The Muse Note
Two years ago, I made the difficult decision to pause Immigrant Muse Magazine. Not because the stories stopped mattering, but because the work of telling them became harder to sustain.
In that time, while completing my Master’s in Intercultural and International Communication, I spent more time exploring what the immigrant experience actually feels like beyond policies and processes.Working on my Master’s research on immigrants’ experience with the question: Where are you from… originally? reinforced something for me. If we are going to talk about immigration, we cannot just talk about systems. We have to talk about people.
So this new chapter, Immigrant Muse is returning as a bi-weekly newsletter to:
- Center immigrant experiences
- Break down what is changing in immigration
- Share opportunities that can make a difference for potential immigrants and newcomers
Because immigration is not just about policies. It’s about people trying to build a life. And as we build this space, your voice will shape what comes next.
Oyin Steve,
Editor and Curator
CANADA: WHAT’S CHANGING RIGHT NOW
Some work permit holders can no longer study without a study permit
A temporary public policy allowed eligible foreign workers with certain work permits to study in Canada without a study permit. The policy applied to people whose work permit application or renewal application was received by IRCC on or before June 7, 2023, and the exemption applied until the earliest of several conditions, including the policy’s expiry date of June 27, 2026.
What it means
Canada is tightening flexibility for some temporary residents. For people who were using work status to upgrade skills or pursue education, this change may affect their ability to continue studies without taking additional steps.
What to do
If you are a temporary worker who is studying or planning to study:
- Confirm whether you were relying on this temporary policy
- Check whether you now need a study permit
- Avoid continuing studies without the right authorization
Learn more on the official IRCC public policy page.
Ontario is redesigning its Provincial Nominee Program
Ontario has made major changes to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OIMP). Ontario’s official program page says changes were made to Ontario Regulation 422/17 on June 26, 2026, including removing the former 8 streams and introducing the new Ontario Workforce Priority stream. The Expression of Interest system is closed to new EOIs, and no further invitations will be issued under the former program streams.
What it means
This creates short-term uncertainty for applicants who were planning their PR strategy around Ontario. It also signals a shift toward more targeted selection based on workforce and labour priorities.
What to do
If Ontario was part of your immigration plan:
- Review the latest Ontario program updates
- Do not assume older pathways are still available
- Consider whether another province or federal pathway may be more realistic
- If you already submitted an application, review how Ontario says existing applications will be assessed
Start with the official Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program streams page.
Citizenship-by-descent applications face clearer documentation expectations
IRCC updated guidance connected to citizenship-by-descent applications in June 2026. Applicants can no longer rely only on third-party genealogy records and are being advised to support files with certified records from source authorities.
What it means
For people applying through ancestry or family lineage, it is not enough to build a family tree. Applicants need documents that can clearly verify each generation in the citizenship chain.
What to do
If you are applying or helping someone apply:
- Gather certified birth, marriage, citizenship or naturalization records where available
- Request documents from civil registries, vital statistics offices or original record holders
- Use genealogy platforms as research tools, not as your only proof
Canada is strengthening oversight of immigration consultants
The Government of Canada announced new regulations to strengthen oversight of immigration and citizenship consultants. The new rules are intended to improve complaints and discipline processes, increase transparency, support investigations of misconduct and establish guidelines for a compensation fund for victims of financial loss caused by dishonest consultants.
What it means
This matters for anyone paying for immigration advice. It also matters for the sector because trust, transparency and accountability are becoming more central to immigration service delivery.
What to do
Before hiring someone:
- Confirm they are licensed
- Check the public register
- Be cautious of guaranteed outcomes
- Keep written records of advice and payment
Read the official Government of Canada announcement.
Asylum rules are being challenged in court
Bill C-12 introduced new immigration and asylum measures, including new eligibility requirements for some asylum claims. The Government of Canada says the law strengthens immigration and asylum systems in areas such as eligibility requirements, asylum processing, domestic information sharing and immigration document authorities.CBC reported that lawyers across Canada are coordinating constitutional challenges to the new asylum law, with dozens of cases filed in Federal Court.
What it means
For refugee claimants and the organizations supporting them, this is a period of legal uncertainty. It also shows the tension between system control and access to protection.
What to do
If you or someone you support is seeking refuge in Canada:Seek qualified legal advice as early as possibleDo not rely on informal advice for asylum timelines or eligibilityKeep documentation of entries, dates, notices and correspondence
GLOBAL IMMIGRATION TREND
World Migration Report 2026
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) recently released the World Migration Report 2026, with some key findings:
- Migration demand remains high but access is uneven. With more than 304 million international migrants estimated in mid-2024, making up 3.7 per cent of the world’s population, migration continues to play a major role in global economy. However, access to safe and regular pathways is not equal everywhere.
- Restricting migration does not stop people from moving, instead, it pushes people into more dangerous routes, increases risks for migrants and raises costs for states. When legal pathways narrow, people do not simply stop moving. They may move with fewer protections.
- Global displacement remains at record levels with more than 120 million people were displaced worldwide, including refugees, asylum seekers and internally displaced people. Pressure on asylum and humanitarian systems will continue. Countries may tighten rules, but the causes of displacement are still active.
Countries are competing for workers through targeted pathways
Italy’s multi-year Flow Decree for 2026 to 2028 has been described as a move to strengthen safe and regular migration channels and respond to labour needs in sectors such as domestic work, caregiving, agriculture and tourism.
Why it matters
Canada is not the only destination competing for talent. Skilled workers, caregivers, students and mobile professionals now have more countries designing pathways around labour needs.
What this looks like in real life
For many people, immigration changes do not arrive as policy alerts.They arrive as questions, such as: Can I still study while working? Is the pathway I planned for still open? Do I need different documents now? Can I still access settlement services? Who can I trust for advice?That is why information matters. The rules are changing, but the people affected by them are making real decisions about school, work, family, money and belonging.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Temporary pathways are tightening: Work and study flexibility is becoming more controlled. People on temporary status need to understand exactly what their permits allow.
- Provincial pathways are changing quickly: Ontario’s redesign shows that provinces can significantly reshape immigration options. Applicants should avoid building their entire plan around one pathway.
- Documentation matters more than ever: Whether it is citizenship by descent, PR, asylum or study, official documents and timelines can shape outcomes.
- Strategy is now essential: Immigration success increasingly depends on timing, information, eligibility and adaptability.
OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA
Government-backed settlement services
IRCC continues to list settlement services funding as part of its support for newcomers to settle and adapt to life in Canada. If you are a newcomer to Canada or planning to come to Canada soon, review the government funded settlement services you may qualify for by province.
Education: Government scholarships
EduCanada lists scholarship opportunities for international applicants, including programs such as Study in Canada Scholarships, Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program and SEED-2. Review EduCanada scholarship listing for eligibility.
Career and credential support: Windmill Microlending
Windmill Microlending provides a low-interest financing option for skilled immigrants seeking support for credential recognition or career transition. Explore this option if you’re seeking financial support as a newcomer to transition your career or obtain your license to practice in Canada.
Language support: LINC and CLIC
Language training remains one of the most important early supports for eligible newcomers. LINC and CLIC programs are often listed as federally funded language training options for eligible permanent residents, refugees and protected persons. Explore free language classes for newcomers near you.
FROM YOU, TO US
Immigration is not a one-size experience. Starting with the next issue, Immigrant Muse will feature real questions, reflections and stories from readers. If you would like to be featured, you can (anonymously) share:A question you are trying to figure outA moment that caught you off guardA lesson or resource that helped youAn opportunity you think other immigrants will benefit fromA story about belonging, identity or starting againYour experience might help someone else find clarity.
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