Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has tightened the evaluation criteria for work permits issued under the ‘significant benefit to Canada’ LMIA exemption, code C10, within the International Mobility Program (IMP). The updated guidance was published on February 24, 2026. Under the new instructions, officers must apply more stringent […]
13 Provincial Pathways to Permanent Residence Without a Job Offer, Explained
Maple News reports that, while many Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams require a job offer, 13 pathways do not. For applicants pursuing permanent residence through provincial nomination without an offer, here are notable options. Alberta’s Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) offers a single PNP stream that does not require a job […]
Canada processing times evolve: Pakistan study permits surge while work and visitor categories shift
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated processing times for temporary resident applications, covering work permits, study permits, and visitor visas. The latest estimates, released February 24, show several notable shifts across different applicant origins. For work permits, the updates indicate a mix of modest […]
Staying Safe in Canada: A Newcomer’s Guide to Guarding Against Financial Fraud
Maple News reports a practical guide to help newcomers stay safe from financial fraud in Canada, a risk many managing money in a new country may encounter. Financial fraud involves someone attempting to access your money or personal information through deception. Scammers may pose as banks, government offices, or trusted […]
Quebec Narrows Expedited LMIA List to 60 Occupations for the TFWP
Maple News reports that Quebec has updated its roster of occupations eligible for expedited Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) processing under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The February 24, 2026 update reduces the list to 60 occupations across the province, down from 76. To ease the transition, Quebec has […]
Maple News: How Newcomers Can Shield Themselves From Financial Fraud in Canada
Maple News reports on essential safeguards as newcomers settle in Canada, focusing on recognizing and responding to potential financial fraud. Managing money in a new country often involves sharing personal or banking information with organizations you may not know well. Understanding how fraud can present itself helps you protect your […]
Maple News: Sweeping Canadian immigration bill advances to third reading with no amendments
Maple News reports that a broad immigration reform bill, Bill C-12, has cleared committee review and is poised to advance to third reading without any amendments. If enacted in its current form, the bill would vest the Governor in Council with wide-ranging executive powers over Canada’s immigration system. The proposed […]
Maple News: Charley Crockett Denied Entry to Canada, Tour Canceled Over Serious Criminality
Maple News reports that American country music star Charley Crockett canceled the Canadian leg of his tour after being denied entry to Canada at Kelowna on February 22, 2026, with officials citing a finding of serious criminality. Crockett posted on Instagram on February 23 that he had sought entry at […]
Ontario’s Rural Immigration Pilot: Five Regions Release 2026 PR-Eligible Jobs
Maple News reports that five Ontario communities participating in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) have published their 2026 priority sectors and occupations. The RCIP provides a path to permanent residence for foreign nationals who have a job offer aligned with a community’s labour-market needs, supporting rural and northern growth. […]
IRCC Clarifies Two-Year Work Permits for RCIP and FCIP Applicants
Maple News reports that Canada’s immigration department has clarified the rules around special work permits for permanent residence applicants under the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Under the update, foreign nationals who have submitted a complete application for permanent residence under FCIP or […]
Navigating China’s Police Certificate Hurdle for Express Entry: Practical Steps to Secure Your No Criminal Record Certificate
Maple News reports that obtaining a police certificate for periods of residence in China—required for Canadian Express Entry—can be a major hurdle, especially if you are applying from abroad. In China, the document is commonly called the No Criminal Record Certificate, and the process is largely in-person with no single […]
Canada Fast-Tracks Foreign Military Recruits Under Express Entry, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that on February 18, Canada’s immigration department introduced a new Express Entry priority category aimed at foreign skilled military recruits seeking permanent residence. The move underscores the government’s view of these personnel as a strategic national asset, a stance echoed in Canada’s Defense Industrial Strategy, which positions […]
IRCC Overhauls LMIA-Exempt Permits Tied to Reciprocal Employment
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has updated the rules governing LMIA-exempt work permits issued under reciprocal employment through the International Mobility Program. The updated guidelines were published on IRCC’s website on February 20, 2026, under the title “Reciprocal employment general guidelines [R205(b) – C20] – […]
IRCC Unveils Canada’s First AI Strategy to Modernize Immigration
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has published its first AI strategy, outlining guiding principles, objectives, opportunities, and a framework for classifying AI use cases. The strategy centers on human-centered and accountable AI, transparency and explainability, fairness and equity, strong privacy and security, and reliability in […]
Express Entry Overhaul: 12 Months of Eligible Work Experience Now Required Across All Occupation Categories
Maple News reports a government update effective February 18, 2026, which now requires Express Entry applicants to have at least 12 months of work experience in an eligible occupation within the past three years to qualify for any occupational category. Importantly, this experience may be non-consecutive. Previously, candidates needed six […]
PEI’s Latest PNP Draw Elevates International Graduates From Designated Learning Institutions
Maple News reports that on February 19, 2026, Prince Edward Island conducted its latest draw under the PEI Provincial Nominee Program, aligned with the province’s anticipated Invitation to Apply schedule. Continuing a pattern from earlier draws this year, PEI prioritized candidates with in-province ties and strong alignment with occupations and […]