but they can still affect how IRCC views your employment history.

So, we thought this would be a good time to remind you to take a closer look at your current setup and make sure everything is in line with IRCC requirements.

Ask yourself: how easily could you provide updated reference letters, employment contracts, performance reviews, salary deposit records, or proof of pay? These are the kinds of documents IRCC may request to verify your work history. Having them organized now can make your PR application process smoother and show that your employment is genuine, verifiable, and fully compliant.

No one can guarantee you will get an immigration document for Canada, whether that’s a work permit, permanent residence, or a tourist visa or visa waiver. If you speak with a professional or see any advertisement that promises guaranteed results, it is very likely a scam.

The reason for this is very simple: immigration professionals are not responsible for making immigration decisions in Canada. There is a separate government body that does this. And while a professional can give you their opinion about whether you have good chances of receiving a particular immigration document, they cannot promise you will be successful.