Maple News reports that on March 4, 2026, the office of Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the appointment of a new deputy minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, with a start date to be announced in the coming weeks. Ted Gallivan, who is currently serving as interim deputy national security […]
5,500 French-Language Express Entry Invitations Hit Year-Low CRS Cutoff as IRCC Pushes 2026 Draws
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 5,500 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a March 4 Express Entry draw focused on French-language proficiency. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 397 and had to have created an Express Entry profile before […]
Canada’s 30-Day Passport Processing Guarantee Takes Effect April 1, 2026
Maple News reports that, starting April 1, 2026, Canadian passport applications are to be processed within 30 business days, or the applicant will receive a full refund of the passport fees. The policy, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and confirmed in a March 3, 2026 online release, […]
One-Year Diplomas Can Boost Your CRS Score: A Clear Path to a Strong Express Entry Profile
Maple News reports that pursuing a one-year diploma, whether earned in Canada or abroad, can significantly raise your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, especially when paired with strong language results and Canadian work experience. To maximize your CRS score, foreign credentials must be accompanied […]
New Canadian Citizenship Law Opens Path to Dual Citizenship for Millions of Americans
Maple News reports that a newly enacted Canadian law dramatically expands eligibility for Americans with Canadian ancestry to claim dual citizenship and obtain Canadian passports. The changes are encapsulated in Bill C-3, An Act to Amend the Citizenship Act, which took effect on December 15, 2025. Under the new regime, […]
CRS cut-off nears two-year low in latest Canadian Experience Class draw
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 4,000 invitations to apply in a Canadian Experience Class draw conducted through the Express Entry system. To qualify, candidates needed a minimum CRS score of 508 and had to have created an Express Entry profile by 10:35 a.m. UTC […]
Maple News: Quiet reshuffle reshapes Express Entry’s skilled trades category for 2026
Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry pool is undergoing a quiet but consequential reshaping of its skilled trades category for 2026. The most notable change is the removal of Cooks (occupation code 63200) from the trades category on February 18, 2026, signaling a shift in which foreign nationals are […]
Canada Expands Indian Student Scholarships and Deepens University Ties Under New Education Pact
Maple News reports that Canada and India have unveiled a broad education and talent strategy designed to increase study pathways for Indian students, reinforce research collaboration, and broaden hybrid learning options. Announced on the morning of March 2, 2026, the measures include substantial scholarship funding, new university partnerships, and the […]
Express Entry Draw Invites 264 PNP Candidates as CRS Climbs to 710, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued 264 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in a March 2 Express Entry draw focused on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates. To be considered, applicants needed a minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score of 710 and had to have created an […]
Saskatchewan SINP Opens Second Intake Window for Capped Sectors, Allocating 400 Nomination Spots
Maple News reports that the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has opened its second intake window for capped-sector applications. Beginning March 2, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EST, employers in capped sectors may submit applications for SINP candidates in accommodation and food services, retail trade, and trucking. The window is capped […]
Canada to Raise Passport Fees Starting March 2026, with Annual Inflation-Linked Increases
Maple News reports that the Canadian government will raise passport and travel document fees for the first time in more than two years, with changes taking effect March 31, 2026. The increase will apply to all passports and related service fees, whether issued inside Canada or abroad, and is expected […]
Quebec Issues 2,573 Invitations in Latest PSTQ Draw, Expanding Path to Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that on February 23, Quebec’s Ministry of Immigration, Francisation and Integration (MIFI) conducted an immigration draw across all four streams of the Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ). With the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) closed, the PSTQ has become the province’s main pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent […]
Temporary policy expires: Iranians no longer eligible for special Canadian work permits
Maple News reports that Iranians in Canada can no longer apply for special work permits after the temporary public policy expired. The policy—titled the Updated temporary public policy for nationals of Iran in Canada as temporary residents—had allowed Iranians who arrived in Canada on or before February 28, 2025 to […]
Manitoba RCIP 2026: Regions Name Priority Sectors and Occupations for Permanent Residency
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s three Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) regions have unveiled their 2026 priority sectors and occupations. To pursue permanent residence under RCIP, candidates must hold a job offer from a designated local employer in an eligible occupation. The Manitoba regions participating in RCIP are Altona/Rhineland (the […]
Manitoba PNP Issues 72 Invitations in Latest Skilled Worker Draw
Maple News reports that Manitoba’s Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) issued 72 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) on February 26, 2026, through the Skilled Worker stream’s two pathways: Skilled Worker in Manitoba and Skilled Worker Overseas. The invitations targeted candidates in Manitoba and abroad who stated they were directly invited […]
Alberta Issues 899 Invitations Across Two AAIP Draws, Marking Strong Start to 2026 Immigration
Maple News reports that the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) conducted two draws on February 20 and February 24, 2026, issuing a total of 899 invitations to prospective newcomers, marking the province’s 11th and 12th provincial immigration draws of 2026. The two draws included the first Alberta Opportunity Stream priority-sectors […]