Hey New Locals,
Today’s lineup
Student perks you can claim now
Immigration levels plan watch
PEI’s surprise draw
Atlantic schools losing internationals
Rent math that keeps changing
Jobs of the week…
Student perks are everywhere. You just need to ask.
No, you don’t need a full-time degree to snag a student discount. Even if you’re enrolled in a part-time or language course, there’s a good chance you qualify. Why bother, though? It’s simple; a little asking saves you big bucks on things like Spotify, transit passes, and museum tickets. Here’s where to start:
Spotify Student is still discounted in Canada. Verification runs through SheerID. You can keep it up to four years if you re-verify yearly.
Transit like TTC and GO offers student-friendly fares too. TTC post-secondary uses PRESTO with the monthly pass sitting at the student price tier. GO Transit also has a student fare type with sizable savings if you’re a full-time student.
ROM and other museums run student pricing and periodic promos. Always ask at the desk or check the site first.
Two lines to keep in your pocket: “I’m enrolled. Do you have a student rate?” Works more often than you’d think. The worst answer is no. The best answer saves you 15–50%.
🏢 COME-2-CANADA
The BIG plan is late. Here’s what that means.
Canada’s big immigration plan for 2026-2028 was supposed to drop on Nov 1. That didn’t happen. That affects how many people get in, how fast files move, and how provincial quotas are assigned.
Why you should care: Since no one knows what’s happening yet, if you have a move planned in the next year, you should keep your documents ready and be on the lookout for changes. Provincial nominee programs are still operational, and federal targets are likely to remain steady with tighter controls on temporary residents. Know your points with the official CRS calculator and stay flexible.
Prefer a quick third-party estimator? Here’s an alternative. Treat it as a guide.
Want to find out more about the delay? Read more
Province watch: PEI breaks its schedule
Prince Edward Island shook things up with a surprise draw on Oct 27, inviting 159 international graduates working locally. PEI normally publishes draw dates and sticks to them, so this early pull shows urgency on their part. Smaller provinces like PEI move faster when they spot labor gaps.
If you studied or work there, now’s the time to stay visible and keep your Expression of Interest current, as this could speed your way to permanent residency.
EDUCATION
Atlantic schools are losing international students
International enrollment in Atlantic Canada is down a whopping 28% overall—and some schools have seen drops bigger than half their international students. Caps, tuition hikes, and tighter permit rules are driving this.
If you’re applying for school in January or the fall, it's better to get your plans in early, secure funding, and lock in your Post-Arrival Loan (PAL) windows. Across Canada, schools are cutting budgets and reducing services and aid, making staying ahead more important than ever.
MONEY MATTERS
Rent is high. Not news, but here’s actually what you can do
A new Zoocasa scan puts a Toronto one-bed at $2,295 (that means earning around $44/hour to keep your rent under a third of your income). Smaller cities that used to be the solution are now joining the 'too high to live in' group chat.
So what can you do?
Look beyond downtown to nearby neighborhoods,
Search wider rings and target buildings showing multiple vacancies.,
Consider roommates or use longer leases to negotiate a lower start rate for rent.
If you’re a student, student transit passes can actually help ease your budget.
Finally, keep checking Rental.ca for the best spots in your price range.
QUICK HITS
Work hours while studying: The off-campus cap is 24 hours per week during sessions. Plan your shifts around that number in a way that helps you.
Dental care: the Canadian Dental Care Plan continues phased rollout. Check eligibility and how to apply here.
💼 Jobs This Week
What are the hottest CA jobs this week? Check out our weekly live sheet, with fresh roles and salary notes across all niches and industries.
✉️ THE WRAP-UP
New to Canada or landing soon? We’ve got a community for Africans figuring it out together; housing tips, job swaps, weekend plans. Hit reply with “add me” and we’ll add you..
Catch you next time,
Dami from New Local.
You can always reach us at [email protected].
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