Maple News reports that Canada finished 19th overall in the U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Countries rankings. Switzerland secured the top spot this year, followed by Denmark and Sweden, while the United States placed 18th—one position ahead of Canada. Canada’s strongest performance came in Culture & Tourism, where […]
British Columbia Issues 437 Invitations in May SI Draw Targeting High-Economic-Impact Talent
Maple News reports that British Columbia’s Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) issued 437 invitations in a May 14, 2026 Skills Immigration draw, marking the province’s fifth SI draw of the year. Invitations were granted under two selection factors: wage/salary plus TEER 0–3 job offer (with a wage of at least $59 […]
Maple News reports: Canada streamlines completeness checks for proof-of-citizenship applications from abroad
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has issued new intake instructions for proof-of-Canadian-citizenship certificates sought by Canadian citizens by descent applying from outside Canada and the United States. Under the new rules, overseas applications are subject only to a minimal completeness check before processing. Applicants will only have their […]
Canada clarifies LMIA-exempt work permits under WTO GATS, expands permanent-resident eligibility
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated its guidance on LMIA-exempt work permits issued under the World Trade Organization’s General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). The update provides clearer rules for officers and applicants alike. The changes apply to professionals seeking entry under the […]
Newfoundland and Labrador: 186 Invitations in Second May Draw, NLPNP Still Leads
Maple News reports that Newfoundland and Labrador conducted its fifth provincial immigration draw of 2026 on May 11, marking the province’s second draw in May to date. A total of 186 candidates received Invitations to Apply (ITAs) through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP) and the Atlantic Immigration […]
Proof of Canadian Citizenship by Descent: 10 Lawyer-Backed Tips to Streamline Your Application
Maple News reports that millions of Americans may qualify for Canadian citizenship by descent. When applying for proof of citizenship, careful preparation can improve the odds of on-time processing and reduce the risk of delays, returns, or refusals. Maple News consulted Ala Bujac, a Canadian immigration lawyer at Cohen Immigration […]
Americans Rush for Canadian Citizenship by Descent as PEI Archives Struggle Under Four Years’ Worth of Requests in Four Months
Maple News reports a dramatic surge in requests at Prince Edward Island’s Public Archives and Records Office, driven by Americans seeking documents to prove Canadian ancestry after Bill C-3 removed the first-generation limit on citizenship by descent. The change, which took effect on December 15, 2025, opens eligibility to descendants […]
Canada Expands Flexibility for Refugees Facing Exit Barriers, Easing PR Processing and Family Options
Maple News reports that Canada is expanding flexibility for refugees seeking resettlement, clarifying that applicants are not required to present an exit permit or proof of legal status in their host country to have their application processed. The exemption applies under the Immigration and Refugees Protection Act (IRPA) for issuing […]
Maple News Reports: One-Year Wait for Proof of Canadian Citizenship Certificates as American Applicants Surge
Maple News reports that Canada’s processing time for proof of Canadian citizenship certificates has risen to about 12 months in the second quarter, following a major change to the Citizenship Act. The figure marks a sharp increase from July 2025, when the processing time was about five months. The surge […]
Maple News Exclusive: CELPIP Launches Accelerate Prep and May Webinar to Boost Canadian Language Readiness
Maple News reports a new wave of CELPIP preparation resources designed to help newcomers feel ready for language testing as they advance their careers in Canada in 2026. A live webinar is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM EDT. Hosted by CanadaVisa, the session will feature CELPIP […]
Canada Permanently Closes Four Falls Port of Entry in New Brunswick
Maple News reports that the Canada Border Services Agency has permanently closed the Four Falls port of entry in New Brunswick. The crossing had previously operated seasonally and has been out of service since May 2020, when COVID-19 disruptions prompted temporary suspensions that were extended multiple times over the past […]
May Update: Processing Times Rise for Express Entry and PNP as Backlogs Grow
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 […]