World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.
Recent trends in immigration from Canada to the United States (Stats Canada)
The Statistics Canada article highlights shifting migration and employment trends between Canada and the United States. Since the 1990s, fewer Canadian-born individuals are moving to the U.S., while more U.S.-born immigrants to Canada are non-citizens. Amid rising trade tensions in early 2025, attention has turned to Canadian workers in industries highly dependent on U.S. exports The average number of Canadian-born individuals granted U.S. permanent residency fell by 30 percent from the late 2000s to the late 2010s. Data indicates that more Canadian temporary workers are seeking permanent employment in the United States, with computer sciences, mathematical, architecture, and engineering occupations being the most common fields of study. Increases in outflow of highly skilled Canadians – both Canadian-born and foreign-born into the U.S labour market, has important implications for both countries; suggesting heightened competition for global talent. The report underscores the need to monitor these employment risks closely, especially as geopolitical and trade-related pressures continue to evolve.
A recent United Way Greater Toronto report developed in partnership with the Centre for Community-Based Research, examines the lived experiences of African asylum seekers in Toronto, Peel, and York Region and paints a stark picture of hardship and systemic exclusion. Rooted in interviews with 29 asylum seekers and nine service providers conducted in late 2024, the study found that many arrived amid the 2023 crisis, facing homelessness as shelters overflowed. Housing was often unaffordable or inaccessible due to discrimination, while job opportunities were hindered by credential bias, racism (one participant was explicitly told a company would not hire a Black person), and delays in permit access. Support systems were fragmented, with inconsistent information, limited legal aid, and insufficient culturally appropriate services. Despite these barriers, asylum seekers relied on informal networks including, Black-led and faith-based groups, for emotional and practical assistance. The report calls for centralized resource hubs, investment in Black-led agencies, expedited asylum processing, and anti-Black racism training across services.
Immigrants in Europe and North America earn 18% less than natives – here’s why (The Conversation)
A recent study reveals that immigrants in high-income countries across Europe and North America earn approximately 18 percent less than native-born workers, primarily due to concentration in lower-paying occupations. Despite differences in migration patterns, labor markets, and integration policies, this wage disparity persists across various nations. The study attributes the income gap to structural challenges faced by immigrants, including limited access to high-paying jobs, issues with credential recognition, and potential discrimination. These findings underscore the need for targeted policy interventions aimed at improving labor market integration and achieving income parity between immigrant and native-born populations.
Thousands of Canadians to start receiving invitations to apply to sponsor parents and grandparents (CTV News)
The Canadian federal government has reopened the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) for 2025, sending Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to thousands of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who submitted interest-to-sponsor forms in 2020. Applicants must submit Ecomplete sponsorship applications by October 9, 2025, with the program aiming to accept up to 10,000 successful applications. This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to family reunification by allowing families to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residency. However, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has raised concerns that this influx of newcomers could strain the province’s already pressured healthcare system, which faces challenges such as long wait times and limited resources. While the federal program supports family reunification, Alberta emphasizes the need for adequate healthcare infrastructure and support to accommodate the increased demand and ensure services remain accessible and effective for all residents. Balancing these priorities remains a key challenge for policymakers moving forward.
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