News. For Newcomers | September 17, 2026

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

If you're relying on Canadian work experience for Express Entry, it's worth double-checking exactly how much of your experience actually qualifies. IRCC only counts reasonable vacation time and does not count things like parental leave, work done outside Canada, or hours worked while you were a full-time student. IRCC caps qualifying work at 30 hours a week, so extra hours in one week can't make up for fewer hours in another.

Canadian Experience Class eligibility only looks at experience gained in the past three years, while CRS points can count experience from up to 10 years back, so older experience may still boost your score even if it doesn't make you CEC-eligible.

New IRCC data shows interest in Francophone Mobility work permits (C16) is growing, though numbers remain small overall. IRCC issued 9,850 initial permits and 8,200 extensions between January 2022 and March 2026. The first three months of 2026 already account for more than half of all 2025 activity.

The data suggests the pathway hasn't become the widespread shortcut some discussions around it might imply, but activity is climbing quickly.

In just over a month, on October 19, Albertans will vote on five immigration-related questions as part of a broader provincial referendum. The first question asks whether Alberta should take more control over immigration to reduce intake, prioritize economic migrants, and give Albertans first priority on new jobs. Three more questions target non-permanent residents directly, including proposals to require Alberta-approved immigration status for access to public health care and education, and a 12-month residency requirement before qualifying for social support.

The results are non-binding, but a strong yes vote would give the provincial government public backing to pursue these changes. Critics warn the changes could affect Alberta's roughly 260,000 temporary residents.

The next Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment is coming on September 18.

Eligible families, including newcomers, can receive up to $679.75 per month for each child under six and up to $573.58 for each child aged six to 17. The amount you receive depends on your family income.

The CCB is tax-free and you can apply even before filing your first Canadian tax return.

Recipients of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) can also expect to receive a one-time supplemental payment on September 17.

This top-up will automatically be paid out to people who received CDB payments between July 2025 and June 2026. Individuals who became eligible for CDB after July 2026 or were approved for a DTC certificate can also expect to receive the supplemental benefit.

Nearly one in three Canadians now has a side hustle, according to a new survey, and for most, it’s not about turning a hobby into a business.

Around 85% said financial reasons pushed them to earn extra money. Paying for everyday essentials was the most common reason.

Selling items online was the most popular side hustle, followed by freelancing, content creation and food delivery.

If you’re earning extra income on the side, remember that side hustle income is generally taxable in Canada, so keep records of your income and eligible expenses.

Knowing what to do in a medical emergency can make your first months in Canada a little less stressful.

For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For urgent but less serious health problems, an urgent care centre, walk-in clinic or your province’s 811 health line may be a better option.

You can still receive emergency treatment without provincial health insurance, but you may have to pay for your care.

Before you need help, check what healthcare coverage you have and where your nearest medical services are. Our partner, Cigna Healthcare, also offers private health insurance options for newcomers looking for additional coverage in Canada.