News. For Newcomers | September 8, 2026

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Waiting on a Canadian immigration application? IRCC’s latest processing times are out, and most have remained fairly stable over the past month.

Here are some of the latest estimates:

The biggest change is for proof of citizenship, which jumped from 25 months in August to 33 months in September.

Remember, IRCC processing times are estimates, not guarantees, so your application could take more or less time.

Canada has made at least 26 changes affecting international students since 2024, making it harder for students to keep track of the rules.

The changes have affected almost every stage of studying in Canada, including study permit applications, working while studying, changing schools, spousal work permits and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility.

Some students are protected by the rules that were in place when they applied, but not every change works the same way.

With immigration rules changing so often, international students should check the latest requirements throughout their studies, especially before making decisions about work, graduation or staying in Canada afterward.

Language skills could give you up to 25 points under Ontario’s new Workforce Priority Stream.

Here’s how the points work:

With language worth nearly 20% of the available points, improving your test results could make your profile more competitive when OINP draws resume.

Canada is spending $1.7 billion to attract top international researchers, but some are reportedly facing immigration delays that could make it harder to come to Canada or stay long term.

The Toronto Star reports that some international PhD students are facing lengthy security screenings, despite IRCC offering 14-day processing for eligible doctoral study permit applications. Researchers already in Canada may also struggle to qualify for permanent residence before their work permits expire.

Immigration experts say Canada needs to better connect its plans to recruit global talent with its immigration system, including faster processing and clearer pathways to permanent residence for researchers it wants to retain.

Wondering how much it could cost to live in Canada? Our free Budget Calculator can help you plan your finances before or after you move.

Answer five quick questions about where you’ll live, your family size, housing and whether you plan to have a car. You’ll get an estimate of your initial setup costs and ongoing monthly expenses, including rent, groceries, utilities and transportation.

Because living costs vary widely across Canada, the calculator uses local data to give you a more realistic idea of how much you may need to budget in your city.

Thinking about leaving an office job for a career in the skilled trades? You’re not alone. Career experts say more mid-career workers are exploring trades, but making the switch can take years of training and careful financial planning.

The good news is that many apprenticeships in Canada are paid, and there are programs that can help cover training costs. Depending on your eligibility, support can include grants, interest-free apprentice loans, tax deductions and provincial programs.

Canada is also investing in training more skilled trades workers, with a goal of recruiting and training up to 100,000 new Red Seal tradespeople by 2030–31.

If you’re considering a career change, check out our guide to financing skilled trades training in Canada, including the support newcomers may be able to access.

Canada’s public healthcare system covers many essential medical services, but it doesn’t cover everything.

Depending on where you live, you may need to pay for services such as prescription medications, dental care, eye exams, physiotherapy and mental health counselling. Some newcomers may also face a waiting period before provincial coverage begins.

These costs can add up quickly. Understanding what your provincial plan covers, and whether you need employer benefits or private health insurance to fill the gaps can help you avoid unexpected healthcare bills.