News. For Newcomers | September 15, 2026

Today’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Cigna Healthcare

A job offer plays a big role in your score under Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream.

Candidates can receive up to 49 of the available 130 points based on four parts of their job offer:

Higher-paying jobs can earn more points, while Ontario also gives an advantage to certain occupations and jobs outside the Greater Toronto Area. A job in Northern Ontario, for example, can earn the full 15 location points.

If you’re considering this immigration pathway, understanding how your job offer is scored can help you see how competitive your profile may be.

Canada has ended a policy that helped some permanent residents sponsor family members they did not declare on their original PR application.

The exemption ended on September 10, with IRCC pointing to “potential integrity concerns.” However, the department previously said the policy posed minimal risk, and it has not yet explained what changed.

Applications received by September 10 can still be considered under the old policy. For new cases, affected families may have to request an exemption on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

If you’re applying for PR, it’s important to declare all family members, even if they are not coming to Canada with you.

Canada welcomed 5,820 new international students in July, up 92% from June. At the same time, new temporary worker arrivals fell 24% to 15,395.

Despite the jump in student arrivals, Canada is still welcoming far fewer temporary residents than previous years. Student arrivals from January to July were 80% lower than the same period in 2024, while worker arrivals were down 59%.

Meanwhile, more people already in Canada are becoming permanent residents. Former temporary residents made up 57% of new permanent residents between January and July 2026.

2,000 CEC candidates were invited in the latest Express Entry draw.

On September 10, British Columbia issued more than 429 invitations through targeted draws for childcare, health care, veterinary care and construction occupations, with minimum scores ranging from 76 to 99.

Quebec’s immigration levels have become an election issue, with Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon linking recent population growth to the province’s housing crisis and overcrowded schools.

But immigration is only part of the picture. A rise in newcomers has increased demand for housing and school space in some areas.

However, experts say these problems existed before the recent immigration surge. They have also been driven by factors such as limited housing construction, a shortage of affordable homes and ageing school buildings.

Population growth can add pressure, but Quebec’s housing and school challenges cannot be blamed on immigration alone.

Canada’s inflation rate stayed at 3% in August, meaning prices are still rising at the same overall pace as the month before.

There was some good news at the grocery store, where food prices rose 2.8% compared with last year. Clothing prices also fell slightly.

However, rent increased 2.8% year-over-year, while travel and gasoline costs remained high.

For people living in Canada, this means some everyday costs are easing, but housing and other major expenses continue to put pressure on household budgets.

Social media can be more than a way to pass the time. It could also help you find your next job in Canada.

Start with LinkedIn by keeping your profile updated, connecting with people in your industry and tailoring your applications. You can also use social media to build your network, research employers and show off your skills.

If you’re comfortable on camera, a short video resume could even help you stand out.

Just be careful when connecting with employers or recruiters online. Job scams are common, so avoid sharing personal information or paying for a job opportunity.

Healthcare works very differently in Canada and the U.S., and understanding the differences can help you plan your move.

Canada’s public system covers many essential doctor and hospital services for eligible residents. In the U.S., healthcare relies much more on private insurance, often through an employer.

But Canada’s system doesn’t cover everything. You may still need insurance for prescriptions, dental care, vision care and some mental health services. Some newcomers may also need private coverage while waiting to qualify for provincial healthcare.

Our partner Cigna Healthcare offers flexible international health insurance tailed to your needs.