News. For Newcomers | October 23, 2025

Canada’s August 2025 immigration data numbers are here – and it’s a big one. With the Immigration Levels Plan just around the corner, this might be the last data drop before 2026 targets land. The numbers tell a mixed story: student arrivals are bouncing back, new work permits are slowing, and fewer people are making the jump from temporary to permanent status.

Temporary residents now make up 5.5% of Canada’s population, down from 6.5% last year — real progress, but there’s still a 200,000-person drop needed to hit the 2026 goal. It’s a fascinating snapshot of how Canada’s immigration system is shifting gears and balancing short-term needs with long-term priorities.

While doing our daily Reddit crawl, we noticed some users were confused about when work experience counts toward the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Figuring out which dates and roles qualify can be tricky, so we decided to clear things up in our latest article – breaking down when your work experience does and doesn’t count toward CEC eligibility.

“This government is getting immigration under control,” said Prime Minister Mark Carney during his live address last night on Canada’s plan to build a stronger economy. He hinted that the upcoming Immigration Levels Plan will be closely tied to Canada’s needs and capacity to welcome newcomers. The plan is set to be released on November 4, alongside the Federal Budget. We’ll report on the numbers as soon as they are available.

You can watch his full address here.

Calling all renters — did you know you can report your on-time rent payments to improve your credit score?

The reality is that most 'credit improvement hacks' are scams. But, this one — from our trusted partner Borrowell — is actually legit (you won't hear that from us very often).

To start reporting your rent, you’ll need to sign up for a service that offers rent reporting. Borrowell is one of the major players in this arena, because it doesn’t require landlord participation. There are other trusted providers, like FrontLobby, but some of these require your landlord to consent and actively participate in the reporting process. Some landlords are reluctant to do this because of the monthly time commitment.

You can learn more about how to do this in our detailed blog post.

This newsletter is sponsored by our partner, Borrowell offering newcomers straightforward ways to manage their financial health.

When applying for a job, one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to stand out is to carefully read and follow the instructions in the job posting. It sounds basic, we know, but it’s a real competitive advantage. Recruiters consistently share their frustration on LinkedIn and different online communities about applicants who don’t read the full post or fail to meet even the minimum requirements!

Taking the time to understand what the employer is asking for and tailoring your application accordingly immediately puts you in the top 5–10% of candidates. It shows attention to detail, respect for the process, and genuine interest in the role, qualities every employer values.

If you’re new to Canada, Halloween (October 31) is a big deal — think costumes, candy, and spooky decorations everywhere! Here’s what you should know to join in:

🍬 Stock up on candy: Trick-or-treaters usually come between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Have small, individually wrapped treats ready — chocolate, gummies, or chips — and try to include some allergy-friendly options too.

🎃 Decorate (optional but fun): Pumpkins, cobwebs, or lights outside your door signal that your home is “open” for trick-or-treaters.

👻 Dress the part: Even adults get into it! Wear a costume at work or to parties — or keep it simple with a witch hat or pumpkin sweater.

🧥 Weather check: It can get chilly, so layer up. You’ll see plenty of kids in costumes and winter coats!

🏘️ Community vibes: Many neighborhoods, schools, and malls host family-friendly Halloween events — check your local listings for parades, pumpkin walks, or haunted houses.

Halloween is a fun way to meet your neighbors and experience a classic Canadian tradition — so whether you join in or just enjoy the spooky sights, you’ll fit right in!

💡 Prefer not to participate? No problem — leave your porch light off. That’s a clear signal that your home isn’t giving out candy, and kids will skip your door.