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From November 3, 2026, qualifying job offers in certain high-wage occupations could give Express Entry candidates 50, 70 or 100 additional CRS points. But does your salary need to meet a certain amount to qualify?

IRCC has confirmed that your salary does not determine how many points your occupation is worth. Instead, points are based on national wage data for your occupation. However, a lower salary could still raise questions about whether your job duties match the occupation you’re claiming.

Our immigration consultant, Rebecca Major, explains what IRCC’s rules say, why salary could still matter and what to consider before claiming these points.

Canada saw a huge increase in international student arrivals in August, but the numbers are still far below previous years. According to the latest IRCC data, 37,090 international students arrived in August 2026, more than six times the number in July. But, arrivals were still 53% lower than August 2024 and 17% lower than August 2025.

So far this year, Canada has welcomed just 65,240 new international students, reaching only 42% of its annual target of 155,000.

The decline reflects Canada’s stricter immigration policies, including study permit caps and changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit eligibility.

With the busiest month for student arrivals now behind us, Canada may struggle to reach its 2026 target.

Tighter immigration rules could leave trucking companies in Atlantic Canada struggling to keep experienced drivers.

Speaking at an industry conference, immigration expert Sanja Feher warned that expiring work permits and fewer permanent residence opportunities could force companies to park trucks, disrupt routes and lose customers.

Although provincial immigration allocations improved in 2026, sectors like healthcare and construction are being prioritized over trucking. And with fewer international students arriving in Canada, Feher also warned that trucking companies could face an even smaller pool of potential drivers in the coming years.

For foreign workers in Atlantic Canada’s trucking industry, having a job doesn’t guarantee a clear path to permanent residence. If your work permit is expiring, it’s important to explore your immigration options early, and work with your employer to plan your next steps.

Working part-time, freelancing or running your own business? When your income changes from month to month, managing your money can be challenging. But you don’t need a steady paycheque to build good financial habits!

Here are a few ways to stay on track:

The key is to create a budget that works with your changing income, rather than against it. Whether you’re self-employed or working multiple jobs, a little planning can help you feel more financially secure.

Finding a job in Canada could be getting more challenging as employers respond to economic pressures. A new survey of 200 Canadian business leaders, HR professionals and legal experts found that 77% of employers have made workforce changes over the past year.

Here’s what employers are doing:

U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty are also influencing these decisions. And AI is changing the workplace, with 44% of employers reviewing job responsibilities as technology becomes more widely used.

For job seekers, these findings highlight how Canada’s job market is changing and why adapting your skills could be more important than ever.

Finding an affordable rental in Toronto is becoming harder, according to a new Rentals.ca survey.

Of the 218 Toronto renters surveyed, 64% said finding an affordable home has become more difficult over the past year, with 41% saying it has become much harder.

Renters also want more housing options, with 53% calling for more rental homes of all types.

If you’re planning to rent in Toronto, check out our Toronto rent guide for the latest prices, and tips on finding a more affordable place to live.