Hey New Locals,
The hot tea is that Canada’s immigration news is chaos this week, but the to-dos are crystal.
If you’re planning the move or already figuring out life here, this week is about decisions. Which province. Which stream. Which deadline you can’t miss. Let’s get you to the next click with less stress.
Let’s just go straight into it.
🧭 The Big Update: Halifax noise, your next move
If you’re building a Canada plan, provincial nominee spaces shape your odds. This week’s press buzz around Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab was… confusing. There was announcement teased for a press conference, but then there was radio silence.
However, local news reports that some provinces are getting more PNP nomination spaces this year, with hints the 2026–2028 levels plan will lean heavier on PNP.
So what, in plain English:
More PNP seats usually means better chances if your NOC aligns with a province’s shortages.
Express Entry may stay tighter overall, so province-first strategies matter more.
CEC folks waiting at high scores: keep profiles fresh and watch the levels plan window.
What To Do:
If you’re still planning your move to Canada: shortlist 2 provinces that hire for your NOC. Health, trades, tech are still the hottest paths.
If you’re already in Canada (0–2 yrs): prep a province-tailored resume and employer list now. Update your work experience, ECA, and language qualifications.
If you’ve been here 3+ yrs: explore employer-driven PNPs tied to your current role.
Shortlist two provinces and align your NOC today → pick 2, then map your next 3 actions.
🎓 OINP Employer Job Offer — International Student Stream: fast lane if you studied here
For Nigerians using study-to-PR, Ontario’s ISS lets recent grads become PR-nomination eligible with the right job offer, but the wage must meet the Job Bank “low” wage for your exact NOC in the Ontario economic region.
Are you generally eligible?
You must have:
A qualifying Canadian credential (2-year full-time or eligible 1-year postgrad/GC with prior degree), completed within 2 years
Valid temporary status if in Canada, and ability to work until nomination
Intention to live/work in Ontario + settlement funds (a valid ongoing job often counts)
A full-time, permanent TEER 0–3 offer in Ontario that meets low-wage (or union wage)
Common deal-breakers:
Part-time/term roles, TEER 4–5, wage below “low”, credential older than 2 years, employer not meeting revenue/headcount thresholds.
3-step self-check in 10 minutes:
Confirm your NOC + region → Look up the Job Bank “low” wage for your NOC in your Ontario region.
Validate the job offer → TEER 0–3? Permanent? 30+ hrs/week? Ontario-based duties?
Employer eligibility → Revenue + staff thresholds (different inside vs outside GTA), genuine need, compliance track record.
👉 Do it:
#1: Check your NOC’s required wage (Job Bank) and screenshot it for your file.
#2:Register your OINP EOI (International Student stream) if your role meets the bar.
⏳ IEC last call: Oct 20 deadline for eligible youth
Why this matters to you: If you hold a passport from an IEC partner country and you’re 18–30 or 18–35, this is the final week to enter the pool for a LMIA-exempt work permit in 2025. LMIA-exempt work permits (Working Holiday, Young Professionals, Co-op) can be a fast entry to Canadian experience. Nigeria isn’t an IEC partner, but this is relevant if you hold dual citizenship with an eligible country (e.g., UK, Ireland, France, etc.).
Key points:
Final 2025 invitation round starts week of Oct 20.
It’s a lottery from candidate pools; submit your EOI profile before the deadline to be considered.
If you miss it, next pools open January 2026.
👉 Do it: Submit your IEC profile before Oct 20 and check your ITA odds with the government tool.
🏠 Housing: $13B Build Canada Homes — make it work for you
How this helps you: New federal agency Build Canada Homes aims to accelerate affordable/community housing, starting with 4,000 modular homes at six sites and scaling up.
Who should care
For future immigrants: City choice matters more than ever.
For recent arrivals: Leases and timing can save you thousands.
For established: Watch for income-tested units and new-build lotteries.
Your next move
📍 Compare 2 cities on rent-to-income, transit time, newcomer services.
📍 Lock a 12-month lease if vacancy is tight; document issues in week one.
📍 Follow city housing newsletters for application windows.
Read the breakdown: Canada launches Build Canada HomesBrowse live listings while you track new builds: Search RE/MAX listings
👉 Do it: Build a 2-city rent vs commute sheet for the next 12 months. Decide where you’ll actually thrive.
🎓 2026 University Rankings (Times Higher Education): Use this for study-to-PR planning
Picking the right school can maximize PGWP length, co-op options, and your odds in the Express Entry/PNP later.
Top Universities in Canada (2026):
Toronto
McGill
UBC
McMaster
Alberta
…then Montréal, Waterloo, Ottawa, Calgary, Western.
How to use this to your advantage:
Shortlist 3 schools that match your program + co-op + city budget.
Prioritize co-op/industry links for job-ready experience.
If you have kids. Map schools to K-12 districts and transit before applying.
Further steps:
#2: Check PGWP length for your target program and confirm it’s a DLI (Designated Learning Institution).
#3: Draft a study-to-PR plan: program → PGWP → target province PNP.
Then pick one path.
🧭 Newcomer Archetypes: Which one are you right now?
Knowing your dominant pattern helps you choose the fastest, least-friction path to settle and thrive.
Which profile do you think you are?
✉️ BEFORE YOU GO...
Got time for something uncoventional? Try hunting! And not just any game, dabbling ducks are all the rave this season LOL! Here’s the perfect guide to help you hit the mark (literaaly)
https://www.outdoorcanada.ca/drylandducks/2/
Finally, what’s your biggest blocker right now? Hit us with a reply, and let’s get down to the bottom of it.
— The New Local team 💚
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