Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) backlog continued its downward trajectory in the latest figures covering the period to March 31, 2026. An application is considered backlogged if it has not been processed within IRCC’s service standards. Key changes since the prior month show Express Entry […]
Maple News: 11 mistakes that can derail a proof of Canadian citizenship by descent, according to an immigration lawyer
Maple News reports on guidance from a Canadian immigration lawyer about the eleven mistakes Americans with Canadian ancestry should avoid when applying for a proof of Canadian citizenship. Even with eligibility by descent, errors can trigger returns, delays, or refusals, and processing times for proofs of citizenship are currently about […]
Nova Scotia launches ‘Critical Vacancies’ initiative to pair Express Entry candidates with urgent job offers
Maple News reports that Nova Scotia has launched a targeted program called Critical Vacancies to connect Express Entry candidates with employers facing urgent labor needs. The province has begun issuing Notices of Interest to eligible Express Entry profiles that align with current vacancies, serving as a bridge between skilled workers […]
IRCC Updates Temporary Residence Processing Times: Faster for India and Pakistan, Slower for Nigeria and the U.S.
Maple News reports that on May 20, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) released its latest processing time estimates for newly submitted temporary residence applications, covering a two-week window from May 6 to May 20. The update shows a mix of gains and slowdowns across streams and regions. Notably, India […]
Five Key Steps for Newcomers Launching a Business in Canada: From Eligibility to Financing
Maple News reports on a practical five-step roadmap for newcomers aiming to start a business in Canada. The guide covers legal eligibility, planning, registrations, taxes, and funding, while noting that eligibility depends on immigration status and rules vary by province. Step 1 — Confirm you can legally start a business. […]
Maple News Reports: Canada Extends Refugee-Claim Protections for Unaccompanied Minors
Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a temporary policy to shield unaccompanied minors—those under 18 with no parent or adult guardian in Canada—from two eligibility-blocking rules tied to refugee claims. The measure takes effect on May 19, 2026 and applies to claims where eligibility […]
Diab’s First Year Reshapes Canada’s Immigration System with Regional Focus and Rural Labor Goals
Maple News reports that Lena Metlege Diab’s first year as minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has yielded three clear through-lines: a more targeted approach to permanent residence selection, a streamlined framework for temporary residence administration, and stricter measures within the asylum system. The assessment covers policy developments […]
Canada Expands Citizenship by Descent; Shiloh Jolie Among Americans Now Eligible for Canadian Citizenship
Maple News reports that Canada amended its Citizenship Act on December 15, 2025, lifting the first-generation limit for citizenship by descent for anyone born before that date, effectively widening eligibility to millions of Americans with a Canadian ancestor. In a high-profile case, Shiloh Jolie and her mother Angelina Jolie became […]
Proving Canadian Citizenship by Descent: Where Americans Can Find the Key Documents, Maple News Reports
Maple News reports that this spring, thousands of Americans are requesting official documents from vital statistics offices and archives to prove their eligibility for Canadian citizenship by descent, following Canada’s December decision to remove the generational cap. In December, Canada eliminated the generational limit on inheriting citizenship, opening eligibility for […]
Canada Finishes 19th in 2026 Best Countries Ranking, Shining in Culture & Tourism
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 […]