A significant shift in Canadian travel patterns has emerged as new research reveals a dramatic decline in cross-border trips to the United States. According to the Angus Reid Institute, only 10% of Canadians made multiple trips south in the past year, down from 19% in 2023. The drop comes as two-thirds of Canadians call new US fingerprinting requirements for stays exceeding 29 days "invasive," while 70% express discomfort with winter travel plans. Safety concerns, political

Quebec's Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration has introduced the province's immigration framework for 2026-2029, alongside the detailed 2026 Immigration Plan. The strategy aims to limit both temporary and permanent immigration volumes to ease pressure on the province's integration capacity. Quebec will welcome 45,000 permanent residents in 2026, while also admitting between 84,900 and 124,200 temporary residents through the Temporary Foreign Worker and Inter

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced important updates to the provincial and territorial attestation letter framework for study permits. Effective November 4, 2025, IRCC has introduced several key clarifications affecting the 2025 allocation period, including revised protocols for PAL/TAL reuse, joint program applications, and processing criteria. The updates also address exception cases requiring Organization/Entity IDs and provide sample docume

A recent Abacus Data survey of nearly 3,000 Canadians reveals that public opinion on immigration has plateaued after last year's surge in skepticism. While roughly half of Canadians still view current immigration levels negatively and cite pressure on housing and healthcare, the data shows no further hardening of attitudes. With 67% saying the federal government's 2026 target of 380,000 newcomers is too high – down from 72% a year ago – there's evidence that reduced targets

Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab launched the 13th National Francophone Immigration Week on November 3, highlighting the theme "Thank you for enriching our Francophonie." The week recognizes the vital contributions Francophone newcomers make to Canada's cultural and economic landscape. Minister Diab announced that the government remains on track to achieve its 2025 target of 8.5% French-speaking permanent residents outside Quebec. Federal and provincial ministers are w

Ontario is introducing comprehensive reforms to its driver's licence system through Bill 60 , which links licensing eligibility directly to immigration status and work authorization. Effective early 2026, the Ministry of Transportation will verify applicants' legal status in Canada before issuing or renewing licences. The legislation prohibits temporary visitors from obtaining commercial driver's licences, ends automatic recognition of foreign licences from non-reciprocal cou

Holland College has reported a 47% decline in its international student population in 2025, from 848 students last year to 446. The college projects an additional loss of 300 students by the 2026–27 academic year, totalling a reduction of about 700 international students, over 80% of its former international enrolment. The decline stems directly from federal immigration policy changes, particularly restrictions on college graduates’ eligibility for Post-Graduate Work Permits

A new policy brief by Dr. Lisa Ruth Brunner reveals that Canada's once-lauded international education system is now facing significant scrutiny due to fragmented governance and overreliance on student tuition revenues. The research identifies key issues, including inadequate policy coordination, institutional funding dependency, declining public support, and unclear pathways to permanent residency, that leave students vulnerable. To restore Canada's reputation and ensure sus

Three employers face historic charges under Saskatchewan's Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, marking the first prosecution of its kind in the province. Kartikkumar Prakashkumar Patel, Rutvik Hasmukhbhai Patel, and Piyushkumar Mafatbhai Patel each face three counts related to alleged violations at Guac Mexi Grill in Moose Jaw between August 2023 and February 2024. The charges include retaliating against foreign workers for cooperating with authorities,

Statistics Canada reported changes in international travel patterns for August 2025, with overseas visitor arrivals to Canada increasing 9.2% year-over-year, driven primarily by growth from European and Asian markets. In contrast, US resident trips to Canada declined 1.4%, marking the seventh consecutive month of year-over-year decreases. Canadian travel to the United States dropped significantly by 29.7%, resulting in a rare occurrence where more US residents visited Canada

Conservative Shadow Minister for Employment Garnett Genuis has announced a comprehensive Youth Jobs Plan aimed at addressing Canada's youth unemployment crisis, which currently affects over 460,000 young Canadians—nearly 15% of those aged 15 to 24. The plan includes four key pillars: unleashing economic growth through tax cuts and reduced regulatory barriers, fixing the immigration system by improving credential recognition and aligning immigration with labour market needs,

The Government of Alberta has announced the reopening of applications for its Ethnocultural and Anti-Racism Grant Programs, offering a combined $13.5 million investment over three years to support community-led initiatives. The Ethnocultural Grant Program provides up to $50,000 for projects fostering connections with ethnocultural and Indigenous communities, while the Anti-Racism Grant Program allocates up to $10,000 for educational and capacity-building initiatives. Applica

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced revisions to its standard immigration medical examination procedures on October 16, 2025. The updated guidelines provide comprehensive protocols for assessing foreign nationals' health conditions, including evaluations for public health risks, public safety concerns, and potential excessive demand on healthcare services. Key components of the routine examination include medical history reviews, physical and mental

A comprehensive national survey conducted by Abacus Data in partnership with the Canadian Real Estate Association reveals that nearly nine in ten Canadians express concern about the current housing situation. The study identifies multiple contributing factors to the crisis, with 29% of respondents citing the pace of population growth outpacing housing supply and an influx of newcomers as significant drivers. Political perspectives vary, as Conservative supporters more freque

Canada added 60,000 jobs in September 2025, marking a 0.3% increase that partially offset recent employment losses, according to Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey . The employment rate rose to 60.6%, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.1%. Job gains were concentrated among core-aged workers, with women aged 25-54 adding 76,000 positions and men in the same demographic gaining 33,000 jobs. Full-time employment surged by 106,000, though part-time work decl

A new Statistics Canada study analyzing financial ratios for Canadian universities reveals significant shifts in institutional revenue streams, particularly an increased dependency on international student tuition fees. The comprehensive analysis examines how universities navigated financial pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including campus closures, fluctuating international enrollment, and enhanced federal research funding. Larger institutions, U15 members, and grad

On October 9, 2025, the Government of Ontario finally held immigration draws in the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream (EJO FW), International Student Stream (EJO IS) and In-Demand Skills Stream (EJO IDS) of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP). The province held two EJO FW draws and issued 671 invitations to apply (ITAs) in a targeted draw for health occupations and early childhood educators and assistants, and 24 ITAs for Regional Economic Development throug

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its policy guidance regarding permanent resident travel documents (PRTD) for Canadians abroad. Effective October 9, 2025, the updated instructions clarify that a $50 fee must accompany all PRTD applications under subsection 31(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The PRTD enables permanent residents without valid status documents to return to Canada after meeting residency requirements. IRCC confir

A migrant worker seeking to build a new life in Canada faces uncertainty after paying over $24,000 to an immigration representative for...

Employment and Social Development Canada reported significant changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, emphasizing its role as...