October 8, 2025 Edition
Hey there,
Today’s newsletter discusses a really important question: Should media coverage impact immigration application decisions? The answer is that it’s really complex.
We also cover the rising trend of advanced security screens, how you can network your way to an interview, and tips for talking about money.
Enjoy the read,
Rebecca and Steph
Your Immigration Update
Should media coverage mean faster work permits? Three lucky workers recently received their work permits very quickly after news outlets picked up their stories. Here’s why that’s a problem — and what we think a fairer solution would be.
Security screening in Canada is a normal part of any immigration application for Canada. But advanced security screens, which can take years to complete, are becoming more common. Here’s what you need to know about the growing number of advanced security screens in Canadian immigration.
Immigration In The Media
A seafood processor has been fined $1 million and banned from hiring temporary foreign workers for 10 years, CBC reports. The huge penalty (which is likely to be appealed) is in response to mistreatment of foreign workers by the company. The mistreatment included not meeting the pay or working conditions in the job offer, not preventing abuse, and breaking laws for hiring and recruiting. We mentioned this finding in our coverage from yesterday discussing recent trends in employer compliance in Canada, in case you missed it.
Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our partner, Scotiabank.
Scotiabank is here to support you through your journey.
Scotiabank has a long history of helping newcomers successfully build their life in Canada. Join the Scotiabank StartRight® Program and get a credit up to $15,000*¹
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Career Moves: Network Your Way to a Job Interview
When you apply through a company website, there’s a strong chance your application won’t even be seen—since a lot of resumes are filtered out by applicant tracking systems before a real human even looks at them. That’s why reaching out directly to a hiring manager can make such a difference.
You can do this either by contacting the company and asking to speak with the hiring manager, or finding them on LinkedIn and sending through a connection request. When you do this, be polite and courteous — and don’t just ask for a job or interview. Instead, lead with the results you’ve delivered in past roles—such as cutting costs, improving efficiency, or growing revenue. This helps you stand out immediately as someone who can solve problems, not just someone looking for a job. This simple shift often leads to faster responses and real conversations.
Today’s Tip: How to ask questions about money
Money Sense Magazine recently ran an article covering a lack of confidence newcomers feel about money. When we read the article, we realized one major hurdle is learning to talk about money. Questions about what your friends earn can seem a little, well, direct. But you can easily talk about money respectfully in ways that can help you build trust in yourself when it comes to tackling Canada’s financial system. Here are some quick tips:
When starting money conversations in Canada, focus on shared experiences instead of direct comparisons. For example: Ask, “How do you usually budget for big expenses here?” instead of, “How much do you earn?”
Use practical, open-ended questions to make discussions comfortable and useful. Example: “What do you think is a reasonable rent in this city?”
Build confidence by learning common financial terms related to banking, credit, and insurance. Example: Ask, “What was your experience applying for a credit card as a newcomer?”
Share your own experience first: Offering a small detail (“I found opening a bank account here different from home”) can invite others to share.
Use community resources: Libraries, settlement agencies, and banks often host free financial literacy workshops you can bring up in conversation.
Is one of your questions how much you should be saving? Check out our blog post covering that question!
Thanks for reading! We hope you found this helpful.
Talk to you soon,
Rebecca and Stephanie
