We Asked 661 Immigrants How They Feel About Canadian Immigration. Here’s What They Told Us.

Canadian immigration has changed significantly over the past two years: temporary resident targets have been reduced, Express Entry draws have become increasingly focused on certain categories (*cough* French speakers *cough*), and CRS score cut-offs remain high.

At the same time, housing affordability and the cost of living continue to dominate headlines across Canada, and life feels just a little bit harder for many than it did a few years ago. With so much changing, we wanted to know how recent and prospective newcomers are feeling.

Earlier this month, Moving2Canada surveyed 661 members of our community from around the world. Respondents included people already living in Canada on temporary status, candidates preparing Express Entry profiles, and future newcomers still exploring their options. Respondents answered a short survey we sent in our email newsletters.

Despite the challenges facing immigrants today, the results were more optimistic than we expected.

Nearly 60 percent of respondents said they feel optimistic about the current state of Canadian immigration, including 42 percent who described themselves as very optimistic.

Only 23 percent described themselves as pessimistic.

That optimism carried through to another question we asked: whether respondents felt their chances of immigrating to Canada had changed.

More than one-third said they feel more likely to qualify for Canadian immigration than before. Another 17 percent said they feel their chances are about the same, but that the process may take longer than they originally expected.

While immigrating to Canada remains a goal for many respondents, the survey also revealed several recurring concerns.

Processing Times, Jobs, and CRS Score Top the List of Concerns

Respondents were asked which immigration topics cause them the most stress right now.

The most common response was long processing times, selected by 43 percent of respondents. Finding a job in Canada was close behind at 40 percent, followed by high CRS score cut-offs at 30 percent.

Other major concerns included the cost of immigration, reductions to temporary foreign worker programs, upcoming Express Entry reforms, the cost of living, and housing affordability.

The responses suggest that many future newcomers are focused on practical questions about building a life in Canada.

Will they receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for Express Entry?

Will they be able to find work?

Will they be able to afford life after they arrive?

One respondent explained:

The biggest source of stress for me is the long processing times and the uncertainty around when decisions will be made.

You can find the latest processing times for all of Canada’s major immigration programs in our IRCC processing times tracker.

Another survey respondent wrote:

The biggest challenge for me right now is finding a job that accepts foreigners.

Finding a job in Canada remains a top concern for many Canadian immigration hopefuls. In recent months, we’ve seen the number of

This means fewer foreign workers are being hired, making it more challenging for those seeking to gain that valuable Canadian work experience that could make someone eligible for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Adding to this stress, immigrants to Canada have a higher unemployment rate than Canadian-born workers. The difference decreases the longer a newcomer has been in Canada. However, for recent newcomers, unfamiliarity with the jobs market, networking connections, and a lack of Canadian work experience can make finding a job a challenge.

Many Respondents are Worried about Express Entry Competitiveness

High CRS score cut-offs appeared throughout the survey’s written responses. Several respondents specifically referenced Express Entry category-based draws and the growing importance of French-language proficiency. Some respondents felt that Express Entry has become unattainable for non-French speakers.

When asked to describe what part of the immigration process was causing the most stress, one respondent wrote:

The biggest source of stress for me is the long processing times and the uncertainty around when decisions will be made.

Another respondent reiterated frustration with the high CRS score cut-offs and changing rules for Express Entry draws:

High CRS scores and constant changing of goals; things that are making our chances of immigration more and more challenging.

These concerns reflect broader trends we’ve observed throughout 2025 and 2026.

French-language proficiency draws have accounted for a large share of Express Entry invitations this year. As of June 22, IRCC has issued 30,500 ITAs to French-speaking candidates. That’s more than one-third of all invitations issued so far this year. The CRS score cut-off for French speakers has dropped as low as 393 points in 2026.

Meanwhile CRS score cut-offs for Canadian Experience Class draws have remained above 500 points in every single draw of the year. It’s easy to understand why CEC candidates without French-language proficiency could be feeling frustrated.

Despite the Challenges, Most Respondents Still See a Future in Canada

Although concerns about processing times, jobs, and Express Entry competitiveness were common, many respondents also expressed confidence that their immigration goals remain achievable.

One respondent wrote:

There are still good opportunities, but changing rules and longer wait times make the process stressful.

Canada has retained its reputation as a desirable destination for global migration. However, the frequency of changes to the immigration system are becoming pain points for many immigrant hopefuls:

I am hopeful about immigrating to Canada, but I am concerned about recent changes to immigration policies.

Perhaps the most common sentiment throughout the survey was that immigration may be taking longer than expected, it might be more complicated than expected, but that many respondents are still committed to pursuing it. For a community navigating changing policies, rising competition, and an increasingly complex Canadian immigration system, that’s probably the most encouraging finding of all.

Thank You to All Respondents

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey.

The results help us better understand what information, resources, and tools our community needs most. They also help shape the content we’ll be creating over the months ahead.

We’ll continue sharing insights from the survey in future articles and on social media. In the meantime, if there’s an immigration topic you’d like us to cover, contact us to let us know.

If you’re seeking help with your Canadian immigration plans, consider speaking with a regulated Canadian immigration consultant:

We awarded two $50 Amazon Gift Cards to two survey participants who were randomly selected. These respondents have already been contacted.