Maple News reports that on May 12, Canada’s immigration department published updated processing times for permanent residence and citizenship applications. Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) applications each jumped by about one month in wait times, with the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) queue increasing by more than 6,000 applicants […]
Elton John Declares Himself Canadian by Choice as Canada Expands Citizenship by Descent
Maple News reports Elton John, a British citizen with deep personal and family ties to Canada, has publicly identified as Canadian by choice. The singer has partnered with Canadian filmmaker David Furnish for more than three decades, and the couple’s two children are Canadian citizens, underscoring the strength of his […]
Maple News: Americans Heading to the Canadian Grand Prix Could Be Denied Entry for Misdemeanors — How Deemed Rehabilitation Works
Maple News reports that Americans planning to attend the 2026 Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal (May 22–24) should be aware that a criminal record can lead to entry denial at the border. Canadian authorities apply Canadian law to foreign offences, which means some offenses that are minor in […]
Maple News: Citizenship by Descent — If a Canadian-born Parent Exists, You May Qualify for a Canadian Passport
Maple News reports that if at least one of your parents was a Canadian citizen at the time of your birth, you may be eligible for Canadian citizenship by descent, regardless of where you were born. As a citizen by descent, you have the same rights as any Canadian citizen […]
Provincial Nominees Lead May’s First Express Entry Draw, 380 ITAs Issued
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 380 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in the first Express Entry draw of May 2026, a round focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. Eligible applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 798 and had created an […]
Maple News Exclusive: New Brunswick Archives Strained as Americans Rush for Canadian Citizenship Records
Maple News reports a dramatic spike in genealogy-related requests in New Brunswick following Canada’s expansion of citizenship by descent. The surge has put provincial archives under pressure, with requests running roughly four times higher than in prior years. Bill C-3, which took effect on December 15, 2025, removed Canada’s first-generation […]
Canada Fast-Tracks Citizenship Certificates for Trans Americans
Maple News reports that Canada is expediting proof-of-citizenship certificates for Americans with Canadian ancestry, with particular attention to applicants who identify as transgender. The policy shift follows December changes to the Citizenship Act that removed the generational limit on citizenship transmission, broadening eligibility for descendants of Canadian citizens. This spring, […]
IRCC Processing Times See Mixed Shifts for Work and Study Permits
Maple News reports on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) latest update to processing times for temporary residents, which shows a mixed picture across work and study permits. The movement varies by visa type and applicant country, with some wait times tightening and others lengthening. The update notes notable decreases […]
New Brunswick Issues 373 Invitations Across PNP and AIP in Late-April to May Draws
Maple News reports that New Brunswick issued 373 invitations across its immigration programs in a series of selection rounds from April 30 through May 3, 2026. Invitations were issued via three NB Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) streams and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).\n\nInvitations were distributed across NBPNP streams—Skilled Worker, Strategic […]
British Columbia Targets Skilled Workers and Entrepreneurs in Back-to-Back PNP Draws
Maple News reports that British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) carried out back-to-back draws on May 5–6 to invite candidates for provincial nomination. Officials issued at least 341 invitations across Skills Immigration (SI) and Entrepreneur Immigration (EI), with the majority coming through SI and directed at care-based, education, and construction […]
Maple News Exclusive: Manitoba’s Largest 2026 PNP Draw Invites 906 Applicants, Spotlighting Education Roles and Strategic Recruitment
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) held its largest draw of the year on May 7, issuing 906 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs). The round specifically prioritized teachers and education assistants, alongside direct invitations under a strategic recruitment initiative. This marks Manitoba’s ninth selection round of […]
Quebec awards 2,555 invitations across PSTQ streams in fourth draw of the year
Maple News reports that on April 30, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francization and Integration (MIFI) conducted selections across all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). This marked the fourth PSTQ draw this year. In total, 2,555 invitations were issued to foreign workers across the four PSTQ streams: […]
Canada’s Passport Emerges as Americans’ Backup Plan as Eligibility Expands
Maple News reports that this spring thousands of Americans are pursuing what they see as a reliable backup plan: Canadian citizenship. In December, Canada removed the generational limit on inheriting citizenship for people born before December 15, 2025, expanding eligibility for millions. The policy shift broadens access to dual citizenship […]
Canada Edges the U.S. in Global University Research, New MeasuresHE Ranking Finds
Maple News reports that Canada has leapfrogged the United States in university research according to MeasuresHE’s 2026 Country 100 report. Canada ranks third in research among the top five countries, with the United States in fourth place. The top five overall are: United Kingdom (1st, 95.2), Netherlands (2nd, 91.7), Canada […]
Launchpads for Belonging: How Canada’s Public Libraries Help Newcomers Learn, Work, and Connect
Maple News reports that public libraries across Canada are evolving from book lenders into vital community hubs—especially for newcomers. They serve as gateways to belonging, offering practical language learning, settlement guidance, employment resources, and social connections that help newcomers build a new life in Canada. Across cities and towns, libraries […]
Maple News: Canada’s Citizenship Act Overhaul Opens Route to Passports for About 300,000 Connecticut Residents
Maple News reports that Canada’s updated Citizenship Act, which took effect on December 15, 2025, removes the longstanding generational limit on deriving Canadian citizenship for those born before that date. The reform means Connecticut residents who can prove a continuous line of Canadian descent may now apply for proof of […]