The latest news from Moving2Canada, in case you missed it, plus can't-miss resources with timeless information and tips.
This week’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Rentals.ca
Canada’s Average Rent Fell Again, Hitting a 33-Month Low
The latest Rentals.ca National Rent Report shows Canada’s average asking rent fell to $2,030 in February, down 2.8% year over year and marking 17 straight months of annual declines. That puts rents at their lowest level in 33 months, down 7.4% from two years ago.
February usually starts to hint at a busier moving season, but this year the market stayed softer than expected, with rents falling 1.3% month over month – the biggest February drop since 2020. That said, a few major cities, including Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Montreal, did post small monthly increases, which could be a sign that spring demand is starting to stir.
For renters, affordability keeps improving. Average rent now takes up 29% of renter household income, dipping below the 30% affordability line for the first time in more than six years. Condo rents continued to lead the decline, and one-bedroom units saw the biggest annual drop.
If you’re thinking of moving this spring, this could be a good window to ask about incentives like free rent, discounted parking, or other perks before competition heats up. Rentals.ca now also has a move-in incentives filter, making it easier to spot listings with discounts.
Our Video Update This Week
In this reel, we walk you through a 5-step financial checklist to help you plan before you land, when you arrive, and as you start settling into life in Canada.
This checklist will help you feel more prepared and avoid common money mistakes as a newcomer.
Most Read News This Week
In this article, we break down IRCC’s updated rules for spousal open work permits for the partners of international students in Canada.
If your spouse or partner is studying in Canada, this is the kind of update you don’t want to miss.
This week’s newsletter is brought to you by our partner, Rentals.ca
Rentals.ca make it easier to find verified rental listings across Canada, with user-friendly search functionality to search by city, budget, and housing type. Rental search simplified so you can settle in with confidence!
News This Week, In Case You Missed It
IRCC has clarified how LMIA-exempt work permits are processed under the RCIP and FCIP.
Our new opinion piece explores whether recent immigration policy changes are solving problems or creating new ones.
Thinking about freelancing in Canada? Our latest guide shares practical lessons on contract work as a newcomer.
IRCC has updated instructions for the C20 reciprocal employment work permit, clarifying how officers assess reciprocity.
IRCC has released its first official AI strategy, outlining how automation will be used to support immigration processing.
A new report shows 85% of Canadians are taking steps to reduce financial stress, offering useful lessons for newcomers.
Is the Canada Job Bank worth using? Our guide breaks down what newcomers should know before relying on it.
Our guide explains how concurrent processing for LMIA work permits works, and the risks to be aware of.
We also saw PNP draws from Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick.
Latest IRCC Updates’
IRCC updated its instructions on March 12, 2026 regarding the intake pause for the Start-Up Visa and Federal Self-Employed immigration programs. Read more.
IRCC updated its instructions on March 11, 2026 regarding temporary special measures for Iranian nationals in Canada. Read more.
IRCC updated its guidance on March 9, 2026 for International Experience Canada (IEC) Young Professionals reciprocity agreements, adding new initiatives for Portugal and Taiwan. Read more.
IRCC updated its procedures on March 9, 2026 for assessing citizenship language and knowledge requirements. Read more.
